Culture of violence exposed by rape of firefighter in Portugal
A 19-year-old man was raped by colleagues in a hazing ritual.
The city of Fundão has been rocked by the arrest of 11 firefighters after police investigated the complaint of a 19-year-old man.
Described as a hazing ritual, it's alleged that the fire station crew forced the 19-year-old to masturbate in front of them. Media reporting also suggests that the 19-year-old was raped twice by his colleagues. The hazing was filmed.
The alleged victim had recently begun his career as a firefighter. As a cadet in the Fundão fire station, he knew all his alleged attackers well.
Gang-rapes such as the hazing ritual in Fundão "happen more often than we might think..." explains Ângelo Fernandes, from the association Quebrar o Silêncio (Break the Silence) , which provides support to men and boys who are victims of sexual violence. "They often take place in deeply masculinized contexts - military or sporting, for example - and are motivated by pleasure, humiliation, or subjugation of the victim. They are a demonstration of power."
After being questioned in their initial court hearing, the 11 volunteer firefighters have been released but are prohibited from contacting the complainant.
One of the arrested men has been named in Portuguese media coverage as Xico da Serra. Described as possibly the ringleader of the hazing ritual in Fundão, it's reported that Xico da Serra was allegedly involved in a previous incident of sexual assault with a 16-year-old boy.
"Quebrar o Silêncio stands in unwavering support of the survivor of this appalling crime..." says Ângelo Fernandes. "Such acts of violence are an affront to human dignity, the principles of justice, and the safety of our communities. We demand that the authorities act swiftly and transparently to ensure accountability for all involved."
"The silence of the Portuguese Government is deafening..." adds Fernandes. "By failing to act decisively, institutions risk normalising violence and undermining the rights of survivors. Portugal must urgently demonstrate that no perpetrator, regardless of position, is above the law."
What's life like for LGBTQ people in Portugal?
What’s life like for LGBTQ people in Portugal? Let’s take a look at some of the key equality indicators.
Is homosexuality legal in Portugal?
Yes. Same-sex sexual activity was decriminalised in 1982.
Same-sex sexual activity was first decriminalised in 1852,under Mary II and Ferdinand II, but it was made a crime again in 1886, under Louis I, and Portugal gradually became more oppressive of homosexuals until and throughout the dictatorship years. It wasn’t until 1982 that same-sex sexual activity was decriminalised again, and the age of consent was equalised with different-sex activity at 14 years of age in 2007.
Are there anti-discrimination protections in place for LGBTQ people in Portugal?
Yes. A comprehensive anti-discrimination framework is in place. This was enshrined in the country’s constitution in 2004.
Is there Marriage Equality in Portugal?
Yes. Marriage Equality was embraced in 2010.Legal recognition of same-sex relationships began in 2001.
What’s life like for LGBTQ people in Portugal?
Historically, Portugal has been a socially conservative part of the world, but things have changed. It’s now a relatively welcoming and accepting place for LGBTQ people.
There is a vibrant and visible LGBTQ community.
The ILGA report on LGBTQ Equality in Europe ranked Portugal 11th overall. With a total score of 66.99%, Portugal scored strongly across the board but lost points on the criteria of Hate Crime & Hate Speech.
