Deputy Ministers for Equality, Irene Montero, and for Social Rights and the 2023 Agenda, Ione Belarra, criticized the kiss on the lips that Luis Rubiales, president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation, directed toward Jenni Hermoso after Spain’s World Cup victory. The moment sparked a broader debate about consent and the portrayal of sexual violence in public life.
Relating to
- Spain earned global attention across sports such as football, basketball, handball, and water polo.
- This World Cup moment highlighted the emotional highs and the tension that can accompany high-stakes victories.
Belarra underscored that kissing without consent is not a casual occurrence but a form of sexual violence women face daily. She stressed that this issue remains largely invisible and must not be normalized. She called on society to take responsibility and reaffirm the principle that consent is paramount, echoing the phrase often summarized as Only yes is yes.
In a parallel message, Montero joined Belarra in condemning the incident and reaffirming the commitment to eradicate sexual violence against women. Both ministers offered support to the champions and urged a clear stand against any gesture that undermines consent, emphasizing that such acts have consequences beyond a single moment and affect the public sphere in profound ways.
Their statements were echoed on social networks, where they framed the event as a touchstone for ongoing advocacy and policy work aimed at protecting women from gender-based violence. The ministers suggested that the response to this incident should be as visible as the public celebration itself, ensuring that issues of consent and respect are addressed openly at national levels.