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Since José Ignacio Munilla was transferred from his position as Bishop of San Sebastián—following ten years of controversy—to the Diocese of Orihuela-Alicante, his statements have caused significant concern and unease among many sectors of Orihuela’s society.
His remarks have included openly antifeminist rhetoric and opposition to LGTB rights, with his recent defence of so-called “conversion therapies” standing out as particularly alarming.
These practices have been unequivocally condemned by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Spanish Psychological Association (AEP).
Furthermore, these therapies are explicitly prohibited and punishable under Law 4/2023 of February 28, which ensures real and effective equality for transgender individuals and guarantees LGTB rights. The promotion or normalization of such practices, as done by Bishop Munilla, is considered a serious offense under this law.
Leticia Pertegal, spokesperson for Cambiemos Orihuela, strongly criticised the bishop’s actions, stating, “It is unacceptable for the Bishop of Orihuela to stigmatize and persecute the LGTBI community, particularly by defending conversion therapies, which constitute a clear form of torture. The City Council, as a protector of all citizens’ rights and dignity, must take a stand and publicly condemn Bishop Munilla’s statements for violating human rights.”
Juan López, councillor for the Socialist municipal group, added, “The LGTBIQ+ community is fed up with the bishop’s continuous attacks since his arrival in Orihuela. The impunity with which he promotes a criminal act—because let’s remember, conversion therapies are illegal—demonstrates how far-right ideologies have infiltrated our institutions. We demand that the City Council, at the very least, publicly reject these statements. The people of Orihuela deserve institutional support from our local government in response to this direct attack on our rights.”
Similarly, Mar Ezcurra, a councillor for Ciudadanos, insisted that “the City Council must firmly and unequivocally reject the bishop’s statements endorsing conversion therapies. These practices have been condemned by the WHO and are punishable by law, as they violate the rights of LGTBI individuals. That is why we are presenting this motion—to ensure the municipal government takes a clear stand against such statements.”
Based on these concerns, the opposition parties have put forth a motion proposing the following resolutions:
A firm and unequivocal rejection of Bishop José Ignacio Munilla’s statements, which undermine the rights and dignity of women and the LGTB community, as well as any form of intolerance and discrimination based on gender, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
A call for Bishop José Ignacio Munilla to publicly retract his statements and to disassociate himself from any support for “conversion therapies,” instead promoting a message of respect, inclusion, and comprehensive care for all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
The submission of this motion to the Diocese of Orihuela-Alicante, the Government Delegation in the Valencian Community, the Generalitat Valenciana, and the Spanish Federation of Municipalities and Provinces (FEMP) to ensure that appropriate measures are taken to prevent the promotion of hate speech and discrimination in any public or religious institution.
A commitment from the Orihuela City Council to refrain from participating in or providing direct or indirect financial support for any activities that violate Article 82 of Law 4/2023.
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