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Complaint inside public hospital exposes conflict between religious freedom and respect for diversity in Feira de Santana
The repercussions of a case involving religion, individual rights, and social coexistence have gained momentum in Bahia in recent days. A pastor well-known on social media, with approximately 234,000 followers, has come under investigation for suspected homophobic insult after an incident occurred within a public hospital unit.
The information was disclosed by “g1”, according to a recent report based on Civil Police data, which details the initial developments of the case. The incident occurred at the Clériston Andrade General Hospital (HGCA), located in Feira de Santana, considered the state’s second-largest city.
According to the Civil Police (PC), the 1st Territorial Police Station (DT) opened an inquiry on Monday (20), after a 20-year-old man reported being the target of homophobic offenses. The suspect, identified as Moisés Neri dos Santos, 55, was reportedly conducting a religious sermon inside the unit at the time of the incident.
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What happened inside the hospital and how the investigation began
According to information gathered, the incident began while the pastor was conducting a religious sermon inside the hospital. Also, according to the defense’s account, represented by lawyer Armênio Seixas, the legal team was called to monitor the situation after the complaint.
Upon arriving at the scene, the lawyer found the young man already accompanied by police officers, while the pastor waited at the unit’s police post. Subsequently, all involved parties were taken to the Sobradinho neighborhood police station to provide formal clarifications.
During the testimony, the victim stated that he felt deeply offended after the pastor allegedly declared that “homosexuality would be abominable in the eyes of God.” This statement, according to the young man, was interpreted as directed and discriminatory, which prompted the registration of the incident.
Furthermore, a witness was also heard, reinforcing the need for further investigation. The Civil Police continues to conduct hearings to clarify all details and circumstances of the case.
Defense denies crime and case sparks national debate
On the other hand, the pastor’s defense denies any criminal practice. The lawyer stated that Moisés Neri dos Santos did not direct offenses at any specific person and that, if he made any statement, it would have been based exclusively on biblical teachings, in a generic way and without the intention of targeting individuals.
Nevertheless, after the testimonies, all involved parties were released, and the case now proceeds for judicial review. “We will await the course of the investigation and the appropriate referral so that we can also act in that sphere,” the lawyer declared.
Meanwhile, the incident quickly gained traction on social media, mainly because the pastor already has a history of viral sermons in public and private spaces in the city. Furthermore, he has also attempted a political career, having been a candidate for city councilor in Feira de Santana for the Avante party in 2024 and for state representative for the Patriota party in 2022, although he was not elected on either occasion.
In parallel, the management of the Clériston Andrade General Hospital reported that it is aware of the case but has, so far, chosen not to comment officially.
Given this scenario, the case reignites a sensitive and increasingly present debate in Brazil: the line between religious freedom and hate speech. Experts point out that situations like this require careful analysis, especially when involving public environments and potential violations of rights.
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