The document is signed by pastors Silas Malafaia, Samuel Câmara, Abe Uber and Marcos Galdino; bishops Robson Rodovalho and Abner Ferreira; and apostles Cesar Augusto, Estevam Hernandes and Renê Terra Nova.
The evangelical leaders argue that legalizing gambling would have “devastating impacts on families, especially the poorest” and are calling on senators to block the proposal.
The members of Congress who are in favor of the bill argue that the creation of two new taxes would boost revenue for municipalities, states and the federal government.
Manifesto
“The GRUPO ALIANÇA, on behalf of the evangelical people, against the Bill on Bingo, Casinos and Jogo do Bicho, seeking the rejection of this Bill, hereby submits the following, through this letter of repudiation:
Considering: - That the Senate included on the agenda for the plenary session next Wednesday (the 4th) the vote on the Bill on Casinos, a bill that aims to legalize an extensive range of games of chance, in addition to casinos, bingo and jogo do bicho;
- Concern about the side effects, such as: population debt, gambling-related addictions, scams through irregular websites, money laundering and exploitation of vulnerable people; III- The setback in management and care for the population, generating social and economic problems that cannot be ignored;
- The devastating impacts on families, especially the poorest; V- That addiction is not just an individual problem, but a social and public policy problem, affecting mental health, finances and even family security;
- Brazil faces several challenges related to corruption and the lack of oversight in several sectors; the legalization of bingo and gambling would open even more doors to illicit activities, making it extremely difficult to guarantee transparency and integrity in this sector; VII- That we need to prioritize public policies that promote social well-being and vehemently combat vulnerability, and not measures that aggravate existing problems.
Based on the above, the GRUPO ALIANÇA, representing evangelicals, understands that the proposed Bill on Bingo, Casinos and Jogo do Bicho should be rejected, with a view to protecting citizens from the harmful effects of this proposal, whose responsible solution is necessary to avoid compromising the future of countless people and their families.”
Source: Metrópoles
