On the occasion of International LGTBIQ+ Pride Day, celebrated on June 28th, the Socialist Municipal Group has registered a proposal for the council to reiterate its commitment to equality and diversity. The initiative, which must pass the Government Board, proposes showing the city's support for the commemoration, backing the activities of local LGTBIQ+ collectives, and rejecting any manifestation of LGTBIfobia.
Socialist spokesperson Patricia Puerta emphasized the "obligation of institutions to clearly position themselves alongside equality, freedom, and respect" in the face of proliferating discourses questioning established rights. Puerta highlighted that the declaration is a "democratic commitment to the dignity of all people" and expressed confidence in the support of the entire municipal corporation.
The socialists recall that the current municipal government, formed by PP and Vox, "has repeatedly avoided taking a firm stance" in defense of the collective's rights, viewing this proposal as a "good opportunity" to see if the Popular Party will distance itself from the "reactionary discourses" of its governing partner.
For its part, the Compromís per Castelló Municipal Group has presented a similar proposal, focused on strengthening the collective's rights, recovering public diversity policies, and eradicating conversion therapies. Councilor Vera Bou defended the need to place people at the center of public policies and warned of "setbacks" in recent years.
Compromís's declaration urges the Generalitat (Regional Government) to reverse regulatory modifications that have led to a reduction in rights, particularly in education and the protection of trans individuals. They call for strengthening the Servici Orienta (Guidance Service) and recovering the Armari de la Memòria (Memory Closet), a space dedicated to Valencian LGTBIQ+ history.
Among the proposed measures is the immediate investigation of conversion pseudotherapies in subsidized educational centers and the recovery of specialized orientation programs and educational materials on sexual, affective, and family diversity. Compromís demands an "express, absolute, and exception-free" prohibition of conversion therapies, which Bou has denounced as a "violation of human rights."
Bou also criticized Mayor Begoña Carrasco for "attempting to appropriate the flag of diversity while remaining silent in the face of attacks" from her political allies. She noted that the Institutional Pride celebration highlighted the collective's "discontent" with the right-wing policies, as participation in the "critical and demanding" segment was higher.
