President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva sanctioned a law on July 24, 2026 [2], allowing women aged 18 or older to purchase and carry pepper spray.
The measure provides a legal mechanism for women to defend themselves against aggressors in a country where gender-based violence remains a critical public safety concern.
Under Project 727/2026 [4], the law authorizes the commercial sale, acquisition, and possession of aerosols containing plant extracts for personal defense [1]. The legislation establishes specific regulations regarding the quantity of spray a person may carry, and the training required for its use [1].
Legislative records show the Brazilian Senate acted on the measure, with some reports indicating approval occurred on July 30, 2026 [3]. However, other reports state that President Lula signed the law into effect immediately on July 24, 2026 [2].
To qualify for the purchase of these defense tools, women must be at least 18 years old [1]. The law aims to standardize the availability of non-lethal defense options across the country, ensuring that the possession of such items does not lead to criminal charges for the user provided they follow the established guidelines [1].
The rollout of the law follows debates in Brasília regarding the balance between public safety and the individual right to self-protection. By limiting the sale to adults and implementing specific regulations, the government seeks to prevent the misuse of the aerosols while providing a deterrent against street crime and domestic aggression [1], [3].
“President Lula signed a law allowing women aged 18 and older to purchase and carry pepper spray.”
This legislative shift reflects a growing movement in Brazil to prioritize women's autonomy in personal safety. By legalizing non-lethal deterrents, the state acknowledges the limitations of police presence in preventing immediate physical assaults, moving toward a model where legal self-defense tools are accessible to the civilian population.
