MAYOR WHO BANNED GAYS COULD FACE CHARGES

[AussieMark]

Mayor Who Banned Gays Could Face Charges

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil (Reuters) - A Brazilian prosecutor says he's considering charging a mayor with discrimination after he signed a decree barring homosexuals from moving to his town.
Prosecutor Joel Carneiro da Silva of Bocaiuva do Sul in southern Parana state said Thursday his office was weighing action against Mayor Elcio Berti and a regional police chief had opened an investigation.

"In any case, the decree is unconstitutional, null and void. The prosecutor's office is evaluating the situation and possible charges against the mayor," he told Reuters.

A conviction on charges he discriminated against homosexuals could land the mayor in jail for up to four years and force him to leave office.

The document signed by Berti on Tuesday bans homosexuals from taking up residence and staying permanently in Bocaiuva do Sul. The decree cites the need to push up birth rates and "preserve respect and family atmosphere" in the town of 10,000 people.

The mayor was not available for comment.

A group of gay rights activists traveled to the town from the state capital of Curitiba to demonstrate against the decree.

"Apparently, he did it to draw media attention, as he has done in the past with other odd things, but this time he messed with the wrong people and with the wrong subject," said Roberto Kaiser, president of Inpar gay rights group.

Berti previously grabbed headlines with measures such as the free distribution of locally made anti-impotence drugs and a short-lived ban on the sale of condoms and cigarettes in a move to boost the town's population.