Proposed legislation aimed at protecting the rights of Brazilian Sabbath-keepers moved another step forward last week when it was approved by a high-level government committee.

The Committee of Constitution and Justice of the Brazilian House of Deputies approved the “project,” or proposed legislation, March 20.

The legislation, authored by Deputy Silas Brasileriro, is intended to protect citizens whose religious convictions do not allow them to undertake study or exams on Saturday. If passed, the law would allow for entry-exams for federal public administration to be held on Sunday, and would prevent other public examinations, college entrance examinations, and school tests being held on Saturdays.

“Such projects are based on the constitutional principle [assuring] the inviolability of freedom of conscience and belief, and reaffirming that no one will be denied rights because of religious belief or philosophical or political conviction,” said Deputy Geraldo Magela, CCJ recorder.

The proposed legislation now goes for final editorial analysis and will then be considered by the Federal Senate. “The last step for this victory in the field of religious liberty will be approval in a plenary session of the Federal Senate,” explained Magela.