Alberto Sánchez Fernández and Alberto Linero Marchena, Reuters
I’ve beeing sunning myself in Spain these last days, thinking how lovely it is be holding hands in little villages with boyfriend, and marvelling at how local gay restauranteurs seem to be welcomed in leading roles in their local churches.
But all is not perfect in Mediterranean paradise … as this story of a sacked Spanish soldier shows. The full facts will be revealed in litigation, of course – but it doesn’t take a genius to see that Alberto Linero’s gay marriage might be part of the military’s problem with him…
While same-sex marriage in Spain has been legal since 2005, Alberto Linero is the first serving soldier to be married to another man. After the wedding Alberto Linero, claims he faced discrimination, harassment, and even “sexual propositions” from his superiors. On September 1, his contract was not renewed.
After recovering from an injury, the government advised him to undergo a psychological evaluation, which declared him fit for service. However, his contract was not renewed. When questioned about the discharge, the defense ministry cited “unfavorable” evaluations for his discharge. Linero plans to file a lawsuit.
Tags: Alberto Linero, Alberto Linero Marchena, Alberto Sánchez Fernández, same sex equality, Spain army gay marriage, Spain gay marriage
