SACRIFICE OF ANIMALS IN RELIGIOUS CEREMONIES IN THE STF PAUTA: THE RIGHT TO RELIGIOUS FREEDOM OVERLOOKING THE RIGHT TO NON-HUMAN ANIMAL LIFE

The present article highlights the relationship between humans and nonhuman animals, aiming to discuss, indirectly, the secular process of animal reification and, directly, the sacrifice of animals in religious ceremonies of African matrix in face of the prohibitive rule of cruelty to animals of art. 225, §1, VII of CF/88. In this sense, analyzes the recent judgment in the Supreme Federal Court - STF that culminated in the recognition of the constitutionality of said sacrifice, characterizing the issue as one of the most complex and relevant issues for the protection of animal rights in Brazil. Based on the aforementioned constitutional rule, it is intended to critically address the judgment of Extraordinary Appeal no. 494601 and demonstrate that its result reflects the poor maturity of the Supreme Court to discuss the conflict between the right to religious freedom and the right to animal life, both fundamental. The methodology used involved the research technique bibliographic review, consultation to national legislation and specialized doctrine, and analysis of judicial precedents from the Supreme Court with similar theme to the present.