Fachin defends black woman at STF in Rio meeting

The president of Supremo Tribunal Federal (STF), Edson Fachin, was applauded for defending, on Friday (13), in Rio de Janeiro, the nomination of a black woman to the Court. The statement was made at the close of the 9th National Meeting of Black Judges (Enajun), which gathered magistrates to discuss ways to expand the presence of black people in the decision-making spaces of the Judiciary.

Fachin’s speech comes at a time of vacancy in court. The chair has been vacant since the early retirement of Luís Roberto Barroso in October 2025. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) even appointed the general lawyer of the Union, Jorge Messias, but the Senate rejected the name in April this year, by 42 votes to 34. It was the first time in 132 years that the Senate had overturned an appointment to the Supreme Court.

Defense by representativeness on STF

In defending the appointment of a black woman, Fachin stressed the need for the court to reflect the diversity of the Brazilian population. The STF never had a black minister. Cármen Lúcia is currently the only woman among the ten members of the court. The absence of black representation in the highest court in the country is a recurring theme in debates about racial equality and access to justice.

The demonstration of the president of STF was received with applause by the participants of the meeting, signalling support for the agenda between judges and black judges. The reference was to President Lula, to whom it is up to indicate a name for the Supreme. The election must be approved by at least 41 of the 81 senators.

Context of open vacancy

The vacancy in STF has been open since October 2025, when Luís Roberto Barroso retired early. Lula indicated Jorge Messias, but the rejection by the Senate in April this year marked an unprecedented episode in Republican history. Now, the government needs to introduce a new name, and the pressure for an indication that contemplates gender and race grows between sectors of the Judiciary and civil society.

Fachin’s speech, although he did not mention names, is seen as a relevant political gesture. The president of STF has publicly defended the need for greater diversity in the Judiciary, and his demonstration at the Enajun reinforces the debate on the under-representation of black women in the higher courts.

Black presence in the judiciary

The 9th National Meeting of Black Judges began on Wednesday (11) and ended on Friday at the Cultural Center of Justiça Federal, in the Center of Rio. The program included panels and discussions on strategies to broaden the participation of black people in leadership positions in the Judiciary. The event is an important space for articulation and exchange of experiences between black magistrates from all over the country.

During the meeting, racial quota policies were discussed in public tenders, the importance of a plural magistracy and the challenges faced by black judges in the exercise of the profession. The presence of Fachin at the closing and his statement in defense of a black woman in the STF highlighted the theme and increased the visibility of the agenda.

Next steps in the indication

With the vacancy still open, President Lula has the prerogative to indicate a new name for the STF. The choice is expected to take into account diversity criteria, especially after rejection of Jorge Messias. Fachin’s speech can influence public debate and pressure the government to consider a black woman for the spot.

The Senate, which has already rejected a nomination this year, will have a decisive role in passing the next name. The Sabbath and the vote in plenary are mandatory steps, and the support of at least 41 senators is necessary for confirmation. Fachin’s statement, therefore, comes at a strategic moment, on the eve of a new nomination.

The Boca no Trombone Portal will continue to follow the developments of this agenda and will bring updates as soon as there are news about the nomination for the STF.

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