Satire banned in Brazil ahead of presidential election

Telegraph ^ | 8/17/10

[LibWhacker]

Brazil's comedians and satirists have been banned from making fun of candidates ahead of the nation's presidential election in October.

The legal ban could last until a possible runoff on Oct 31.

Brazilian performers are planning to fight for their right to ridicule with protests in Rio de Janeiro and other cities on Sunday.

Dubbed the "anti-joking law", the relic of Brazil's 1964-1985 dictatorship prohibits ridiculing candidates in the three months before elections.

Critics say the ban threatens free speech and is a blight on the reputation of Latin America's largest nation.

"Do you know of any other democracy in the world with rules like this?" asked Marcelo Tas, the acerbic host of a weekly TV comedy show that skewers politicians and celebrities alike.

[rightwingintelligentsia]

This article HAS to be satire . . .

[KarlInOhio]

One of many reasons why leftist judges want to use foreign laws in place of our laws.

[Servant of the Cross]

Is this satire?

Oh ... and don't tell McCain ...

[WOBBLY BOB]

and his little dog, too.

"I loves me some Scottish law"

[lowbridge]

We’re in no position to point and laugh at Brazil. Recall McCsin-Feingold.

[lowbridge]

McCsin-Feingold.

typo: McCain-Feingold.

[Buckeye McFrog]

I’m sure Cass Sunstein is taking notes