RPGs prohibited in a Brazilian city...

[Klaus]

Some days ago I posted the case of an RPGer in Vila Velha, a city in the state of Espirito Santo, next to the state of Rio de Janeiro, who was struggling to keep a law prohibiting RPGs from passing. Here's a quick recap:

- Council member proposes law.
- Majority of city council votes for the prohibition.
- RPGer meets with one of the 3 who voted against and is encouraged to come to Council with friends.
- RPGer manages to sway most of council members to veto the law after the mayor vetoes it.
- RPGer was to meet with the mayor to ask for his veto.

Well, said RPGer meets with the mayor, who promises to veto the law.

That said, if the mayor takes too long in vetoing or approving a law, the Council President can decide in his stead. Said Council President approves the law (probably trying to cut back on the many, many, many laws pending decisions).

Devir, who is responsible for bringing Vampire, DnD2e and 3e, Gurps and other RPGs to Brazil, is trying to invalid the law in court. But until the court decides on anything, RPGs are prohibited in Vila Velha.

[Thorntangle]

Sorry to hear that Klaus. Sounds like that RPGer tried to fight the good fight but hit the brick wall of petty bureaucracy. I hope they can throw out that law as the blatant discrimination that it is.

[AFGNCAAP]

Quick request: could you please provide a link to the original message for reference purposes?

Man, that sucks. I can't think of few things more irritating than going the distance to try to accomplish something, only to get the same results you would've received if you just sat around & did nothing.

[Klaus]

The RPGer in question, Tiago, posted the story here:

http://www.eujogorpg.com.br .

It's in Portuguese, so get your babelfish ready...

[Horacio]

Sad, Claudio, that's really sad...
Can a town mayor do that? Isn't that censure?

[Songwind]

What's considered censorship, and how much it can be violated for the sake of "community safety" vary widely from country to country.

[omedon]

Claudio, just explain to the Brazillian govenment the economic benefits of RPG's.

Tell them about the millions of dollars you bring into the country each year with your Fiery Dragon contract.

That will be sure to change their minds.

[Klaus]

Omedon -> Here's a note on how dumb people can be:

This week the president of Intel is coming to Brazil for the 4th time, trying to implement an Intel factory here. On the past 3 visits, he was received by 3 different bureaucrats. When he went to Costa Rica (IIRC), he was received at the airport by the Costa Rican president. Result: Intel's factory there is responsible single-handedly for 20% of EVERYTHING Costa Rica exports...

Go figure...

[Horacio]

Brazilian politics are rather bizarre...

[smetzger]

Actually all he needs to do is find or develop an RPG based on futbol, then I am sure the law would be voteod/overturned.