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Brazil Enacts Simple Language Law, Bans Neutral Forms in Public Administration

The measure sets a 90-day window for executive regulation following Lula’s veto of a clause mandating compliance officers.

Overview

  • Law No. 15.263/2025 was published in the Diário Oficial da União on Nov. 17 and entered into force the same day nationwide.
  • All bodies of the Executive, Legislative and Judiciary at the federal, state, district and municipal levels must adopt clear, accessible communication in documents, services and public information.
  • Article 5 forbids language-neutral forms in official communications, tying usage to the Portuguese language standards in the VOLP and the Orthographic Agreement (e.g., no “todes” or “elu”).
  • The statute lists techniques such as short, direct sentences, common vocabulary, visual aids, accessibility for people with disabilities and, when applicable, versions in Indigenous languages.
  • Lula vetoed a requirement to name an implementation officer in each body; the Executive has up to 90 days to regulate details as federative units issue complementary operational rules, following STF rulings that reserve national standards to the Union.