Initial approval for the amendment to the by-law on coexistence
The new text, which entailed an extensive participatory process, is intended to adapt the by-law to the city’s new needs and realities twenty years after it was initially created. The new text introduces conduct which is not permitted, relating to actions that go against sexual freedom and indemnity, and against people’s dignity.
July’s Commission for Presidency, Security and Internal Affairs gave initial approval to the amendment to the by-law on coexistence, which will now be submitted to a public scrutiny period of 30 working days, starting form the day after its publication in the Official Gazette of the Province of Barcelona and without counting the month of August. The new text comes after an extensive participatory process involving associations, organisations, municipal groups and local residents.
The change to the by-law, matching it to new realities twenty years on, aims to maintain public space as a place for coexistence and respect towards others, where everybody can freely go about their activity, circulate freely, engage in leisure, gatherings and recreation. The intention is to preserve full respect for the dignity and rights of others, diversity of expression and ways of life.
Main changes
The new text revises conduct already prohibited, such as the ban on binge drinking in the streets, introducing consumption in areas where minors are present as an aggravating factor and prohibiting drinking routes. It also takes a tougher stance on people taking care of their physiological needs in public space where this may affect coexistence, in busy spots or places where there are minors, and at monuments or listed buildings.
The amendment also contemplates changes relating to graffiti, such as penalising its promotion or collaboration, except in authorised areas. The change also introduces the possibility of replacing fines with alternative measures and the obligation for offenders to take responsibility for the cost of cleaning and damage caused.
The regulation includes new conduct which is not permitted, relating to actions that go against people’s sexual freedom and indemnity, and against their dignity: the prohibition is on actions in public space that are uncomfortable or degrading, against sexual freedom and indemnity.
The new text also introduces legal changes, the concept of joint responsibility and improvements in prevention and awareness measures. As for fines, payment is optimised, the dissuasive effect strengthened and alternatives revised.
