Brazil: Activists march for discrimination laws at Sao Paulo Pride
Rights activists in Brazil are calling for a law to protect against discrimination, as they gather for one of the world’s largest pride parades in Sao Paulo.
Over a million people are expected to take part in the annual parade, with most of the city centre closed off to make room for the crowds and floats.
According to AP, organisers are calling for tougher laws to combat hate crime, after cases of homophobic and transphobic crime across the country.
In February a gang of teenagers were arrested in Sao Paulo for beating a gay 18-year-old to death with a skateboard, while in January a gay 16-year-old had his teeth ripped out with pliers, before he was kicked to death.
Organizers also want to see a gender identity law similar to the one passed in Argentina last year, which would allow people to legally change their gender, without the requirement for surgery, or for a judge’s approval.
The law, which was passed unanimously by the Argentinian senate, also states that by law, hormone therapy and reassignment surgery must be available to transgender citizens.
Fernando Quaresma, president of the Association of LGBT Pride Parade in Sao Paulo, said last year: “The parade is not an off-season carnival.
“It is a movement of massive visibility on part of a community which suffers daily prejudice and discrimination, violence, hatred and intolerance.”
