Constitutional Court orders respect for municipal restrictions on diversity march in Antigua Guatemala

The Constitutional Court of Guatemala has issued a provisional amparo, siding with the Municipality of Antigua Guatemala regarding a planned diversity march. The court ordered that the organization Orgullo Antigua must adhere to municipal restrictions on routes and public spaces.

The ruling, stemming from case file 5464-2026, prohibits public security authorities from validating or facilitating any activities organized by Orgullo Antigua in areas or on routes that the Antigua Guatemala City Council has previously denied. This includes parades, marches, stage setups, pedestrian closures, or any exclusive use of spaces rejected by the municipality.

If organizers proceed with their right to public demonstration, they must do so in locations, on routes, and at times distinct from those not authorized by the municipality. The court also stipulated that any activities must take place on different routes and at different times than the procession of the Iglesia La Merced and other pre-authorized family, cultural, and religious events within Antigua Guatemala's historic center.

The court's decision aims to prevent interference between different events, preserve public order, ensure personal safety, and maintain social peace. It also instructs authorities to monitor and protect the rights of both march participants and those who may express differing opinions.

Furthermore, the court emphasized the protection of children and adolescents, ensuring they are not exposed to information or expressions incompatible with their age. It urged organizers and the public to exercise their rights peacefully and within legal boundaries, while also calling on the Attorney General's Office and the Human Rights Prosecutor to oversee compliance.