Politician announces pulverizing approach towards followers of African faiths: "If you're concerned, avoid eternal damnation"
PARAUAPEBAS, PA - Be ready for Mayor Aurelio Goiano (Avante) to face the heat for his offensive remarks against African-based religions at the Municipal Chamber, during a solemn session in honor of the Municipal Evangelical Day.
In a bold move, Goiano, microphone in hand, declared, "This mayor is terribly God-fearing. If African-based religions need the city's support, the Religious Affairs Coordination is open, and a pastor will receive them with a warm welcome, explaining: Jesus saves, Jesus heals, and watch out so you don't end up in hell."
Prior to this, he alleged he's been persecuted by adherents of these faiths, claiming his name was placed in a toad's mouth. "Please continue to pray for my life, my government. God placed me in this city," pleaded the mayor.
Created by Goiano, the Religious Affairs Department of Parauapebas (Darp) is under the command of evangelical pastors, with pastor Jose Gerardo, known as a "demon killer", leading the charge.
During the event, held on Wednesday (11), Goiano invited others to approach pastor Gerardo for guidance, stating, "You all from different religions, meet pastor Gerardo, the demon killer, who's here to receive you. And a warm welcome to the evangelicals and Catholics alike."
Demands for Investigation
In the wake of the mayor's remarks, captured on video and available on YouTube, various religious entities, civil movements, and parliamentarians have spoken out, accusing religious intolerance.
The Federation of Afro-Brazilian Cults of Para (Feucabep) identified crimes of religious racial discrimination and demanded an apology from the municipal manager.
The Public Prosecutor's Office of Para (MPPA) was summoned, along with the Ministry of Racial Equality. By Friday (16), Justice Prosecutor Magdalena Jaguar, leader of the 7th Criminal Prosecutor's Office in Parauapebas, sent an office to the Civil Police director in the municipality, delegate Joao Abel Matos, asking for diligence.
On Sunday (15), the Municipal Chamber of Parauapebas published an official note of repudiation of the head of the Executive. The note declared the statements as "unacceptable," "absolutely incompatible with the constitutional duties attributed to any public agent," and generated "deep indignation among religious leaders, civil organizations, and various segments of society."
Potential Legal Implications
Mayor Goiano may have violated Article 5 of the Federal Constitution, which requires public authorities to maintain religious neutrality, protect religious diversity, and respect freedom of worship. Furthermore, Federal Law No. 7,716/89 (Anti-Racism Law) imposes imprisonment of one to three years, as well as a fine, for individuals found guilty of practicing, inciting, or promoting discrimination or religious prejudice. These penalties can increase if the offender is a public servant performing official duties.
As of the most recent update, Aurelio Goiano has yet to publicly address the issue. However, this is not his first brush with attacks on African-based religions. During his tenure as a TV presenter and radio host, he often criticized these spiritual paths.
Despite Brazil's diverse religious landscape, including significant Catholic, Evangelical, Pagan populations, religious intolerance remains a concerning issue in the country. Reports of freedom of belief or worship violations, recorded by the Disque 100 Hotline between 2023 and 2024, increased by 66.8%, with 1,481 cases escalating to 2,472. These figures come from the Data Panel of the National Ombudsman for Human Rights.
Afro-Brazilian religions face the highest number of targeted attacks, with Umbanda and Candomblé leading the way in registered reports. The Ombudsman also recorded 21 reports of other Afro-Brazilian religious practices experiencing backlash.
- In light of the recording of Mayor Aurelio Goiano's offensive remarks against African-based religions, Parliamentarians, civil movements, and religious entities are demanding an investigation, accusing religious intolerance and racial discrimination.
- The potential legal implications for Mayor Goiano include violating Article 5 of the Federal Constitution, which requires public authorities to maintain religious neutrality, and facing penalties under Federal Law No. 7,716/89 for practicing or promoting discrimination or religious prejudice.
