Novo and IDBR sue STF against resolution that violates religious freedom

The Partido Novo and the Brazilian Institute of Law and Religion (IBDR) decided to sue the Federal Supreme Court (STF) to question provisions of a resolution by the Federal Psychology Council (CFP) that could violate the freedom of conscience and worship guaranteed by the Federal Constitution to professionals in the sector. Direct Unconstitutionality Action (ADI) 7426, with a request for an injunction, was distributed to minister Alexandre de Moraes.

CFP Resolution 7/2023 prohibits the use of the title of psychologist associated with religious aspects and the association of concepts, methods and techniques of psychological science with religious beliefs. It also prohibits professionals from using religion as a form of advertising and propaganda.

In addition to the summons to the council to provide the necessary clarifications on the resolution, the authors of the piece ask for the suspension and for article 3 of the resolution to be declared unconstitutional, which deepens the restrictions by vetoing “the use of the title of psychologist or psychologist associated with religious aspects ”; as well as the “use of religious beliefs in advertising and advertisements”.

In the action, Novo and IBDR allege that the rule violates principles of the Federal Constitution such as the dignity of the human person and freedom of conscience and belief. According to the petition, a person’s religion cannot be separated from their essence, since their worldview is based on their beliefs.

“The resolution disproportionately restricts the psychologist’s activity and directly violates the secularity of the State, disrespecting different perspectives and religious beliefs in the exercise of the profession”, they explain in the petition.

Jurists heard by the People’s Gazette also emphasize that the document published by the Federal Council largely violates the religious freedom guaranteed by Brazilian law.