After decades of legal challenges, social stigma, and attempts to prohibit animal sacrifice, the Supreme Federal Court (STF) in Brazil unanimously ruled that the practice is constitutional and integral to the rituals of African diaspora religions, such as Candomblé and Umbanda. This landmark decision underscores the protection of religious freedom and the cultural heritage of communities that have long been marginalized in Brazil.
The issue was brought to the court through a case initiated by the Public Prosecutor’s Office of Rio Grande do Sul, which sought to ban animal sacrifice, claiming it constituted cruelty. However, the Supreme Federal Court of Brazil (STF) recognized that these rituals are part of an ancestral tradition brought to Brazil by enslaved Africans, preserved over centuries by Òrìṣà worshippers. These practitioners assert that animal sacrifice is a sacred act, deeply tied to their spiritual beliefs and cultural identity. For them, stopping these rituals would mean severing a connection to their ancestry and spirituality.
During the proceedings, Dr. Hedio Silva Júnior , a lawyer representing religious organizations, delivered a powerful and thought-provoking defense. He addressed the judges directly, asking whether the leather shoes and belts they wore were not made from animals that had been slaughtered. “Do you not eat meat in your homes? Are the animals used for food and clothing not also slaughtered?” he questioned. Silva argued that the debate was riddled with hypocrisy, as animal slaughter is widely accepted in other contexts but targeted when practiced by African diaspora religions.
Dr. Hedio Silva further emphasized that in Òrìṣà worship, animals hold a profound spiritual significance. According to these beliefs, animals are sacrificed to substitute for humans in rituals, serving as intermediaries in offerings to the divine. He explained that these rituals are conducted with deep respect and care, following specific rites that ensure the animal does not suffer unnecessarily. The sacrifice is not an act of cruelty but a sacred exchange that sustains the balance between the physical and spiritual worlds.
The justices of the STF acknowledged the cultural and religious significance of these practices. Justice Alexandre de Moraes criticized the prejudiced framing of the case, noting that it confused legitimate religious rituals with acts of black magic or cruelty. He stressed that denying these practices would violate the constitutional right to religious freedom. “The sanctification of animals is an indispensable part of the liturgy of African diaspora religions,” Moraes stated, adding that the rituals are conducted without unnecessary suffering.
Justice Luís Roberto Barroso highlighted the broader issue of misunderstanding and marginalization of African diaspora religions in Brazil. He noted that these practices are not conducted for entertainment but as part of a deeply rooted spiritual tradition. “It seems evident that the sacrifice of animals in these Afro-Brazilian cults is constitutionally protected as part of their liturgy,” he affirmed.
The STF’s decision, which has general repercussions, now requires all courts and judges across the country to uphold the right of religious groups to conduct animal sacrifices in their rituals. This ruling not only guarantees the continuity of these ancestral practices but also challenges the historical stigmatization faced by Òrìṣà worshippers and other practitioners of African diaspora religions in Brazil.
For the practitioners, this victory goes beyond the legal realm—it is a reaffirmation of their identity and their right to honor the traditions of their ancestors. “We will not stop doing what our ancestors brought to Brazil,” said one Candomblé priestess after the ruling. “Animal sacrifice is not just a ritual; it is a testament to our resilience, our spirituality, and our connection to the divine.”
This decision is a reminder of the importance of preserving cultural diversity and ensuring that the rights of all religious communities are respected in a pluralistic society. The constitutional protection of animal sacrifice in Afro-Brazilian religions is a significant step toward recognizing and honoring the contributions of African heritage to Brazil’s rich cultural tapestry.
The Supreme Federal Court’s decision to uphold the constitutional right of African diaspora religions in Brazil to perform animal sacrifices is more than a legal triumph—it is a monumental cultural and spiritual vindication. This ruling symbolizes the nation’s gradual acknowledgment of the invaluable contributions of Afro-Brazilian heritage to its identity, while also addressing centuries of systemic prejudice and marginalization.
At its core, this decision reiterates the fundamental principle that religious freedom is a universal right. African diaspora religions, deeply rooted in the ancestral traditions of enslaved Africans, represent a legacy of resilience, faith, and cultural preservation. By protecting the right to perform these rituals, the court has affirmed that all religions, regardless of their origins or the prejudices they face, deserve equal respect and protection under the law.
This ruling also challenges long-held misconceptions about African diaspora religions. For too long, these traditions have been unjustly stigmatized, their practices conflated with cruelty or black magic. The court’s decision dismantles these harmful stereotypes, reinforcing the idea that these rituals are not acts of barbarism but sacred expressions of spirituality conducted with deep reverence and care. It also highlights the inherent hypocrisy in targeting these practices while ignoring the widespread societal acceptance of animal slaughter for food, clothing, and other secular purposes.
The significance of this victory extends beyond the religious sphere. It is a bold statement against the historical and ongoing discrimination faced by Afro-Brazilians. By recognizing the ancestral and spiritual importance of these practices, the court has taken a crucial step toward addressing the systemic inequalities that have long plagued these communities. This decision underscores the need for continued efforts to promote education, awareness, and respect for the rich cultural diversity that defines Brazil.
For practitioners of Candomblé, Umbanda, and other African diaspora religions, this ruling is a profound affirmation of their identity and heritage. It allows them to honor their ancestors and continue their sacred traditions without fear of persecution or legal reprisal. As one practitioner poignantly stated, these rituals are more than just religious acts—they are living testaments to the resilience and spirituality of a people who have endured unimaginable hardships yet preserved their faith and culture.
Looking ahead, this decision serves as a call to action for greater inclusivity and understanding. It challenges Brazilian society to move beyond its colonial legacy of religious intolerance and embrace the cultural and spiritual wealth that African diaspora religions contribute. This includes dismantling the societal prejudices that still linger and ensuring that practitioners of these religions are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.
In a broader sense, the court’s ruling is a reminder of the importance of protecting cultural heritage in an increasingly globalized world. It underscores the idea that true pluralism lies in recognizing and celebrating the diverse ways in which people connect with the divine and express their spirituality. By safeguarding the practices of African diaspora religions, Brazil has taken a significant step toward honoring its multicultural identity and ensuring that its future is one of inclusion and respect for all.
Ultimately, this decision is not just a victory for African diaspora religions—it is a victory for religious freedom, cultural diversity, and human dignity. It is a testament to the enduring power of ancestral traditions and a hopeful sign that, despite centuries of oppression, the voices of marginalized communities can prevail in the pursuit of justice and equality.
