The American Museum of Natural History cancels a protest in honor of Bolsonaro: NPR

The American Museum of Natural History in New York has announced that it will organize more event in honor of the president of the Brazilian far right, Jair Bolsonaro, who has stated unambiguously his desire to go back on the protection of the environment.

Environmental organizations lobbied for the event to be moved. "This decision echoes the museum's institutional values ​​and its tireless quest for truth through science and education, which is exactly the opposite of what the Brazilian president defends," said the ecologist organization. Brazilian. Observatório do Clima.

The museum had rented the gala space at the US-Brazil Chamber of Commerce for its annual annual awards gala dinner. Past winners included Bill Clinton and Michael Bloomberg.

Thursday, AMNH pointed out that he I did not know that Bolsonaro was going to be honored when the event would have been booked by the nonprofit group that promotes "trade, investment and cultural ties between the two nations". The museum said: "We are deeply concerned and we are exploring our options."

Two days later, the museum seemed even clearer about its discomfort with the event: "We want you to know that we understand and share your distress."

employees also expressed their concerns about the event at the management. Monday, the museum off a joint declaration with the Brazilian-American Chamber of Commerce.

"We jointly agreed that the Museum is not the ideal venue for the gala dinner of the Brazilian-American Chamber of Commerce." "This traditional event will take place at another place on the date and at the time of origin."

It is unclear exactly where the dinner will be held on May 14, although the House website says it will be in a "high-end place" that will be announced soon.

The Chamber has declared that it has chosen Bolsonaro as a personality of the year "in recognition of its firm intention to strengthen the commercial and diplomatic ties between Brazil and the United States and its firm commitment to establishing a strong and lasting partnership between the two. nations. "

Bolsonaro suggested changing the protections on the rainforest to allow development. Recently, he said: "Environmental policy can not embarrass the development of Brazil. … Today, the economy is almost back on track thanks to the agribusiness, and they are stifled by environmental issues. "

New York Mayor Bill de Blasio applauds the movement of AMNH "in the name of our city." "Jair Bolsonaro is a dangerous man and his overt racism, homophobia and destructive decisions will have a devastating impact on the future of our planet."