MPF asks for investigation of transphobic comments in a publication about a trans woman in Acre

Ívina Garcia – Cenarium Magazine

MANAUS – The Federal Public Ministry (MPF) requested on Monday, 13, from the Federal Police (PF), the opening of a police investigation to investigate transphobic and homophobic comments in an article published on the Acre website, ContilNet Notícias, about a trans woman on International Women’s Day, on March 8.

The report with the title: “‘We are not less women,’ says transsexual who has been a public servant for 10 years in Acre,” covered the story of Michele Franco, 30, a trans woman, a public servant of the state, who told about her trajectory as a master in Educational Policy and Management and the prejudices she faces every day.

In the comments, people questioned Michele’s gender identity and even denied recognizing her as a woman. According to the prosecutor, author of the request, Lucas Costa Almeida Dias, the comments reflect the hatred produced by the idea that the Internet is a “lawless land”.

He also points out that, according to data from the National Association of Transvestites and Transsexuals (Antra), in 2022, at least 131 transgender people were murdered in Brazil and another 20 committed suicide due to discrimination and prejudice suffered.

“In the comments of these publications, it is possible to verify transphobic content that disseminates hate and intolerance to transgender people,” says the prosecutor, who states that cases like these show how much the Internet has been a stage for hate against the LGBTQIAP+ population (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender/Transsexual/Transvestite, Queer, Intersexual, Asexual, Pansexual and others).

Read more: MPF asks for investigation on transphobic speech by congressman Nikolas Ferreira

Crime

The prosecutor points out that the crime of transphobia is typified in the crime of racism (Law No. 7.716/1989) until the National Congress issues a law on the matter. Lucas also points out that Law No. 7.716/1989 establishes an aggravating factor if the aforementioned crime is committed through the media, through publication in social networks, through the World Wide Web, or through publications of any kind.

The investigation has an initial deadline of 90 days, and may be extended if necessary.