Representative Proposes Prostate Exam on Workers

Brazilian Representative Clodovil Hernandes has introduced a House bill to add prostate exams to the current labour laws for workers over 40 years of age. If examination is positive, then the required psychological treatment would follow.

Brazilian Representative Clodovil Hernandes (PR, Sao Paulo) has introduced a House bill (2374/07) to add prostate exams, at employer's expense, to the current labour laws for workers over 40 years of age. Brazil's current labour law, locally called C.L.T. (5,452 dated 1943), establishes that a medical exam should be made on job applicants on the occasion of both hiring and dismissal of workers, as well as periodically and on the employer's account. According to Hernandes, his bill aims at expanding prevention of prostrate gland cancer. "Today, such prevention is facing serious hindrances, which have led to thousands of deaths each year", says Hernandes, who used to be both a fashion designer and a TV gossip-show host. Hernandes has reached his congressional seat by representing Brazil's powerful gay community. He is the top-voted congressman sitting in Brazil's House of Representatives.