The Brazilian Federal Senate unanimously approved PL 896/2023 on March 24, 2026 [1], a bill that criminalizes misogyny by equating it to the crime of racism [2].
This legislative move signals a significant shift in Brazil's legal approach to gender-based violence. By elevating misogynistic hate speech to the same legal status as racism, the state aims to create a more severe deterrent against systemic hatred and violence targeting women [2].
The measure passed with the support of 100% of senators [1]. This level of consensus indicates a broad political agreement in Brasília regarding the need to treat hate speech directed at women as a grave offense. The legislation is now slated for a further vote in the Chamber of Deputies, which is expected later in 2026 [3].
Political figures from various backgrounds have voiced their support for the measure. Ronaldo Caiado, a pre-candidate, expressed his full backing of the legislation. "I support 100% the PL of Misogyny," Caiado said [4].
The bill was designed specifically to combat violence against women by addressing the root of hate speech [2]. While the Senate has cleared the path, the final implementation depends on the Chamber's approval. To expedite this process, a working group has already been established to accelerate the bill's progress through the lower house [3].
Supporters argue that equating misogyny with racism provides the judiciary with stronger tools to prosecute offenders. The legal framework would allow for harsher penalties, and a more streamlined process for identifying and punishing hate-driven crimes against women [2].
“The Brazilian Federal Senate unanimously approved PL 896/2023”
The unanimous passage of PL 896/2023 suggests a rare moment of total political alignment in Brazil's polarized environment. By linking misogyny to racism, the law shifts gender-based hate speech from a general offense to a specific, high-gravity crime, potentially altering how the Brazilian judiciary handles domestic and public violence against women.
