Federal Deputy Rui Falcão (PT-SP) has expressed serious concerns regarding the statements made by Justice Minister Wellington César Lima e Silva, who indicated that he sees no issue with the proposal of Deputy Mendonça Filho (União-PE) to hold a public consultation aimed at reducing the age of majority from 18 to 16 years. Falcão emphasized that tampering with a fundamental clause of the Constitution could set a dangerous precedent, leading to further changes that might compromise human rights protections.

Falcão articulated his disappointment over the Minister's comments, labeling them as regrettable, particularly the notion of subjecting such a critical constitutional matter to a popular vote. He pointed out that lowering the age of majority is a constitutional provision that can only be amended through a new constituent assembly, and that allowing a plebiscite could pave the way for similar public votes on other grave matters such as the death penalty.

The proposed amendment to reduce the age of majority was not part of the initial version submitted by the Ministry of Justice but was added through an amendment put forth by Mendonça Filho. The proposal is anticipated to be considered by the Brazilian Congress following the Carnival celebrations, indicating that significant legislative debates on this critical issue are forthcoming, potentially impacting the landscape of human rights legislation in Brazil.