The Chamber’s Sports Committee approved the proposal that conditions the transfer of federal public resources and lotteries to entities that guarantee equality between female and male categories in the training of athletes.
The measure adds this condition to the General Sports Law. Today, the law already requires equality in awards for male and female athletes, including para-athletes.
The approved proposal includes an amendment by the rapporteur, deputy Helena Lima (MDB-RR), to Bill 1891/22, by deputies Tabata Amaral (PSB-SP) and Lídice da Mata (PSB-BA).
The original project sought to amend the Pelé Law to ensure that, from 2025, there would be parity in investment of public resources and lotteries in sports between the female and male categories.
Importance of parity in training
Representative Helena Lima stated that parity in the allocation of resources would not have the same effect on all sports. She explained that an imposition of this nature could cause distortions in the application of resources.
“There are, for example, modalities in which the female category has greater projection, in which the effect of parity would be to reduce resources for women.”
According to Helena, it is more effective to intervene before these inequalities are established, that is, at the time of athletes’ training.
“This way we can equalize opportunities and build the foundations for equal participation of men and women in sport,” he said.
General Sports Law and lotteries
Law 14,597 of June 14, 2023, known as the General Sports Law, establishes guidelines and standards for sport in Brazil.
Therefore, this legislation aims to organize and promote the development of sport in various modalities. Furthermore, the measure guarantees federal and lottery resources, structure and adequate regulation for athletes, coaches and sports institutions.
The law also addresses issues of social inclusion, encouraging sports and combating doping, aiming for a fairer and more transparent sporting environment.
Next steps for approval
Finally, the proposal will be conclusively analyzed by the Finance and Taxation committees; and Constitution and Justice and Citizenship of the Chamber.
