Compromís Accuses PP and Vox of Sectarianism Over LGTBI Flag Visibility in Cortes
In Valencia, the political landscape is once again dominated by debate over how LGTBI rights are treated by governing coalitions and opposition. As discussions around a government pact between the People’s Party and Vox unfold, critics argue that the agreement has intensified the pressure on progressive forces and their allies. In response, left-leaning groups have taken visible steps to reaffirm their support for LGTBI rights, placing pride symbols at the forefront of their offices and public spaces. The Valencian Parliament became a focal point as PSPV-PSOE and Compromís raised the LGTBI flag in the offices, while a similar gesture appeared at the gates of the parliamentary entrance, signaling a firm stand for inclusion in the face of conservative pushback. In Alicante County Council, led by Carlos Mazón, the future president of the regional government, it was stated that no backlash would be tolerated in the name of LGTBI rights. Mazón himself asserted that there would be no retreat on matters of freedom, stressing that any attempt to undermine the community’s rights would be firmly opposed by his administration.
The clash surrounding the progress of LGTBI rights is unfolding alongside broader political maneuvers. The right-wing group Vox has repeatedly criticized what it sees as excessive liberalism in public institutions, while opponents argue that the alliance between PP and Vox could complicate the protection of minority rights. The scene at the Cortes highlights ongoing tensions about symbolism, policy, and the practical steps needed to ensure equal treatment for all residents. The left, including the PSPV and Compromís, frames these actions as essential reminders of the commitments to diversity that have shaped Valencian public policy in recent years. Critics from the opposing side argue that such demonstrations amount to political theater; supporters counter that visibility matters, especially for communities that have historically faced discrimination. The exchange underscores a broader regional conversation about how to balance tradition and progress, public symbolism and concrete rights, in a climate of intense political rivalry.
Joan Baldoví of Compromís—often a vocal advocate for open society and minority protections—emphasized the need to maintain momentum on LGTBI rights. He pointed to the Parliament’s failure to display symbols of honor for the first time since 2015 as a sign of shrinking space for inclusive values, a situation that his party wants to address. At the same time, the Valencian leadership echoed a consistent message: the rights of LGTBI individuals cannot be rolled back. The future administration in Alicante, under Mazón, reiterated a clear stance against any attempts to limit freedoms, declaring that there would be no path backward on matters of inclusion. Ximo Puig, the vice president of the regional government, joined the chorus by pledging to confront those who would try to confine people to outdated norms, arguing that real progress requires safeguarding the right to love freely and without fear.
Across the region, the debate extends beyond symbols to the practical protection of rights. Advocates for the LGTBI community highlight the importance of ongoing policy efforts, enforcement of anti-discrimination laws, and robust support networks that help individuals live openly and with dignity. Critics, meanwhile, caution against overreach, urging a careful consideration of how changes affect all residents, including those with conservative beliefs. The current environment shows a parliament that remains a stage for competing visions about equality, identity, and public accountability. As political parties navigate this contentious terrain, the core question continues to be how best to translate principled commitments into everyday protections for everyone in the Valencian Community and across the broader region, including Alicante and beyond. [CITATION: Regional political coverage and official statements]