The MGM offers free of charge legal advice in cases of sexual orientation-related discrimination to Juiz de Fora’s homosexuals. The MGM Justice project was established in partnership with the Nucleus of Juridical Practice of the University Salgado de Oliveira (Universo). Funding comes from the National STD/AIDS Programme (Ministry of Health) and from the SEDH (Special Secretary for Human Rights of the Presidency of the Republic).
Between June and December of 2006, over 40 consultations took place, the majority of which related to threats and verbal aggression. From those, five resulted in legal proceedings, currently in progress through the legal system.
Any case that would involve discrimination and prejudice against homosexuals can be directed to the MGM Rights Office. It is open Mondays to Fridays, from 1 to 6 p.m. The MGM Justice project is coordinated by a solicitor and relies on the voluntary work of ten Law students in work experience. The project also is the guardian of the Registrar for Stable Partnerships, maintained by the NGO. The registrar is a provisional mechanism to prove the longevity of gay relationships, while proper legal instruments are not established in BraziI. In 2007, the legal advice will be integrated to the psychological service, offered by the “Cuca Fresca” project.
