A transgender lawmaker who was elected to lead Brazil’s Women’s Rights Commission is suing a television presenter for GBP 1.4 million, sparking fierce political criticism and a growing public dispute involving rival politicians and a national broadcaster.
The vote took place in the Chamber of Deputies in Brasilia, Federal District, Brazil, on 11th March.
Federal deputy Erika Hilton, of the Socialism and Liberty Party (PSOL) representing Sao Paulo, said she is suing Brazilian TV presenter Ratinho for BRL 10 million (GBP 1.44 million), accusing him of transfobia after he questioned whether a transgender woman should head the commission during a live broadcast.
Hilton was elected president of the Commission for the Defence of Women’s Rights for the 2026 legislative year, securing the role with 11 votes during the installation meeting of the commission.
The lawmaker is serving her first term in Brazil’s lower house and in 2022 became the first Black transgender woman elected to the Chamber of Deputies.
Following her election, Hilton said she plans to prioritise the advancement of projects aimed at protecting women and combating gender-based violence.
She also said the commission would address the spread of so-called “Red Pill” discourse on the internet and examine issues linked to online abuse, including artificial intelligence tools and manipulated images.
The term “Red Pill” is commonly used online to describe a loose network of internet communities that claim men are “waking up” to supposed hidden truths about relationships and gender, but which critics say often promote misogynistic views about women.
Hilton said her leadership would represent all women and that the commission must defend women and girls without excluding any group.
The Commission for the Defence of Women’s Rights is responsible for analysing legislation related to the protection of women, gender equality policies and measures aimed at tackling violence against women.
The body also monitors government programmes linked to maternal and neonatal health, workplace conditions affecting women, and initiatives aimed at preventing sexual exploitation and abuse.
Brazil’s Chamber of Deputies has 30 permanent commissions whose leadership changes every year according to party representation and agreements between parliamentary leaders.
The distribution of committee presidencies for 2026 largely maintained the same party allocations as the previous year following an agreement brokered by Chamber president Hugo Motta of the Republicans Party.
Hilton’s appointment has triggered criticism from some politicians and public figures.
Deputy Nikolas Ferreira of the Liberal Party (PL) used social media to criticise the decision and urged female lawmakers to oppose the leadership.
Presenter Ratinho commented on the election during a live broadcast of his programme on Brazilian network SBT, saying he did not believe it was fair that a transgender woman should lead the women’s commission.
The remarks prompted criticism online, with social media users accusing the presenter of discrimination.
Hilton said the damages sought in the civil case would be directed to organisations supporting women who are victims of gender-based violence.
Brazilian broadcaster SBT said in a statement that it repudiates discrimination and that the presenter’s comments do not represent the company’s position, adding that the matter is being analysed internally.
