DALLAS (WBAP/KLIF) – Weeks after canceling a trip to New York amid backlash from LGBTQ activists and environmentalists, Brazil’s controversial President is visiting Dallas later this week.
Jair Bolsanaro will speak at an event hosted by the ‘World Affairs Council of Dallas-Fort Worth.’ The group’s CEO Jim Falk, said Monday that the invitation is not political, but instead is meant to be informative for the business and civic leaders in attendance.
“For over 68 years, the World Affairs Council has been encouraging citizen understanding, engagement and involvement in international affairs,” Falk said. “Through events like this, we offer our members the opportunity to hear directly from individuals who hold positions of significance in the world. We look forward to hearing from the president of the largest country in the Southern Hemisphere and the fifth-largest country in the world.”
Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings issued a statement Monday saying he doesn’t share the same beliefs as the far-right President, but that it shouldn’t be a reason not to welcome a visitor to the city.
“I disagree with President Bolsonaro’s views, especially his hateful words toward LGBTQ people and his concerning statements on climate change and the Amazon, said Rawlings. “I have great respect for the people of Brazil, and we strive to be a welcoming city, even when we don’t agree with the views shared by our visitors.”
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