The City Council of Rio de Janeiro on Tuesday (Dec. 6) approved definitively the bill banning the manufacture, sale, and use of fireworks in the city.
The move applies to isolated individuals but allows fireworks without detonation or those making noise of up to 120 decibels, in the case of events held by the city hall or by authorized institutions.
Unveiled four years ago, the bill chiefly aims to protect animals and sensitive people, such as those with autistic spectrum disorder. After a series of debates and adjustments to the original text, the approved wording preserves events such as the traditional New Year’s Eve celebrations in Copacabana. A 180-day deadline has been established before the new piece of legislation becomes effective.
“Fireworks disturb not only domestic animals, babies, small children and some elderly people, but also cause countless discomforts in wildlife, and can even cause the death of many species,” said Councilman Luiz Ramos Filho, who penned the proposal.
For Andrea Cassias, from the Rio sem Estampidos (“Blast-free Rio”) movement, the move is an important stride. “The bangs do a lot of harm to animals and people with autism, and the fight for a better and more inclusive society is necessary,” she stated.
