Brazil Senate Approves Bolsonaro-backed Pastor For Supreme Court
Faizan Hashmi Published December 02, 2021 | 09:20 AM
Bras�lia, Dec 2 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 2nd Dec, 2021 ) :The Brazilian Senate on Wednesday approved a Presbyterian pastor for a seat on the Supreme Court in a win for far-right President Jair Bolsonaro, who had promised to appoint a "terribly evangelical" judge to the top court.
By 47 votes to 32, the Senate backed former justice minister Andre Mendonca, 48, who from mid-December will occupy the 11th seat of the Supreme Court in Brasilia, replacing a judge who retired in July.
The appointment of Mendonca was hailed by conservatives, as the court adjudicates on hot-button issues such as the rights of minorities, abortion, drugs and access to weapons.
"My commitment to bring to the Supreme Court a 'terribly evangelical' (judge) was delivered today," Bolsonaro tweeted Wednesday evening.
During his confirmation hearing before the Senate's Constitution and Justice Committee, Mendonca confirmed his support the secularism in the Brazilian government.
"In life, the Bible; in the Supreme Court, the Constitution," he said.
"Although I am an evangelical, there is no space for public religious demonstrations during the sessions of the Supreme Federal Court." "I will defend the constitutional right of civil marriage for people of the same sex," he added in response to a question posed by a senator.
Mendonca has been a member of the government since Bolsonaro came to power in January 2019 with firm support among evangelicals, a fast-growing segment in Brazil. according to a January 2020 Datafolha survey, it already represents 31 percent of the population.
Law professor Michael Mohallem told AFP the appointment was "political" and represented a victory for Bolsonaro heading into the 2022 elections.
"It allows him to retain the electoral support of the evangelicals and it will also be seen as a sign that Bolsonaro still controls the majority in the Senate when he needs it," he said.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
HEC reviews curricula for environmental sciences degree programme
ICC Asia looking forward to an action-packed Asia Cricket Week
Yuvraj Singh named ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 Ambassador
Greece hands Olympic flame to 2024 Paris Games hosts
Two Kyiv hospitals evacuating over feared Russian strikes
World must act on neurotech revolution, say experts
Charles & Catherine's cancer diagnoses
Champions Alcaraz and Sabalenka through in Madrid Open
King Charles to resume some public duties during cancer treatment: palace
US defense chief announces $6 bn in security aid for Ukraine
Heavy rains cause damage to Spezand-Taftan railway track
Woman stabbed in Israel, attacker killed: police
More Stories From Miscellaneous
-
Modern Education Techniques: A pathway to achieve economic development
19 hours ago -
Kite Flying: From cultural festival to deadly sport
19 hours ago -
PDMA predicts gusty wind, rain with thunder, hails
3 days ago -
Iranian president Raisi given guard of honour at PM House
5 days ago -
Intellectuals, writers accolades Naseer Mirza on his literary contribution
5 days ago -
Bahawalpur Adabi Sangat hosts memorable mushaira
6 days ago
-
Cattle farming vital to alleviate poverty in rural areas
6 days ago -
Pakistan: A land of tourism, archeological wonders
6 days ago -
Transforming education sector: from job hunters to job creators
8 days ago -
Amjad Bobby remembered on 19th death anniversary for timeless contributions to music
12 days ago -
Legendary actor Nadeem’s 26 films released on Eid-ul-Fitr days in 50 years
12 days ago -
Besant Hall Cultural Centre to celebrate evening with Sanam Marvi on 26 April
13 days ago