Feliciano changes plenary meeting schedule after commotion.
Demonstrations both for and against the chairman of the Chamber of Deputies' Human Rights Commission led Representative Pastor Marco Feliciano (PSC-SP) to move an open meeting to the plenary of the Constitution and Justice Commission, where proceedings were then held behind closed doors.
Iolando Lourenço
Reporter from Agência Brasil
Brasilia – Demonstrations both for and against the president of the Chamber's Human Rights and Minorities Commission, Pastor Marco Feliciano (PSC-SP), led the congressman to move the open meeting where requests and bills are being considered to the plenary of the Constitution and Justice Commission, where the work is being carried out behind closed doors. The meeting is currently proceeding normally, with only congressmen, journalists, and parliamentary advisors present.
Outside, Feliciano's supporters are advocating for his continued presidency of the committee, while representatives of movements against homophobia and racism are calling for the congressman to resign. The legislator is accused of making homophobic and racist statements and of committing fraud.
Security personnel at the Chamber of Deputies set up a special isolation scheme to prevent protesters from reaching the door of the CCJ plenary.
Because of this type of demonstration, last week the Human Rights Commission approved a request to restrict access to the collegiate meetings to deputies, advisors, guests and the press. Yesterday (9), the president of the Chamber, Henrique Eduardo Alves (PMDB-RN), revoked the request. Therefore, today's meeting began with free access for demonstrators, as the president of the CDHM had announced. Marco Feliciano had stressed, however, that he would restrict access to people if he considered it necessary for the proper conduct of the work.
Editing: Nadia Franco