Thousands march in Rio against religious intolerance

RIO DE JANEIRO: Tens of thousands marched at the world famous Copacabana beach on Sunday in a protest against the persecution of Afro-Brazilian religious groups.

Afro-Brazilian religious leaders were joined by Catholics, Muslims, Jews, Protestants, Buddhists and Baha'is, dressed in the traditional garb of their faiths, aiming to draw attention to intolerance.

"Our movement is not religious, it does not promote any faith, just the right to be respected. Religious intolerance is the open door to fascism," said Ivan Dos Santos, an organizer of the march.

The drumbeat of Candomble -- a religion introduced in Brazil in the 16th century by west African slaves -- resounded on the beach not far from where Hare Krishna devotees danced in a circle.

A Candomble priest, or "babalawô," Dos Santos said he wanted to gain the world's attention.

"Religion is a cause of war in the world, but here we are bringing the religions together to dialogue because religious intolerance generates racism and threatens democracy," he said.

Police did not confirm the estimated numbers of demonstrators.

Along the way other faiths have joined the marches.

"Any type of discrimination that does not affect us today can affect us tomorrow. That's why I am here," said Paulo Maltz, a Jewish lawyer.

Copyright AFP (Agence France-Presse), 2011