Governor, parties and bench of Maranhão protest against Bolsonaro’s homophobic joke | Maranhao

Bolsonaro made a homophobic joke by referring to Maranhão and a pink soda.

“Now I became an ox, like Maranhão, is that it? [risos] There the pink guarana of Maranhão, whoever takes that guarana becomes Maranhão [risos]. Pink guarana in Maranhão … What a boil this is, “said Bolsonaro.

Guaraná Jesús is a traditional soft drink, typically from Maranhão and a symbol of the state. Bolsonaro’s speech was broadcast “live”, around 12:00, on the president’s social network. Bolsonaro repeated the joke more than once.

In the images, which reverberated on social networks, the president appears with supporters and is not wearing a mask. The article is mandatory by state decree since May.

Last year, the Federal Supreme Court ruled that homophobia and transphobia can be framed within the crime of racism.

Governor Flávio Dino said he will sue the president. In a social network he declared:

“Bolsonaro came to Maranhão with his usual lack of education and decorum and made a funny joke with one of our traditional corporate brands.”

Maranhão deputies Rubens Pereira Junior and Márcio Jerry, both from the PCdoB, and Bira do Pindaré (PSB) highlighted the lack of respect for Maranhão and repudiated the president’s homophobic stance.

Parliamentarians from other states also criticized Bolsonaro’s statement.

Senator Humberto Costa (PT-PE) said that the president fired hatred at gays, northeastern people and Maranhão as if it were a joke.

Deputy Ivan Valente (PSOL-SP) said that Bolsonaro went to Maranhão to spread homophobia. The party said it would also sue the president.

The PDT in the Senate stressed that the joke is biased.