Vivares (Extremadura) illuminates the tower of his church with the LGTBI colors to the displeasure of the bishopric
For several nights, shortly before 22 p.m., in vivares one lights up 23 meter tower high in one of the flattest areas of this fertile area of Extremadura to defend sexual diversity and the rights of the people of this group. It is the bell tower of the church of Vivares, a local entity with less than 700 inhabitants belonging to Don Benito. Judging by the social networks of the City Council, the vast majority of them celebrate the mayor's initiative, Jairus Pine (PSOE), to illuminate the building with the colors of the LGTBI flag.
However, and as expected, the Church has not seen the municipal initiative with the same eyes. The Diocese of Plasencia, to which it belongs vivares, has ceded to Town hall until 2029 the ecclesiastical buildings in exchange for taking charge of the maintenance and being able to make use of them, such as the old 'house of the priest', which has become an entrepreneurship center with offices for businessmen and freelancers.
However, religious services are held regularly: on Sundays at 11 am there is mass in the parish, as every year for the patron San Miguel (September 29) and for San Pedro (June 29, the day after the Pride).
However, apparently, the transfer is not sufficient reason for the municipal corporation, made up solely of PSOE councillors, to adopt decisions on the facilities unilaterally. Shortly after coloring the tower, the Diocese rebuked the mayor for not agreeing on the measure and also called his attention for making the premiere of the new lighting coincide with this event. There it was, according to Pine, which underlines the good relations between both parties.
LGTBI reference in Extremadura
vivares It is one of the colonization towns that were created during the Franco regime in Estremadura in the shadow of Badajoz plan. In none is missing its church with its bell tower, so "the tower is a sign of identity for all vivareños”, explains the mayor. Thus, Pine I had been thinking for some time of installing a lighting system that would serve to commemorate certain days, as is the case in other towns. But his intention was not to release it on any date, but in Pride week "because at Vivares we are committed to recognizing the rights of LGTBI people and we know that there is still a lot to do".
The decision has had the support of the neighbors, as can be read on the social networks of the council and those of the mayor, where there are several dozen comments that welcome the lighting for the support it represents for the entire group and the originality of lighting in such a sober building.
But the truth is that this defense of the rights of the LGTBI community is not new in Vivares. Despite the size of the smaller local entity, it has become a benchmark in this fight for years. In fact, it belongs to the Extremeña Network of Peoples Free of LGBTIphobia, has a mural against hate crimes and, for many years, the municipal agenda has been filled with activities in June for the Pride.
The colors of the rainbow will continue to illuminate the church tower until at least the middle of the month. So that later the City Council can continue commemorating other anniversaries, it will have to seek financing. That is the next step that Vivares is going to take after the success and repercussion that this vindictive pilot experience has had.
