Deputy suggests referendum on drug legalization in Brazil

Federal Deputy Mendonça Filho (União-PE) presented, this Thursday (3), a Draft Legislative Decree proposing a referendum for the population to decide on the decriminalization of drugs in Brazil. The suggestion came after the Federal Supreme Court (STF) made the decision on the matter for itself.

“Drugs are a very serious problem. Behind every drug user, there is a dealer and a distribution network. The Supreme makes a serious mistake when deciding on this matter, which is the competence of the National Congress”, said Mendonça, who presented the project in co-authorship with the deputies Carlos Jordy, leader of the Opposition, Osmar Terra and Marcel Van Hattem.

According to the parliamentarians, the referendum is necessary in view of the resumption of discussion and judgment by the STF on the terms of article 28, of law 11.343/2006, which deals with the crime of possession of drugs for personal use without authorization.

In resuming the trial, this Wednesday (2), Minister Alexandre de Moraes followed the vote of three other ministers who had already voted in favor of decriminalizing drug possession for personal use. In the Draft Legislative Decree, Mendonça proposes that the referendum be held on October 6, 2024, the date of the municipal elections for mayors and councilors, taking advantage of the voting structure and popular mobilization.

“I believe that Congress will approve the PDL of the referendum and, in 2024, the Brazilian people will sovereignly decide whether they want decriminalization, with all its effects, or if they want an organized society to combat this evil that affects youth and a good part of of the Brazilian population”, stated Mendonça.

The discussion on the decriminalization of drugs in the STF began in 2015 and was postponed again, without a set date for return. André Mendonça, Kassio Nunes Marques, Luiz Fux, Dias Toffoli, Cármen Lúcia, Rosa Weber and Cristiano Zanin, who takes office this Thursday (3), still have to vote.