Brazil’s Jair Bolsonaro condemned for making anti-trans speech during Queen’s funeral trip
Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro signs a book of condolence at Lancaster House, London after the death of Queen Elizabeth II (Jonathan Hordle – WPA Pool via Getty Images)
Brazil’s far-right president Jair Bolsonaro has been criticised for making a speech decrying abortion and “gender ideology” while visiting London to attend the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II.
Bolsonaro spoke about his country’s upcoming general election from the balcony of the Brazilian ambassador’s home in London, ahead of the Queen’s funeral on Monday (19 September), according to The Guardian.
The president, who has previously been heavily criticised for his anti-LGBTQ+ views, said he had “profound respect” for the royal family, and that honouring the Queen was the “main objective” of his visit to London.
“We’re on the right path,” he said from the balcony.
“We are a country that does not want to discuss the legalisation of drugs, that does not want to discuss the legalisation of abortion, and a country that does not accept gender ideology.
“Our slogan is: God, homeland, family and freedom.”
Speaking about Brazil’s upcoming 2 October election, which polls indicate he may not win, Bolsonaro said: “There’s no way we aren’t going to win in the first round.”
Bolsonaro’s speech was well received by supporters who came to hear him speak in London, but he was criticised on Twitter for talking about the election, in the UK, during the official mourning period.
“Bolsonaro has turned the Queen’s funeral into an election soapbox,” Brazilian politician Joice Hasselmann tweeted.
“In Mayfair, he spoke about communism and gender ideology.
“Absolute shame for Brazil.”
Bolsonaro, who became Brazil’s president on 1 January, 2019, joined other world leaders including US president Joe Biden, French president Emmanuel Macron, and European royal family members from countries such as Spain, Belgium, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, and the Netherlands at the state funeral.
Queen Elizabeth II’s children, including King Charles III, as well as her grandchildren also paid their respects.
The service follows four days of the Queen lying in Westminster Hall, where members of the public queued for hours to pay their respects.
The Queen will be buried next to her husband, Prince Philip, at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle in a private ceremony later on Monday.
