- A circular from the Board orders the removal of LGTBI symbolism from the 17 Spaces for Youth Creation in the region.
- The vice president Óscar Fernández Calle (Vox) defends it to “unify the image” and announces a thorough review of the Youth Council.
- The opposition speaks of control of freedom of expression and warns that it will respond if an attempt is made to close the Council.
The Board of Extremadura defended this Thursday, September 24, in the regional Assembly, the removal of the LGTBI symbolism from the 17 Spaces for Youth Creation. Its vice president, Óscar Fernández Calle (Vox), justified the measure and also announced cuts in the Youth Council.
What does the circular from the Board order?
The circular prohibits displaying flags, symbols, slogans, or posters linked to associations, movements, ideological currents, or specific groups in these youth centers. According to El Salto, the regulation effectively includes the rainbow flag and feminist and equality campaigns.
The instruction comes from the Department of Deregulation, Social Services, and Family, led by Fernández, and affects the spaces dependent on the Institute of Youth of Extremadura. From now on, only the signage authorized by the department can be hung. In case of any doubt, the staff must consult the Institute itself.
The defense of the vice president
Fernández Calle presented the removal as a way to “unify the image” of the facilities. He argued that the centers must be open to all users and rejected that the measure restricts freedom of opinion.
In the same control session, he went further. He announced a “thorough review” of the budget programs of the Youth Council to eliminate what he considers “superfluous spending” and activities that, in his opinion, overlap with those of the Institute of Youth. He assured that the Government will continue to implement its electoral program.
What does the opposition respond?
Unidas por Extremadura and the PSOE accuse the Executive of using neutrality as an excuse to control freedom of expression. The deputy David Araújo (Unidas por Extremadura) was the one who raised that criticism in the plenary.
The socialist Aitor Vaquerizo warned that his party will respond if an attempt is made to close the Youth Council. He recalled a previous attempt during the mandate of José Antonio Monago and accused the president María Guardiola of having opened the door to the “Trojan Horse of hate.”
A precedent in June
This is not the first time that the signage of these spaces generates controversy. According to El Salto, the spokesperson for Unidas por Extremadura, Irene de Miguel, already reported in June that posters with messages about inclusion, immigration, and diversity had been banned.
For the LGTBIQ+ community, youth spaces are often one of the few safe places where young people can see their identity reflected. Therefore, the removal of symbols like the rainbow flag is seen as a setback in visibility precisely where it is most needed.
Frequently asked questions
How many centers are affected?
The 17 Spaces for Youth Creation in Extremadura, according to elDiario.es.
Who gave the order?
The Department of Deregulation, Social Services, and Family, led by vice president Óscar Fernández Calle (Vox).
What will happen to the Youth Council?
The Board has announced a thorough review of its budget programs to eliminate what it considers superfluous spending.
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