Brody's Notes... Brazilian President Halts Sex Ed Materials From Distribution To Schools

Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff

By Mark Singer |  Brasilia, Brazil -- A spokesperson for the administration of Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff told reporters this week that she [ the president ] has suspended the distribution and production of sex education films- the "anti-homophobia kits" as they are referred to in Brazil, which were about to be rolled out by the government's ministries of health and education to the country's schools.

According to presidential spokesman Gilberto Carvalho, the president believes the footage is not suitable for youngsters.

"She didn't like what she saw," Carvalho told reporters. He said President Rousseff was not pleased with the footage and believed it did not offer an objective picture of homosexuality.

The educational films contain scenes which depict Gays & Lesbians in scenarios designed to combat homophobia and prevent bullying of LGBTQ youth in Brazilian schools.

The opposition to the films came from the Catholic and evangelical church groups and their allies in Brazil's legislature, which threatened to block any upcoming legislation unless the president halted the films. Media reports indicated that numerous members of Brazil's chamber of deputies with strong evangelic Christian beliefs had publicly stated that the sexual education packs would encourage the "immoral homosexual lifestyle."

Brazilian LGBTQ equality rights activists are angered by the president's decision. Leading the outcry is long-time LGBT activist and member of the Brazilian Congress, Jean Wyllys, who reacted saying the decision called into question her [ President Rousseff's ] commitment to human rights.

"I voted for her in the last elections," he said, "because I thought she would defend the rights of lesbian, gay and bisexual citizens." If she doesn't do a U-turn and change her mind, I will urge all gay people not to vote for her again."