A new protocol for rallies addressing murders linked to sexist violence in Cortes
After a period of silence, a fresh protocol has been introduced in Cortes regarding rallies that condemn murders linked to sexist violence. It has been noted that the regional parliament’s leader was not the origin of the banner used during the demonstrations. A coalition including Vox, the PP, and a far-right faction agreed to modify the emblem displayed before each minute of silence.
The banner will now carry the message “No to violence against women” at the doors of the autonomous assembly during every rally staged from this point onward. The PP states that this message will also appear on the Government Delegation banner. In the Valencian Community, which is led by the socialists under Pilar Bernabe, the new proposal replaces the previously used slogan “Les Corts contra la violencia masclista,” which has been removed. Vox contends there is no explicit reference to gender-based violence in the new wording.
The agreement, opposed by PSPV and Compromí, comes after socialists, through their representatives on the Board of Directors, including the second vice-president of Corts, Gabriela Bravo, presented their own proposal. The goal was to establish a common protocol in which the banner would bear the message “Against gender-based violence.”
Alfredo Castelló, the deputy speaker of the regional parliament, explained that Bravo’s presentation of this protocol helped bring the new pact to the table and move the discussion forward, albeit without a full dialogue. He noted that the Valencia Pact Against Sexist Violence required a unified protocol across institutions that the Consell had to support, but Botànic had not previously achieved this. The new agreement aims to standardize the message across bodies, even if it was not part of the original plan.
In addition to agreeing on rally procedures, the protocol specifies that the president of the Cortes will inform staff and members when a murder of a woman due to gender violence has been confirmed. The Assembly will observe a minute of silence at the start of the next plenary session. If information arrives before 11 a.m., a three-minute silence will be observed at the door. The guidelines also state the banner to be displayed in all gatherings: a unified message reading “No to violence against women.”
Ultimately, the changes seek to harmonize the stance used in public commemorations and to ensure a coherent approach among institutions within the Valencian Community. Proponents argue the move strengthens solidarity against gender-based violence, while critics raise concerns about how the message is framed and whether it fully captures the scope of the issue. The debate highlights the tension between political positions and the need for a consistent, respectful response to acts of violence against women.