Reinaldo is Feliciano's only remaining ally.
Homophobic pastor Marco Feliciano (center), who chairs the Human Rights Commission of the Chamber of Deputies, has already faced dozens of protests, including one involving a lesbian kiss with actress Fernanda Montenegro; among those calling for his resignation are artists such as Chico Buarque, Caetano Veloso, and Wagner Moura, not to mention Amnesty International; the most recent move in this exodus is the mass dismissal of commission staff; but, by his side, there is only one defender: himself, the neoconservative blogger Reinaldo Azevedo (left); would a desert island do them both good?
247 - The list is extensive. Those who have already called for the resignation of Pastor Marco Feliciano (PSC-SP) from the presidency of the Human Rights Commission of the Chamber of Deputies include the president of the House, Henrique Eduardo Alves (PMDB-RN), Deputy Jean Wyllys (Psol-RJ), Amnesty International, thousands of protesters throughout Brazil, and artists such as Chico Buarque, Caetano Veloso, and Wagner Moura, as well as actress Fernanda Montenegro, a diva of Brazilian theater, who yesterday shared a lesbian kiss in protest against Feliciano. Such rejection of the pastor has obvious reasons. Because he is homophobic, Feliciano does not meet the minimum requirements to preside over a commission created to defend minorities.
On Thursday night, Feliciano received yet another clear sign that he is the wrong person in the wrong place. Of the nineteen members of the committee, no fewer than 17 requested leave. In other words, Feliciano is bringing shame not only to the Chamber of Deputies, but also to his own subordinates.
However, he still has a single ally: Reinaldo Azevedo, the spokesperson for the neoconservative movement in Brazil and blogger for Veja magazine. Self-styled Uncle Rei, he claims to be against the "intolerance of those who claim to own tolerance" and also advocates for "the right to have an opinion" (read more). here).
Reinaldo, once again, is completely wrong. Pastor Feliciano is free to hold whatever opinion he wants. He can be homophobic and intolerant, perhaps even as a form of self-defense against his inner fears, as long as he doesn't commit homophobic acts. He simply doesn't have the right to occupy a position created precisely to promote tolerance, understanding, and the protection of minorities who are constant victims of violence.
Feliciano has already warned that he will not resign and now risks losing his mandate due to other ethical misconduct, such as using Chamber funds to pay for personal expenses. Clinging to his position, he has not yet been capable of a single act of greatness, perhaps because he believes he is a hero of freedom, as Reinaldo Azevedo portrays him.
No, Feliciano and Reinaldo are just two pathetic characters who bring shame to parliament and journalism. Would a deserted island be a good destination for them both?