SAMPLE LETTER

Dear member of the Chamber of Deputies:

Brazilian homosexuals have irrevocable rights. Their are law-abiding members of society. They pay their taxes; they fulfill their electoral duties. More than all that, they are human beings entitled to equality, deserving of dignity and respect. Today, they are treated by the Brazilian state as second-class persons and their relationships lack any legal protection, in contrast to the treatment that all other Brazilian citizens enjoy. The only support they have obtained from the State has come through favorable judicial decisions, after long and exhausting legal battles.

In Brazil, homophobic discourses abound. Some people consider homosexuals sick or degenerate, and still others see them as an aberration against human nature. Those false conceptions circulate freely, although scientific, medical and psychological experts and associations have testified to the normality of this behavior.

In May, the Chamber of Deputies will meet to vote on the Same-Sex Civil Partnership Registration Act which recognizes and protects same-sex unions. Similar legislation has already been enacted in Portugal, France, Germany, the Netherlands and many other countries. Intolerance has been mustered, and even the name of God has been enlisted, in an effort to maintain prejudice and discrimination in place, limiting the application of the national Constitution and denying that the principle of equality extends to gays, lesbians, transgender and bisexual people.

Homosexuals, their families, and all those who support diversity and believe in peaceful interaction between different groups, demand that gays, lesbians, trans and bisexual people be treated as all other citizens are. This does not mean conferring privilieges, but ensuring universal enjoyment of our basic rights, aimed at building a society of solidarity which is democratic and free from prejudice.

We count on your vote in favor of the Registered Civil Society Bill, a historic opportunity for you to participate in building a Brazil where justice and solidarity will rule.