Spanish parliamentary forum on catholic faith canceled without notice
A forum on the contribution of the Catholic faith to Spanish society and European integration organised by the Enraizados Foundation at the Spanish Lower Chamber, scheduled for October 13, was canceled without notice to the organisation involved. A few days before the event, the organisers were informed through media outlets that left-wing political parties had voted to cancel the meeting, citing vague concerns about alleged “fascist” content and religious claims, raising concerns over ideological discrimination.
In May 2025, the Enraizados Foundation applied for a conference room at the Spanish Lower Chamber to host a forum on the contribution of the Catholic faith to Spanish society and European integration. All legal and administrative procedures were followed transparently, and the event was officially scheduled for October 13, 2025, at 4:30 p.m., with confirmed speakers and public announcement. The forum was strictly non-political and intended as a cultural and academic gathering.
On October 9, only four days before the event, media outlets reported that the parliamentary governing board had canceled the forum. The revocation, approved with votes from the PSOE and Sumar parties, cited vague concerns about “fascist” content and religious claims, despite the forum’s non-political nature. No official written explanation was provided, and given these parties’ historical association with anti-Christian positions, the decision raises serious concerns about ideological bias rather than any legitimate procedural or security reason.
The Enraizados Foundation immediately sought clarification and filed a petition for urgent precautionary measures to protect its fundamental rights. On the day of the forum, October 13, members of the Foundation were denied access to the venue and shown only an internal email as justification for the cancellation.
José Carlos Velarde, president of the Enraizados Foundation, stated: “The Board of the Congress has acted arbitrarily. This is a clear case of ideological discrimination, preventing us from participating in a public space that should belong to all citizens.” The original posters for the forum featured the Cross of the Valley of the Fallen and the Foundation’s motto. Although Congress staff requested their removal and the Foundation complied, the event was still canceled.
The Foundation considers the measure unlawful and discriminatory and has filed an appeal with the courts to defend its fundamental rights. Consequently, the forum was held at an alternative location.
Source: Enraizados.org, ReligiónDigital, Cope, EuropaPress
Photo: ReligiónDigital