Rio protests against religious intolerance

Nearly a thousand people took part in the 7th Walk for Religious Freedom along Copacabana Beach on Sunday (Sep 21). In spite of the rain, demonstrators, most of whom wearing black, held up posters and banners with messages against religious intolerance.

The protest gathered followers of all religions practiced in Brazil. In the view of Ideli Salvatti, Minister at the Human Rights Secretariat of the Presidency, the walk was a symbol of “the culture of peace, respect, and mutual acceptance.” She believes that religious tolerance should be enforced in schools and ed throughout the country.

“Apart from the National Committee for Religious Diversity, which has been in operation since the beginning of the year, it is important that all Brazilian states have their own committees, because several situations involve the structure of state governments,” he noted.

Helio Loureiro, member of Rio’s Spiritualist Council, mentioned that “the union of several religions promotes respect.” He regretted to it there are still cases of religious intolerance, like that of a boy who said he was a victim of bullying for believing in spiritualism.

Candomblé spiritual leader Ivanir dos Santos, said that Brazil has always been intolerant towards African-Brazilian religions. He claims he has been the victim of two death threats because of his beliefs. He went on to mention examples of discrimination in public schools, like the Jewish young man who was disrespected for refusing to say a prayer, and the boy who was not let in his school wearing traditional Candomblé necklaces.

In the view of Jaime Salomão, president of the Israeli Federation of Rio de Janeiro, religious intolerance has increased worldwide due to fanaticism in some religions. “We’re witnessing lack of tolerance in and out of Brazil. That’s why we must stick together; through dialogue and integration we can make progress,” he declared.

Translated by Fabrício Ferreira