LGTBI Motion in Melilla: the Assembly approves campaigns, training, and protocols against assaults with the only “no” from Vox

• The Assembly of Melilla approves the PSOE motion in defense of the LGTBI community with 19 votes in favor, 1 against (Vox) and 3 abstentions.
• Includes awareness campaigns, training for municipal staff and protocols against assaults at events and parties.
• The debate became tense when the Vox deputy José Miguel Tasende brought up the victims of the Toledo train accident.

The LGTBI motion in Melilla has been approved. The extraordinary plenary of the Assembly of Melilla approved this Friday, October 30, the proposal from the Socialist Group (PSME-PSOE) to protect the rights of the community, in a debate marked by a harsh clash between Vox and PSOE.

What does the LGTBI motion in Melilla ask for?

The motion asks that the Autonomous City strengthen its commitment to LGTBI rights and family diversity, and condemn all forms of LGTBIfobia, including hate speech. According to El Faro de Melilla, these are its main measures:

• Official support for the celebration of Pride 2026 and rainbow flag in a visible place during those days.
• Awareness campaigns for youth, sports, culture, libraries, the elderly, and educational centers.
• Training for municipal staff: citizen attention, social services, and Local Police, among others.
• LGTBI perspective in municipal policies and collaboration with entities throughout the year.
• Prevention and action protocols against assaults or discrimination at municipal events and parties.
• Cultural and democratic memory activities about the history of the LGTBI movement.

How did each group vote?

The motion was approved with 19 votes in favor: PP, PSOE, Somos Melilla and the non-attached deputy Javier Da Costa. Vox voted against and Coalition for Melilla abstained with its three votes.

Publicidad

Coalition for Melilla explained that it disagreed with some points, although it acknowledged that the city is already working to support the rights of the community.

In defense of the motion, the socialist deputy Rafael Robles warned of the increase in harassment against the community and warned that LGTBIfobic hate speech “is on the rise”. He called for more involvement from the regional government, especially in educational centers. He also accused the PP of wanting to turn Pride into a “tourist showcase” and criticized its agreements with Vox.

What did Vox say during the debate?

The Vox deputy José Miguel Tasende used the Toledo train accident to respond to PSOE. According to El Faro de Melilla, he stated that “homosexuals have many rights. The first, the right to life,” and added: “Tell that to those who were on the train, because there were also homosexuals there.”

Before the plenary, the Assembly had held a minute of silence for the victims. The president of the City and the Assembly, Juan José Imbroda, asked to “lower the level because the victims are still on the tracks”. The deputy from Somos Melilla Amin Azmani lamented that the victims were mentioned in a debate that had no relation to them.

The socialist Riduan Moh rejected Tasende’s words and asked him to apologize publicly. According to El Faro, he did not do so.

What does the Government of Melilla respond?

The counselor of Presidency, Public Administration and Equality, Marta Fernández de Castro (PP), defended that LGTBI rights “are not the property of any political party”. According to COPE Melilla, she also said that equality and diversity “have no owner or political color”.

The counselor reviewed the advances of Imbroda’s government, supported the work of associations like AMLEGA and defended that the Pride of Melilla has been taken to FITUR. In addition, she committed to continue working with the entities that defend the rights of the community.

Frequently asked questions

Has the LGTBI motion in Melilla been approved?
Yes. The Assembly approved it on October 30, 2026, with 19 votes in favor, 1 against and 3 abstentions.

Who voted against?
Vox. Coalition for Melilla abstained.

- Publicidad-

What measures does it include?
Among others, awareness campaigns, training for municipal staff, protocols against assaults at events and parties, and stable collaboration with LGTBI entities.