Brazilian commentator Nine Borges, based in the UK, faces a criminal investigation by Brazilian federal police for an Instagram video criticizing public officials' funding of pro-LGBT NGOs. The charges against Borges include "transphobia" and "defamation" stemming from her criticism, specifically misgendering, of Brazil’s LGBT National Secretary. The investigation traces back to a 2019 Brazilian Supreme Federal Tribunal ruling that classified "transphobia" and "homophobia" as crimes punishable by up to five years in prison, bypassing Congress. ADF International is providing legal support to Borges, arguing that classifying peaceful criticism of public officials as "transphobia" threatens freedom of speech. This case follows previous instances of increasing censorship in Brazil, including a criminal investigation against influencer Isabella Cepa for posts about gender ideology.
about 1 month ago
Nine Borges, a UK-based Brazilian influencer with over 250,000 Instagram followers, faces a criminal investigation by Brazilian federal police for a September 2024 video criticizing public funding of pro-LGBT NGOs.1
The video targeted Brazil’s LGBT National Secretary, a man identifying as a woman, leading to charges of "transphobia," "misgendering," and "defamation" after a complaint from the official.1
Borges was formally notified of the investigation in August 2025.1
She appeared before police in October 2025, and by November, authorities recommended formal prosecution.1
ADF International is providing legal support to Borges, arguing that the case threatens free speech rights under international human rights law.1
Borges stated she will not be intimidated and has the right to question public officials without fear of arrest.1
In 2019, Brazil’s Supreme Federal Tribunal ruled that "transphobia" and "homophobia" are crimes punishable by up to five years in prison, bypassing Congress.1
This decision has contributed to rising censorship, affecting online expression by individuals and influencers.1
Influencer Isabella Cepa faced investigation for posts on gender ideology, while Pastor Douglas Baptista was charged for a book on Christian views of sexuality; both cases were dropped with ADF support.1
These incidents signal a censorship crisis in Brazil, limiting free debate on public issues.1
Assess Catholic teaching on freedom of expression versus state regulation
Catholic teaching affirms a strong presumption in favor of freedom of expression as a social duty rooted in human dignity, yet it is not absolute—limits apply to harms like libel, slander, obscenity, pornography, incitement to hatred, or morbid violence, where no right to communicate exists . True freedom flourishes in service to truth, goodness, and justice, not as license to say or do anything, and deviations from moral law enslave rather than liberate . Rather than unchecked state control, the Church favors ethical self-regulation by communicators, public accountability, and criteria of public service to balance freedom with protection of the common good .
Think of it like a river: freedom allows natural flow, but levees (just regulations) prevent flooding harm without damming the source.
How do you see this principle playing out in debates over online content moderation today?