Spanish Bishop Faces Investigation Over Remarks on Homosexuality
Madrid’s Provincial Prosecutor’s Office has launched a preliminary investigation into José Ignacio Munilla, Bishop of Orihuela-Alicante, following remarks he made criticising a proposed ban on so-called “conversion therapy.” The bishop warned that the draft legislation could jeopardise the freedom of pastoral care offered to individuals with homosexual inclinations, in line with Catholic teaching. His statements, made during a Radio María broadcast, were reported as “hate speech” by a local NGO. Bishop Munilla has firmly rejected the accusation, stating that he merely criticised a government proposal and denounced the investigation as an attempt to intimidate the Church.
The complaint was filed by a citizens’ platform called Tu pueblo y el mío, prompting the prosecutor’s office to initiate proceedings. The investigation focuses on statements made by the bishop on 3 May 2024, in which he said: “Psychologists are threatened if they accompany people with homosexual inclinations when that accompaniment has any hint of helping their homosexual attractions be redirected.” He further stated that “any accompaniment offered to a person to help their inner wounds and to allow them to live the virtue of chastity like any Christian is labelled conversion therapy.”
After proceedings were opened in September 2025, Bishop Munilla responded on X, stating that the case “obviously has no judicial path and only seeks to intimidate the Church so that it does not dare to preach the Good News of Christian love.” He added that he had not received any formal notice from the Prosecutor’s Office and strongly denied targeting any LGTBI groups: “It is totally false that I have directed any criticism at LGTBI groups.” He also questioned the logic behind the complaint, asking: “Is it a crime to criticise the Government and its laws? Should they not, then, also report all the parliamentarians who voted against that law…?” He reiterated that the Church would continue to provide “spiritual accompaniment” to those seeking to live in accordance with Christian chastity.
The prosecutor’s inquiry is being conducted under Spanish criminal law provisions concerning hate speech and offences against human dignity based on sexual orientation. A pre-procedural investigation has been opened to determine whether the bishop’s statements could constitute incitement to hatred, discrimination, or a serious violation of the dignity of individuals or groups.
The case raises broader questions about the scope of freedom of religion and expression, as protected under Articles 9 and 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights. These rights ensure that individuals, including religious leaders, can express their moral and theological convictions—even when those views are controversial or unpopular. Bishop Munilla’s comments were made in a religious context, to an audience seeking pastoral guidance, and reflected long-standing doctrinal positions of the Catholic Church. In such cases, disagreement with the content of the message does not justify state interference. Upholding these protections is essential to ensuring that religious leaders remain free to provide guidance consistent with their faith traditions.
Sources: rtve.es, elmundo.es, gaudiumpress.ca
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