Spanish gay murder reveals issues with domestic violence laws
The case of a man who killed his ex-partner before committing suicide last week in Almeria, Spain, has revealed that domestic violence legislation in the country does not apply to gay men.
The Moroccan man, who has not been named, stabbed his 34-year-old ex-husband on Tuesday on the doorstep of his home in the village of Adra, Almeria. The couple had separated two months ago.
The victim was stabbed at least once to the neck, and died after being rushed to hospital.
Later that day, the body of the killer was found lying on nearby waste ground.
According to the president of the Almería Provincial Court, Benito Gálvez, the murder could only be called a gay domestic violence incident if it had happened between two lesbians, typicallyspanish.com reports.
The case is to be considered as ‘an ordinary crime against life’, as under current domestic violence laws the victim is described as female, while the gender of the perpetrator is blank.
Last month, campaigners said plans for new consultation on UK domestic violence laws must take into account abuse in same-sex relationships.
According to figures, one in four LGBT people will experience domestic violence or abuse.
The consultation, announced by Home Secretary Jacqui Smith, includes a national register containing the details of abusive partners is at the forefront of a new government consultation to tackle domestic violence.
Other plans include a review into police powers for dealing with serial perpetrators of domestic violence and a review of the sexualisation of teenage girls.
