Bolsonaro vows to fight gender ideology as Brazil’s president, talks ‘God’s protection’ with Trump
Jair Bolsonaro, the new president of Brazil, vowed to fight gender ideology in schools and protect the country's "Judeo-Christian tradition" in his presidential address.
Bolsonaro celebrated in the capital of Brasilia with a motorcade procession, and declared that the country has now been "liberated from socialism and political correctness."
Bolsonaro and his vice president, retired Gen. Hamilton Mourao, took the oath of office on Tuesday. He also promised to combat the "ideology of gender" teaching in schools, AFP reported, as well as to "respect our Judeo-Christian tradition."
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"I call on all congressmen to help me rescue Brazil from corruption, criminality and ideological submission," the new president urged.
Bolsonaro earned praise from U.S. President Donald Trump, who congratulated him on Twitter by writing that "the U.S.A. is with you."
Bolsonaro in turn thanked Trump, adding that "under Gods protection, we shall bring prosperity and progress to our people!"
Bolsonaro has stirred much controversy for his conservative stances on social issues, and has often been described as a "far-right politician" by international news media.
Publications like Sky News have said that he has made "divisive rhetoric and derogatory remarks about women, gay people and the country's black population.”
Along with his support for loosening gun laws and allowing police to use more force, he has been dubbed the "Trump of the Tropics."
Still, Bolsonaro has earned the support of both Catholics and evangelicals in South America's most populous country, and has often pointed to his Christian faith as his inspiration.
After surviving an assassination attempt on the campaign trail, he credited God for saving his life. He has vowed to govern "following the Bible and the constitution."
BreakingIsraelNews further noted that he met with several pro-Israel faith leaders from the U.S. back in December, part of his promise to strengthen Brazil's ties with the U.S. and Israel.
“We are very thankful for the opportunity to stand with President-elect Bolsonaro in solidarity with him. People of faith in the U.S. are very aware of his role in the new political scenario in South America and are praying vigorously for his health and the prosperity of the nation,” said Jim Garlow, former senior pastor of Skyline Church in California.
His wife, Rosemary, added that the “evangelical Christians of America are honored to visit Brazil and to stand with the elected government at this crucial moment.”
On Tuesday, Bolsonaro waved the Brazilian flag in front of his supporters, who chanted "Myth! Myth! Myth!" — a reference to his middle name, Messias, seen as a sign that he was chosen by God to lead Brazil.
"Our flag will never be red," he declared, speaking in opposition to left-wing ideologies. "Our flag will only be red if blood is needed to keep it green and yellow."
