After pressure from parents, school in Rio Grande do Sul cancels lecture with Frei Betto

A private school in Caxias do Sul (RS) canceled a lecture with theologian and writer Frei Betto, which would take place this Tuesday (13), after the repercussion of a petition promoted by parents and guardians of students. Frei Betto was going to give a lecture on the theme “The hungers of Brazil and hopes for the future”. The information was released by Folha de S. Paulo.

The college sent a statement about the cancellation this Monday (12), without giving many details. The educational institution’s decision came after an online petition signed by more than 2,000 people, mostly parents of students, against the event. “Frei Betto (Carlos Alberto Libânio Chisto) is a supporter of Liberation Theology and is a militant of pastoral and social programs”, says an excerpt from the undersigned.

Those responsible for the students also criticize Frei Betto’s work called “Sex, sexual orientation and gender ideology”, where he criticizes what he calls the “prejudice” of the Catholic Church against transgender and homoaffective people.

In response to the case Folha de S. PauloFrei Betto said that “the right entered the field, made this manifesto and they backed down [o colégio]”. He added: “It’s not the first time [que algo do tipo acontece]. I’ve been attacked in an autograph queue. I’m used to it. It’s a positive sign. I always say that there are people who, if they praised me, I would feel very bad”.