The Workers' Party (PT) caucus in the Chamber of Deputies has filed a motion of solidarity with Salabert and Hilton following Nikolas' transphobic speech.

2478 - The PT women's caucus in the Chamber of Deputies asked the House plenary to consider a motion of solidarity with all federal deputies, especially Duda Salabert (PDT-MG) and Erika Hilton (Psol-SP), and all women in Brazil in the face of the transphobic speech by Bolsonaro deputy Nikolas Ferreira (PL-MG) in the plenary, on Wednesday (8). In the request, the parliamentarians also mention deputy Gustavo Gayer (PL-GO).

"The repeated violence embedded in the certainty that a woman's body, voice, and identity can be the object of offensive and intolerant dictates pursues a line that disqualifies the plural coexistence of a political body. It is a resource for maintaining politics as a cisheteronormative male space, an offensive against the movement for the inclusion of women in decision-making spaces in their diversity, and a way to control the freedom of women in politics," write the PT congresswomen. 

>>> Chico Pinheiro: 'Nikolas Ferreira's speech is a disgrace. Transphobia is a crime.'

During her speech, Nikolas wore a wig to assert that she "feels like a woman," and declared: "I feel like a woman, Representative Nicole, and I have something very interesting to say. Women are losing ground to men who call themselves women."

The statement led to complaints being filed with the Chamber's Ethics Committee and was condemned by President Arthur Lira (PP-AL).

>>> Nikolas Ferreira gave vent to his repressed desires, says André Janones.

What is transphobia? 

Transphobia is a term that refers to any attitude or behavior that discriminates against, is prejudiced against, disrespects, or excludes transgender people, transsexuals, and other people who do not identify with the gender they were assigned at birth. Transphobia can manifest itself in various ways, such as physical and verbal aggression, bullying, offensive jokes, social exclusion, refusal of services, among others. Transphobia is considered a crime and is punishable by law. Respect and inclusion of trans people are fundamental rights and must be guaranteed and respected by all.

Is transphobia a crime? 

Yes, transphobia is considered a crime in Brazil. In 2019, the Federal Supreme Court (STF) The court equated homophobia and transphobia to the crime of racism, which is non-bailable and imprescriptible. With this decision, discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity became considered a crime similar to racism, punishable by imprisonment from one to five years, in addition to a fine. The punishment may increase if there are aggravating factors, such as physical or psychological violence. (Article written with the support of artificial intelligence).