Brazil State Approves New ‘Vinicius Junior Law’ to Combat Racism at Sporting Events

The state of Rio de Janeiro has approved a new law to help combat racist behaviour at sporting events, in the wake of the abuse suffered by Brazil forward Vinicius Junior in Spain.

Commonly known as the “Vini. Jr. law” in reference to the Real Madrid forward, the measure is the first of its kind in the South American country.

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The new law, passed forward unanimously by Rio’s legislative assembly (Alerj), dictates for an interruption or even termination of a sports event in which a racist act takes place.

Rio de Janeiro state representative Josemar, who put forward the proposal, said: “We have to eradicate this cancer that is racism once and for all, especially in sports. This law aims to combat racism and create an egalitarian society.”

The new law also provides a protocol to direct racism complaints to the Public Prosecutor’s Office {snip}

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