Skip to main content
Work with the NEU
Hundreds march for religious freedom in Brazil as discrimination against African-influenced religions rises
Faithful from various religions participate in the Defence of Religious Freedom march at Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro, September 15, 2024

HUNDREDS marched for religious freedom on Brazil’s iconic Copacabana beach to raise awareness of the rise in discrimination against African-influenced religions. 

Practitioners of more than a dozen faiths — mostly of Afro-Brazilian heritage — participated in the event to support religious freedom in Brazil, where cases of discrimination have doubled over the past six years.

Many of the participants in the “March for the Defence of Religious Freedom” have faced attacks from members of Christian groups, it is understood. 

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
Similar stories
Students march against the military dictatorship, 1966
Features / 9 May 2026
9 May 2026

Newly revealed documents reveal that MI5 taught Brazilian secret police the techniques deployed by the 1964-85 military dictatorship in horrific prisons like Rio de Janeiro’s House of Death. SARA VIVACQUA reports

Former President Jair Bolsonaro smiles while leaving the Liberal Party headquarters in Brasilia, Brazil, July 23, 2025
Latin America / 5 August 2025
5 August 2025
apocalypse
Film of the week / 10 July 2025
10 July 2025

MARIA DUARTE recommends a chilling examination of the influence of Evangelical Christianity over the far right in Brazil