Brazilian lawmaker could lose political rights for sexist jibe

Just days after war broke out in Ukraine, Arthur do Val, a state lawmaker in São Paulo, decided to head to the Eastern European country to “cover the conflict in loco” and “support the Ukrainian resistance.” Mr. do Val, best known in Brazil by his moniker Mamãe Falei, posted just about his every move in Ukraine on social media, including the “transformative” experience of helping locals manufacture Molotov cocktails. But the stunt aimed at enhancing his profile has now left him disgraced.

Upon his return early in March, a leaked audio message showed Mr. do Val gushing about Ukrainian women in a derogatory fashion, saying that refugees “are easy because they are poor.” He added that a line of refugees in Ukraine would have more beautiful women “than the line to enter the best nightclub in São Paulo.”

The rookie lawmaker lost his party’s support, his girlfriend, many of his social media followers … and now his office.

The outrage that followed Mr. do Val’s remarks led to a slew of impeachment requests for breach of decorum. Last week, a special State...