On the occasion of the case of homophobia that happened on September 12 in a health center in Puerto de Sagunto, the mayor of Sagunto, Darío Moreno, appeared in City Hall in front of the media (television, written press…) to report on what happened and a report on the actions taken by the Sagunto City Council. Moreno also answered reporters’ questions about the case.
“We have evidence around 12:30 on the 12th through the Local Police. We automatically went to the health center and the situation we found was a victim who reported that he received very homophobic behavior from the health personnel.» Darío Moreno explained how the authorities knew what was happening. In addition, he recognized the work of the primary care management of the Sagunto Health Area, which acted quickly and stopped the doctor from being part of the center’s staff.
Darío Moreno reported that the victim called 112 and, later, other security forces. “In fact, when we went there, the Civil Guard was also there, so we know that there are different bodies that participated.».
When the Local Police did the analysis of what happened, they received an answer similar to what the victim himself reported, which is a situation where his forced internment due to homosexuality was considered. This is the reason for all the protocols that have been activated, as assured by Darío Moreno.
According to Moreno’s report, the doctor in question held the position that the victim of homophobic aggression should be hospitalized because of the disease, specifically, for homosexuality and that, in addition, he is a danger to children. The Local Police automatically activates the protocol. “We at the City Council also provide training to the Local Police in these regards. Not only to support the victim, but also to prepare the processes so that, on the part of Justice, all the information is available and the Ministry of Health is also informed.», added the mayor.
The first mayor assured that the Sagunto City Council offers its services to the victim, and also in terms of support that goes to other administrations and at the social and psychological level. The Sangguniang Panlungsod will also provide legal support to the victim if necessary so that they know their possibilities.
“Radical LGTBIphobic attitudes like this have no place in our city. We created an LGTBI council because we understand that more needs to be done in terms of awareness.», stated Darío Moreno. In addition, he assured that there is still a lot of homophobia and a lot of LGTBIphobia in society and that the promotion of public policies is still necessary «which makes us grow as a society».
Regarding whether the City Council will act as an accusation if necessary, Darío Moreno explained the method of action taken by the City Council: «We are taking steps, precisely, to inform those responsible in the Prosecutor’s Office, those responsible in the Court so that they act. We’ll see how it progresses. We are convinced that at that level an answer will be given, but of course if we see a deficiency we will take the step. The first thing is to protect the citizens, regardless of their situation, and the City Council will not hesitate to protect the rights that we consider to be an inalienable part of the people.».
Moreno confirmed that this is the first time that local institutions have received a complaint regarding this from the health field. It is also unfortunate that in other areas there have been complaints received about situations of homophobia or LGTBIphobia.
