On Wednesday (26), Rio de Janeiro State Governor Claudio Castro approved a bill allowing the sale and use of plant extract sprays, such as pepper spray, for women. The product will be sold in pharmacies and will be limited to women over 18 years old.
Women over the age of 16 may use the spray, as long as they have permission from their guardians.
The bill, originally drafted by representatives Sara Poncio (Solidarity) and Rodrigo Amorim (Union), stipulates that the sprays will be sold in pharmaceutical establishments, limited to two units per person per month. Consumers will not need to have an average income, but they must provide an identification document with a photo.
Sprays sold to the public must contain a maximum of 20% extract and be in containers weighing no more than 70 grams. Containers with a capacity of more than 50 ml, such as those used to contain pepper spray, are classified as prohibited for use by armed forces and public security agencies.
The government stated that it would be able to provide the spray free of charge to women victims of domestic violence who have a protective order. Castro expects that the costs of purchasing the product must be paid by the attacker.
“The spray creates an instant layer of protection when a woman is alone and help has not yet arrived,” says Boncio. “It’s seconds that make a real difference in avoiding harm and ensuring a chance of safety.”
Despite a law restricting sales in pharmacies and the right to purchase for women, supposed models of pepper spray are sold freely on online shopping sites, with prices ranging from $40 to R$170 and without the obligation to prove gender or age.
In São Paulo, a draft law introduced by State Representative Marcio Nakashima (PDT) regulates the use of spray as a means of self-defense. The text entered the CCJ (Committee on the Constitution, Justice and Writing) in Alispe (Legislative Assembly of São Paulo) on the 18th.
A bill is also being processed in the Amazonas State Legislative Assembly that would allow the use of pepper spray. In September, Governor Wilson Lima (Federal) passed a law permitting the importation, acquisition and possession of electroshock weapons, known as Tasers, for the purposes of personal defense of women.
The law stipulates that sales must be made in specialized stores, and purchases must be made on the condition of presenting an identity document with a photo. By law, women must take an orientation course on the correct and safe use of weapons.