Cofradía de la Purísima Sangre de Nuestro Señor Jesucristo de Sagunto

The Cofradía de la Purísima Sangre de Nuestro Señor Jesucristo de Sagunto, a long-standing religious brotherhood in Sagunto, Valencia, is at the center of a controversy regarding gender equality. The organization recently voted, for the third time in its history, to maintain its policy of excluding women from participating in its Semana Santa (Holy Week) processions. This decision has prompted the Spanish government to initiate proceedings to revoke the Semana Santa of Sagunto's designation as a Fiesta of National Tourist Interest, a recognition granted by the Ministry of Industry and Tourism in 2004. The government's action, announced jointly by the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Equality, underscores the growing national focus on gender equality within traditional Spanish celebrations and the potential consequences for organizations that uphold discriminatory practices. The vote within the Cofradía resulted in 267 votes against allowing women's participation and 114 in favor, highlighting a deep division within the organization itself.