Senate advances project that punishes transphobia in stadiums

The Senate Human Rights Commission (CDH) approved a bill that typifies and toughens punishments for cases of transphobia in sporting environments. The proposal now goes to the Education Commission (EC) for analysis, the next stage of processing in Congress.

The text establishes a prison sentence of two to five years, in addition to a fine and a ban on attending stadiums and arenas for up to five years for anyone who carries out discriminatory acts. The measure targets conduct based on gender identity, with a focus on protecting transvestites and transgender people.

Authored by senator Fabiano Contarato, the project was adjusted during processing after the revocation of the Fan Statute, in 2023. The rapporteur, Augusta Brito, incorporated the changes into the General Sports Law, which currently regulates the sector.

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The proposal explicitly includes transphobia among the practices prohibited at sporting events. Current legislation already prohibits manifestations of a racist, homophobic, sexist or xenophobic nature, and the new text expands this list.

The project also changes the treatment of episodes of violence. Today, the General Sports Law provides for imprisonment of one to two years for anyone who incites riots or attacks. According to the new wording, the penalty may be applied twice when the victim is a woman.

According to the rapporteur, the initiative responds to a history of exclusion and violence in sporting environments, considered unsafe for vulnerable groups. The process also includes new steps in the Senate before eventual sending to the Chamber of Deputies.