Pastor Silas Malafaia, from Vitória em Cristo church, accused Cezinha of negotiating with gaming supporters that the evangelical bench would support the gaming law as long as they win IPTU exemption for properties used by churches.
“I don't know what his interests are. It seems very strange to me. What is this deal? It is already in the Constitution that IPTU is exempt. This is a non-negotiable topic for evangelicals. It's like discussing legalizing abortion. We do not discuss under any circumstances,” said Malafaia.
Annoyed with Cezinha, the pastor said: “The deputies are indignant. We evangelical leaders are outraged. If Mr. Cezinha made a deal, that's his problem. What is this deal? This was very poorly negotiated.”
According to O Antagonista, Cezinha will not publicly admit the agreement, of course, but the newspaper claims to have heard the information from important congressional leaders and confirmed it with members of the Evangelical bench, who asked for reservation.
In plenary, Cezinha called Malafaia a liar. “It's a lie. Sad to see one believer accusing another.” According to him, there was no agreement and he also stated that “internal disputes are not resolved. Divided, the kingdom is not strengthened.”
In any case, voting on the urgent requirement for discussion and voting on the Gambling Law is foreseen, as well as the proposal that exempts property used by churches from property tax.
Source: GMB
