Uber has been ordered to pay R$ 15,000 in moral damages to Lúcia Oliveira, a mother of saint, who reported experiencing religious intolerance from an Uber driver in Paraíba. The incident occurred in March 2024 when Oliveira requested a ride from her candomblé terreiro to a medical appointment. The driver canceled the ride, sending a message stating, "The blood of Christ has power, someone else will go, I’m out," reflecting a dismissive attitude toward her religious background.

This ruling was made by the Second Permanent Recursal Panel of João Pessoa on June 6, following Oliveira's appeal after an earlier judgment by the 2nd Special Civil Court of João Pessoa deemed her request for compensation as unfounded. The case highlights the ongoing social issues surrounding religious intolerance in Brazil, particularly towards Afro-Brazilian religions, and draws attention to the responsibilities of companies like Uber in addressing such incidents among their drivers.

The implications of this ruling extend beyond just the financial compensation awarded to Oliveira; it sets a precedent for how companies handle complaints of discrimination and intolerance. It underscores the need for corporate policies that actively promote respect for diverse religious practices, and it may encourage further legal actions in similar cases, pushing for stronger protections against discrimination in Brazil.