The acting Ombudsman of Spain, Francisco Fernández Marugán, wants to show his great concern for the increase of homophobic aggressions, condemn these attacks and appeal to society as a whole and particularly to public authorities, political formations and the media, to firmly combat any intolerant message.
The Ombudsman recalls that in recent months there have been in different parts of Spain “brutal” assaults allegedly motivated by the sexual orientation of the victims. In this regard, he recalls with special pain the ferocious beating that ended the life of the young Samuel Luiz to whom his assailants proffered all kinds of homophobic insults.
After the latest homophobic aggressions, Fernández Marugán considers that an Institution such as the one he leads cannot remain impassive in the face of these serious acts. In this sense, he reiterates his commitment to promote the necessary measures to prevent these crimes and ensure that victims have access to real and effective protection by public administrations.
In his opinion, a firm and clear commitment to education in equality is necessary to eradicate this type of behavior and to fight against those who promote direct or indirect discrimination.
For Fernández Marugán “this type of aggression has no place in a democratic society such as ours”. Furthermore, as he has already denounced on other occasions, “there can also be no place in our society for messages that directly or indirectly incite violence. We cannot allow it”.
In his opinion, tolerance and understanding towards others will facilitate a more inclusive society and therefore a much freer and democratic one.
