Brazil
Brazil extended marriage equality to lesbian, gay and bisexual couples in 2013. Including this law, LGBT rights are protected in regards to age of consent, legality of adoption, changing gender markers on legal documents and the banning of conversion therapy.[1] There are very few reported instances of violence towards lesbian, gay or bisexual individuals, while from 2008-2014, 550 transgender individuals have been killed.[2]
Issues and Solutions
Research Papers
Sources
Issues and Solutions
RELOCATION AND TEMPORARY WORK ASSIGNMENTS
Issue: There are very few physical attacks based on sexual orientation. However recently, the number of attacks on transgender individuals has dramatically increased.
Our Solution: Continue to treat employees equally, and insure that employees are made aware of your support for LGBT equality and inclusion as a key component of business success.
GLOBAL NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICIES
Issue: There is no national non-discrimination law.[3],[4]
Our Solution: Continue to treat all employees equally in order to send a clear message to all employees that your LGBT employees must be treated with equity and respect. Make sure that sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression are covered under your Brazilian non-discrimination policy.
HEALTH AND EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
Issue Same sex partner benefits are enshrined with the same rights as heterosexual partner benefits. Social prejudices may prevent LGBT, and especially transgender individuals from accessing adequate health care.[5]
Our Solution: Refer to “Global Non-Discrimination Policies.” Offer the same benefits to all employees in Brazil. Provide partner benefits regardless of gender, marital status or sexuality. Ensure equal access to health care by working with local NGOs, medical groups, and LGBT individuals to identify service providers who have track records of working with LGBT patients.
RESOURCE OF LOCAL LEGAL AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORKS
Issue: In Brazil, there are protections for LGB individuals. However there are fewer protections for transgender individuals and no national non-discrimination act.[6]
Our Solution: We urge you to use private influence with Brazilian government officials and other opinion leaders to push for comprehensive sexual orientation and gender identity protections in addition to an employment non-discrimination act.
GLOBAL DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION TRAINING
Issue: It is legal to have a company-wide non-discrimination and inclusion policy.
Our Solution: Implement diversity and inclusion trainings.
CROSS CULTURAL EDUCATION-CULTURAL CONTEXT
Issue: Even with legal protections, LGBT individuals are harassed in educational systems.[7]
Our Solution: Work with ERGs and allies to hold educational events about LGBT issues and promote LGBT equality.
Research Papers
A Critical Analysis of Public Policies on Education and LGBT Rights in Brazil
Education Sector Responses to Homophobic Bullying
Sources
[1] LGBT Rights in Brazil | Equaldex, The LGBT Knowledge Base. (n.d.). Retrieved December 10, 2014, from http://equaldex.com/region/brazil
[2] Curtis, E., & Margolin, E. (2014, June 4). In Brazil, transgressing gender norms can have consequences. MSNBC. Retrieved December 9, 2014, from http://www.msnbc.com/msnbc/brazil-transsexual-community-marginalized
[3] LGBT Rights in Brazil | Equaldex, The LGBT Knowledge Base. (n.d.). Retrieved December 10, 2014, from http://equaldex.com/region/brazil
[4] Rapoza, K. (2012, May 25). Brazil Close To Outlawing Discrimination Against Gays. Forbes Magazine.
[5] Gnoli, C. (2013, September 26). Brazil: Labour Tribunal Approves Benefits for Same-Sex Partners. The Argentina Independent. Retrieved December 11, 2014, from http://www.argentinaindependent.com/currentaffairs/newsfromlatinamerica/brazil-labour-tribunal-approves-benefits-for-same-sex-partners/
[6] LGBT Rights in Brazil | Equaldex, The LGBT Knowledge Base. (n.d.). Retrieved December 10, 2014, from http://equaldex.com/region/brazil
[7] United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, (2012). Education sector response to homophobic bullying. Paris, France: United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.