The Ayuntamiento de Madrid has confirmed its intention to respect and comply with the Supreme Court ruling concerning the installation of LGTBIQ+ flags during pride celebrations. On December 2, the High Court endorsed the display of these symbols at public administrative buildings, asserting they are not partisan symbols but recognized as universal emblems of inclusion, diversity, and human rights. During the commission held today, José Fernández, the Delegate for Social Policies, Family, and Equality of Madrid, reiterated, "We respect and abide by judicial decisions," also indicating this includes the flag ruling.
This announcement, affirming the LGTBI flag’s installation at the city hall for this year's pride, coincided with rising political tensions. Fernández declared he will sever all ties with socialist spokesperson Reyes Maroto, citing "a lack of respect" toward his personal life. "At a personal level, Madam Maroto, I will have no relations with you from today due to your disrespect toward my personal life, which is none of your concern," he asserted during the commission.
Maroto responded firmly, refusing to retract her statements made during the commission. "I said he has benefited from a law, and that's the truth. I don't think I have to withdraw the fact he has benefited from the law," she countered. The commission's president, Paula Gómez-Angulo, urged everyone to maintain institutional respect, stating, "We should assume respect is expected and prevent any references to the personal lives of commission members moving forward."
Maroto defended the display of the rainbow flag, stating, "The rainbow flag transcends political ideologies and embodies universal values. Its presence on public buildings during pride is a visibility act conveying support for diversity." She lamented the current mayor, José Luis Martínez-Almeida, has, over his six-year tenure, refused to display the flag, warning the PP legislature, "Their excuses have run out." She emphasized renewed scrutiny as they approach the anniversary of controversial rights cuts affecting trans and LGTBI individuals, enacted by Isabel Díaz Ayuso, highlighting how Almeida and Fernández defended temporarily suspended laws infringing on state competencies.
Acutely, Maroto accused the PP party of making cuts to rights, particularly for the LGTBIQ+ community, emphasizing, "They voted against every advancement, including equal marriage, though they historically benefited from these rights." Responding, Fernández emphasized his political integrity, asserting, "During my years in politics, I have never utilized anyone's personal life. You (referring to Maroto) will remain my adversary, but I will never discuss your personal life," stating the remarks made by Maroto had "indignified" him not only as the PP council member but personally as well.
Drawing attention to the PSOE's recent congressional decisions, Fernández criticized them for dropping 'Q' and '+' from the LGTBI acronym, labeling it as "a frontal attack on queer and trans realities." He highlighted Podemos' remarks which suggested the PSOE described the action as ”exercising transphobia with extreme right ideologies.”
Earlier, Maroto had clarified her stance, stating she voted against the amendment to remove 'Q+' from the LGTB label, asserting, "I was present for the vote on this amendment; I voted against its removal. For me, LGTBIQ+ individuals are part of the diversity the PSOE has always represented." Continuing on the flag matter, Fernando reminded attendees of the mayor's previous statements concerning the respect for and compliance with judicial decisions. He then questioned Maroto about whether her party would defend judicial independence, recalling how the president of the Supreme Court had to call them to order following outrageous remarks attributed to "autocrat Pedro Sánchez."
