Is being racist illegal in Brazil?

Asked by: Raquel Bartell  |  Last update: February 12, 2026
Score: 4.2/5 (23 votes)

Yes, racism is illegal in Brazil and considered a serious crime under the 1988 Constitution, elevated from a misdemeanor to a felony, with penalties including imprisonment for those who incite or practice discrimination based on race, color, ethnicity, or origin, though enforcement and societal challenges with systemic racism persist. The law specifically criminalizes actions like using symbols of hate or discriminating via media, with punishments ranging from imprisonment to fines.

Is racism a crime in Brazil?

Racism is a serious crime with strict penalties under Brazilian Law. A person who has been charged with this crime can spend up to five years in prison.

Is there a country where racism is illegal?

Belgium. The Belgian Anti-Racism Law, in full, the Law of 30 July 1981 on the Punishment of Certain Acts inspired by Racism or Xenophobia, is a law against hate speech and discrimination that the Federal Parliament of Belgium passed in 1981. It made certain acts motivated by racism or xenophobia illegal.

When did racism become illegal in Brazil?

After the abolition of slavery, it was not until the Alfonso Arinos Act of 1951 that it was formally recognized that racial discrimination was existed in Brazil, and the Constitution of 1988 designated discrimination as a crime. 7.

Is discrimination illegal in Brazil?

The Brazilian Constitution prohibits all forms of discrimination (age, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, sex, marital status, political affiliation, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, gender and citizenship) by federal and state governments and the country's population.

TRUTH or MYTH: Brazilians React to Stereotypes

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Are Brazilians LGBT friendly?

Is Brazil a safe destination for LGBTQIA+ travelers? Brazil is a progressive country when it comes to LGBTQIA+ rights and equality. Gay marriage and same-sex adoption are legal, and there are laws in place to protect sexuality and gender-based discrimination in the workplace and in matters relating to housing.

What is the $2000 rule in Brazil?

The "Brazil 2000 rule" refers to the requirement for U.S., Canadian, and Australian visitors to obtain a visa and show proof of sufficient funds (around $2,000 USD or $150/day) for their trip to Brazil, a policy reinstated in 2024/2025 for reciprocity, as Brazilians need visas for those countries. Travelers must show bank statements or pay stubs during the e-Visa application process, demonstrating financial means, though officials might ask at the border.
 

Is there racism in Brazil today?

Racism has been present in Brazil since its colonial period and is pointed as one of the major and most widespread types of discrimination, if not the most, in the country by several anthropologists, sociologists, jurists, historians and others.

What is the golden law in Brazil?

Called the “Golden Law,” it abolished slavery in all its forms. For 350 years, slavery was the heart of the Brazilian economy. According to historian Emilia Viotti da Costa, 40 percent of the 10 million enslaved African brought to the New World ended up in Brazil.

Was interracial marriage illegal in Brazil?

Throughout its history, there were no anti-miscegenation laws like those found in the United States or South Africa. Today, Brazilians often pride themselves on their history of miscegenation and they continue to have rates of intermarriage that are far greater than those of the United States.

Which country is the least racist?

While no country is free from racism, Denmark, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Finland, and Canada consistently rank high for racial equity and tolerance due to strong anti-discrimination laws, multicultural policies, and inclusive societies, with surveys often citing them as having less racial tension and more open attitudes towards diversity, though experiences can vary within countries. 

Is interracial marriage still illegal anywhere?

In 2022, Respect for Marriage Act became law and codified interracial marriages in the United States. As of January 23, 2025, two states still require couples to declare their racial background when applying for a marriage license, without which they cannot marry. The states are Kentucky and Louisiana.

Are racial slurs illegal in Canada?

Depending on the situation, the use of racist slurs may not be illegal under the Criminal Code of Canada. However, the person using them may subject themselves to an investigation under federal human rights legislation. The use of such terms is not tolerated in Canadian society.

How racially diverse is Brazil?

But it also has a significant presence in large cities in the Center-West and North. According to the 2022 census, Brazil had 88,252,121 White people, 92,083,286 Mixed people, 20,656,458 Black people, 850,132 Asian people, and 1,227,640 Indigenous people.

What is Brazil's biggest problem?

Corruption in Brazil is a major issue that affects all aspects of society. Political corruption has been the biggest concern, where political officials have abused their positions of power for personal gain. This includes cases of bribery, embezzlement, money laundering, cronyism and nepotism.

Does Brazil have LGBT rights?

Brazil has some of the world's strongest legal protections for queer and trans people. Since 2013, same-sex couples have had equal rights to marriage and adoption as heterosexual couples.

What are the funny laws in Brazil?

Check out some unusual laws that have existed in Brazil, including a ban on watermelons, fines for ant hills, a miniskirt ban, and even a project for an airport for extraterrestrials. One person reacted to this.

What country has the longest slavery?

While many ancient civilizations had slavery, Korea is often cited as having the longest unbroken history, with its indigenous slave system (nobi) lasting over 2,000 years from antiquity until its gradual abolition in the late 19th century, with deeply entrenched social structures. However, the Arab Muslim slave trade, spanning over 1,300 years from ancient times into the 20th century, also represents one of history's longest-running forced labor systems.
 

How do Brazilians view race?

Most Brazilians see "Indígena" as a cultural rather than racial term, and don't identify as such if they are part of the mainstream Brazilian culture; many Brazilians would prefer to self-describe as "morenos" (used in the sense of "tanned" or "brunettes"); some Black and parda people, more identified with the ...

What country has the most racial inequality?

10 Countries With the Worst Racial Equity

  1. Iran. Iran ranks as the worst country for racial equity due to widespread discrimination against ethnic and religious minorities, including the Baluchi, Kurdish and Ahwazi Arab communities. ...
  2. Belarus. ...
  3. Bahrain. ...
  4. Myanmar. ...
  5. South Korea. ...
  6. El Salvador. ...
  7. Cambodia. ...
  8. Romania.

What percentage of Brazil is white?

As of Brazil's 2022 census, about 43.5% of the population identified as White (Brancos), making them the second-largest group after mixed-race (Pardos) at 45.3%, with Black people making up about 10.2% and smaller percentages of Indigenous and Asian individuals, though definitions vary, and genetics show most Brazilians have mixed ancestry.
 

How long can Americans stay in Brazil?

Validity of documents

Once in Brazilian territory with an eVisa, you are authorized to stay for up to 90 days in a 12-month period. If you need to extend your stay in Brazil beyond 90 days, you will need to contact the Brazilian Federal Police when you are already in Brazil.