DALLAS (1080 KRLD) - The president of Brazil spoke at a luncheon organized by the World Affairs Council of Dallas-Fort Worth Thursday, drawing protesters upset with his comments about the environment, human rights and LGBTQ issues.
Jair Bolsonaro has said he would rather have a "dead son than a gay son."
"We don't think that is a value we want to promote here in Dallas," says Neil Cazares-Thomas, the pastor of Cathedral of Hope Church of Christ. "As people of faith, we have to stand against that kind of hate speech."
Cazares-Thomas joined the group, Faith Forward Dallas, which includes local leaders from several different religions. Protesters started along Maple Avenue and walked about a mile to the luncheon at old Parkland Hospital.
"We stand for the dignity and diversity of the people who are made in the divine image of God," Cazares-Thomas says.
Bolsonaro has ended some policies that aim to protect the Brazilian rain forest from development. He also pledged to militarize police and give officers more freedom to use force.
Seven current and incoming Dallas city council members signed a letter urging the World Affairs Council to rescind the invitation.
"With the rise of authoritarian and fascist regimes across the globe, we encourage World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth to rethink its policy of hosting any head of state to speak," the letter reads. "History may not look kindly on these leaders or the organization."
Mayor Mike Rawlings said he would not attend the event or greet Bolsonaro as he normally does when a head of state comes to Dallas.
The World Affairs Council of Dallas-Fort Worth says the invitation is not an endorsement of Bolsonaro.