Fast-tracked bill aims to revoke national security law

Nearly 80 organizations have signed a letter opposing fast-track status for Bill 6764/02 that changes the definitions of crimes against the Democratic State

Foto: Pablo Valadares/Câmara dos Deputados

Bill 6764/2002 aims to revoke the National Security Law and replace it with new legislation called the Law for the Defense of the Democratic State. 

Civil society organizations have signed a letter against the approval of fast-track status for the bill. The organizations understand the importance of revoking the National Security Law but stress the need for a broad and inclusive debate on the crafting of new legislation.

The speaker of the Lower House of Congress, Arthur Lira, has said publicly that he plans to approve fast-track status for the bill in order to speed up the legislative process, skipping the important discussions and assessments that occur in committees. 

The letter comes in contrast to the statements made by Arthur Lira. It highlights the moment the country is experiencing, after deaths from the pandemic reached a record of 4,000 per day on April 6, 2020. This is why the letter reinforces the importance of Congress focusing its efforts on combating the pandemic. 

The document demands public hearings to guarantee a broad debate with society and a meeting between civil society and the sponsor of the bill, Congresswoman Margarete Coelho.

“Social participation and transparency of the legislative process are pillars of democracy. Any attempt to pass a bill whose alleged intent is the Defense of the Democratic State while disrespecting these pillars does not help strengthen democracy,” reads the letter. 

Read the letter in full here.