With the "Equality Benches," the Oeiras municipality, in a post on its official website, states its intention to take "a significant step in the fight against homophobia" and to be "a space of welcome and inclusion for all people."

The rainbow is the flag of LGBTQIA+ people, an acronym that embraces lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and other gender identities and sexual orientations not specifically listed (covered by the + sign).

The benches were installed in the municipality's five parishes – Barcarena; Porto Salvo; Algés, Linda-a-Velha, and Cruz Quebrada-Dafundo; Carnaxide and Queijas; Oeiras, Paço de Arcos, and Caxias – and their specific locations are available on the municipality's website.

"These benches are not just a place to rest; they are a symbol of inclusion, diversity, and love in all its forms," emphasizes the municipality, assuming "Oeiras' commitment to a society where all people, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, origin, or beliefs, are valued and welcomed."

Oeiras addresses its residents to remind them that: "When you sit on these benches, you sit in a space of freedom, empathy, and equality." And it extends an invitation: "Sit. Respect. Celebrate."

The municipality emphasizes that "everyone deserves a place where they can simply be who they are."