Women in Mexico formed human chains around Catholic churches during International Women’s Day protests, standing guard against potential vandalism. The presence of these female guardians helped ensure a rare peaceful demonstration without reports of violence or property damage. How have feminist protests in Latin America historically treated religious buildings?
Breaking the Cycle of Church Vandalism
Women in Guadalajara took a stand against vandalism by forming human chains around Catholic churches during International Women’s Day protests. This preventive measure came in response to a troubling pattern across Latin America where feminist demonstrations have frequently resulted in damaged religious buildings.
The protective chains specifically safeguarded the Church of Our Lady of Carmen and the Metropolitan Cathedral, both of which were targeted in previous demonstrations. Historical precedent gave these women reason for concern, as feminist protesters throughout Latin America have established a tradition of vandalizing Catholic churches during their marches.
Brave Catholic women formed a human fence to prevent a Catholic church from being vandalized by pro-abortion feminist activists in Guadalajara, Mexico.
Info: El Occidental pic.twitter.com/dPCZm4HZXN
— Sachin Jose (@Sachinettiyil) March 10, 2025
Peaceful Protest Prevails
Unlike previous years, where violence erupted during similar demonstrations, this year’s International Women’s Day protest in Guadalajara remained remarkably peaceful. According to the local newspaper, El Occidental, no incidents of vandalism or violence were reported during the event, marking a significant departure from past confrontations.
Feminist demonstrators still voiced their demands through signs featuring messages like “My Body, My Choice” and other calls for women’s rights. The presence of the women forming protective barriers didn’t silence these voices but instead created an environment where expression could occur without destruction.
These brave women in Guadalajara, Mexico, formed a human fence to protect a Catholic church from vandalism by feminist activists.
God bless them and protect them 🙏 pic.twitter.com/IKRdBnyDCn
— 👑💥 Serenity 💥👑 (@polishprincessh) March 13, 2025
Regional Context of Church Protection
This preventive action in Guadalajara comes against a backdrop of heightened tensions between feminist movements and religious institutions throughout Latin America. Previous incidents include a particularly troubling episode in Salta, Argentina, where police officers guarding a church were physically attacked by protesters.
Catholic churches have become symbolic targets for some feminist groups who view the Church’s traditional teachings on gender roles, abortion, and sexuality as obstacles to women’s rights. The successful protection effort in Guadalajara demonstrates that advocacy for women’s rights need not come at the expense of religious heritage and property.
The peaceful demonstration showcased a maturing approach to feminist advocacy in the region, prioritizing message over mayhem. Women on both sides of the issue—those protesting for expanded rights and those protecting religious institutions—demonstrated that passionate advocacy can coexist with respect for cultural and religious landmarks.