Senators from Brazil’s governing coalition and the opposition have reached an agreement to vote on lowering the age of criminal responsibility on Wednesday, following approval of the Public Security constitutional amendment. The proposal remains divisive within the Workers’ Party (PT).
Some senators argue the Senate should debate the issue now to pursue what they describe as a more balanced approach. They say postponing discussion could leave the matter to the lower house the following week, where a more far-reaching proposal might emerge.
One proposal supported by a section of the government would lower the age to 16 only for heinous crimes. The Liberal Party (PL) proposal would set it at 16 for less serious crimes and 14 for heinous crimes.
Senator Marcos Rogério of the PL has also suggested that the Senate consider extending the maximum period young people can spend in socio-educational detention facilities from three to 10 years. He said a response was urgently needed but argued that 15- and 16-year-olds should not be placed in prisons alongside members of criminal factions.
Senator Damares Alves of the Republicanos party supports changing the rules for socio-educational facilities but questioned the push to lower the age of criminal responsibility quickly. She called for discussion of changes to the current system and better preparation of facilities where young people would be detained or held.
The debate is also linked to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s past comments: during the campaign, he voiced support for lowering the age in an interview with TV Globo. The issue, however, remains far from settled within the PT.
Sources: Folha Poder.