Brazil suspends sex education videos

Brazil has suspended a plan to show sex education films aimed at combatting homophobia.

President Dilma Rousseff believes the footage is not suitable for children and teenagers, the BBC reports. She said it did not offer an objective picture of homosexuality, according to a government spokesman.

Evangelical groups had worked to block the screenings of the films in schools, arguing they encouraged homosexual behavior.

Grupo Gay da Bahia, a civil rights group, says 260 gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgender people were murdered in Brazil last year, according to the AP.

Brazil's Supreme Court ruled this month that same-sex civil unions must be recognized, with gay couples in "stable partnerships" receiving the same rights as heterosexual married couples.

Check out some of the videos that were under consideration for inclusion in the "anti-homophobia" kits:

Follow Stephanie on Twitter: @stephaniegarlow

Help keep The World going strong!

The article you just read is free because dedicated readers and listeners like you chose to support our nonprofit newsroom. Our team works tirelessly to ensure you hear the latest in international, human-centered reporting every weekday. But our work would not be possible without you. We need your help.

Make a gift today to help us reach our $25,000 goal and keep The World going strong. Every gift will get us one step closer.