João Pessoa City Council (CMJP)| Photo: João Pessoa City Hall (CMJP)

A bill prohibiting the use of neutral language in João Pessoa (PB) was approved in the Chamber of Councilors, last Thursday (11). The proposal prohibits the neutral inflection of gender and number in words in municipal and private schools, municipal public establishments and public tenders in the municipality. Bill No. 394/2021 is authored by Councilman Coronel Sobreira (MDB).

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The text defines neutral language as the inflection of words with numbers, arrobas, “x”, “ues”, “us” or any change in the original word. Educational establishments that use neutral language are subject to warning and even license suspension, in the case of private schools. Public institutions may be subject to disciplinary proceedings.

In justifying the project, councilor Coronel Sobreira (MDB) stated that male gender bending is not something sexist or prejudiced. “The Portuguese language is not prejudiced, but those who intend to use it for ideological militancy and exaltation of a political agenda, modifying reality to shape it to their own purposes”, says the councilor.

The councilor also said that neutral language is not inclusive because it excludes autistic, dyslexic and visually impaired people.

The proposal awaits sanction by Mayor Cícero Lucena (PP).