The new Christian right: alliances, strategies and alterations of religious discourse surrounding Conversion Therapy

Abstract

The extension of LGBT rights, as well as actions that promote the visibility and acceptance of these social groups have provoked conservative reactions from different aspects of the Christian faith, especially from Pentecostal evangelicals. The present article seeks to examine the role of congressmen of the Evangelical Parliamentary Front in the course of the draft constitutional decree (PDC 234 \ 2011), proposed by federal representative João Campos (PSDB-GO). It proposes an analysis focusing on the alliances, strategies and speeches developed in the political arena. As a methodological resource, reference is made to the speeches and debates delivered at public hearings for the above mentioned draft constitutional decree. As a source for consultation, we use the shorthand notes relating to the public hearings and ordinary meetings of the Federal Chamber of Human Rights and Minorities (CDHM) and the Social Security and Family Committee (CSSF), complemented by videos and materials circulated by the media that make reference to them.