It turns out that, on social media, it has been spread that green carnations have links to the LGBT community. The online reaction comes after Chega's intentions to stop the spread of these ideals in public spaces, such as schools, or even agreeing with conversion therapy targeting LGBT people.

The symbol dates back to the 19th century in Paris, where it was popularised by the Irish writer and poet Oscar Wilde. The Victoria and Albert Museum in London explains that the author asked his friends to wear green flowers in their lapels for the play "Lady Windermere's Fan" in 1892.

The book "The Green Carnation" by Robert Hichens, with characters based on Oscar Wilde and his friends, also used the green carnation as a code for the characters' gay lifestyle.

Not only in literature but also in music, an operetta by Noel Coward features a song with the same title that subtly references the gay lifestyle.

Reaction from Chega

Despite the spread of this theory on the internet, Rita Matias, a member of parliament for Chega, reveals on Facebook that the carnations are not solely green; they also have black markings, as can be seen in the photo published by the MP.

Rita Matias also mentions that the carnations used by Chega “were made by an emigrant lady in France,” and that they represent “the longing, strength, and pain of so many Portuguese who left out of necessity but never stopped loving Portugal.”

In another post, a video with the carnation in her hand, Rita Matias accuses the left of “using homosexuality as a way to offend Chega's deputies,” accusing the political wing of not wanting to represent causes and only using them “to achieve electoral success.”