The Gay Sitges Link Committee has written to the Director of L’Eco de Sitges about a homophobic article published on 19 July 2019. Gay Sitges Link has alerted l’Observatori de l’Homofòbia and awaits a response from L’Eco before considering what further action our association may take. Gay Sitges Link will not allow LGBT homophobia in Sitges. Below is the text in Catalan sent to the Director and translations in Spanish and English.
OFFICIAL COMMUNICATION FROM GAY SITGES LINK
Attention of the Director L´Eco de Sitges
Following the article of Josep Maria Matas published in the Eco de Sitges on 19th July. The feedback we have been getting from our members, social media and many residents and visitors to Sitges is that the response from the Eco and Mr Matas is not sufficient to deal with the severity of the damage done to community relations.
No one is denying anyone’s right to criticise the behaviour of people enjoying Sitges in the many bars and clubs. However it is totally unacceptable for Sr. Matas to write that he wishes to commit an act of violence against the LGBTI community similar to that of the terrorist attacks in Barcelona and then accuse his victims of being potential rapists. Such words are totally indefensible.
The Eco’s answer to this disgraceful article has been to defend the reputation of Sr.Matas and say your editorial filters failed!
Mr Matas response has simply been to apologise if he caused offense rather than apologise for his words and retract them unreservedly.
We would have expected better from a respected local business man who has been happy for decades to accept the considerable custom of the LGBTI community from around the world.
This matter is unlikely to be resolved without a further response from L’Eco and Mr Matas.
Yours Sincerely
Gay Sitges Link Committee
