Brazil: Bill prohibiting use of religious image and faith for financial gain (Bill No. 5212/2025) was introduced in Chamber of Deputies

On 15 October 2025, the Bill prohibiting use of religious image and faith for financial gain (Bill No. 5212/2025) was introduced in the Chamber of Deputies. The Bill amends Law No. 12,865 of 9 October 2013 and Law No. 7,492 of 16 June 1986, to prohibit the participation or linking of the image of spiritual or religious entities and leaders, as well as the use of faith, creed or religion, with the objective of obtaining financial or material advantage through financial institutions, payment scheme providers and payment institutions, including fintechs. The Bill inserts Section 6(6) into Law No. 12,865/2013 to forbid the use of religious representation for financial purposes, except for tithes and donations made by believers, and adds Article 24-A and Section 25(2-A) to Law No. 7,492/1986 to criminalise such practices, establishing penalties of imprisonment from one to five years and fines, and extending criminal liability to administrators, directors and managers of religious entities and financial institutions.