Brazil’s lower house has selected federal deputy Erika Hilton, who is a trans-identified man, to head the Chamber of Deputies committee responsible for women’s rights, following a vote held on Wednesday.
Hilton, a member of the Socialism and Liberty Party, was chosen to preside over the Women's Rights Defense Committee as the body was formally installed the same day. The lawmaker said the panel should address women’s concerns broadly and focus on legislative proposals tied to protection and safety, per CNN Brasil.
During remarks after the vote, Hilton said the committee must work for all women. Hilton stated it should address women “without exception, in their dignity and plurality."
The congresswoman also pointed to online content known as “red pill” and called for debate about censoring digital platforms to address misogyny on the internet. Hilton said the committee would prioritize projects focused on combating gender-based violence and advancing protections.
“We are here to discuss projects, we are here to discuss the lives of women, and we are here to remember that, whether you like it or not, women, trans women, and transvestites will not be abandoned in this discussion, and I don't care what anyone thinks,” Hilton stated.
Hilton, who is described as the first transgender woman to hold the committee presidency, also referenced a ruling from the Supreme Federal Court while addressing the chamber.
“There is a ruling from the Supreme Federal Court, and if before they trampled on our rights, if before they crushed our dignity without us being able to stand here on equal footing, defending our place in the world, that time is over. We have arrived here, we have arrived to stay, and we have arrived to make historical reparations,” he concluded.
Hilton, a member of the Socialism and Liberty Party, was chosen to preside over the Women's Rights Defense Committee as the body was formally installed the same day. The lawmaker said the panel should address women’s concerns broadly and focus on legislative proposals tied to protection and safety, per CNN Brasil.
During remarks after the vote, Hilton said the committee must work for all women. Hilton stated it should address women “without exception, in their dignity and plurality."
The congresswoman also pointed to online content known as “red pill” and called for debate about censoring digital platforms to address misogyny on the internet. Hilton said the committee would prioritize projects focused on combating gender-based violence and advancing protections.
“We are here to discuss projects, we are here to discuss the lives of women, and we are here to remember that, whether you like it or not, women, trans women, and transvestites will not be abandoned in this discussion, and I don't care what anyone thinks,” Hilton stated.
Hilton, who is described as the first transgender woman to hold the committee presidency, also referenced a ruling from the Supreme Federal Court while addressing the chamber.
“There is a ruling from the Supreme Federal Court, and if before they trampled on our rights, if before they crushed our dignity without us being able to stand here on equal footing, defending our place in the world, that time is over. We have arrived here, we have arrived to stay, and we have arrived to make historical reparations,” he concluded.
