Is Spain the most gay-friendly country in Europe?

Spain shows itself as one of the world’s most gay-friendly countries with a new law offering asylum to persecuted homosexuals.

The legislation was brought in just in time for last week’s Gay Pride, which was celebrated with colour and vivacity in cities throughout the country.

The Ley de Asilo which also strengthens the protection offered to women, children and the disabled, comes exactly four years after Spain became only the fourth country in the world to recognise gay marriage, after Holland, Belgium and Canada. Since June 2005 married gay couples in Spain have enjoyed equal rights and freedoms as married heterosexual couples, including the right to adopt children.
Norway and Sweden have since joined the list of states who recognise marriage between same-sex couples, but many countries, including Britain France and Germany, only go as far as recognising civil partnership.

Spain, which just 34 years ago was a right-wing dictatorship, has seen 13,116 gay and lesbian marriages take place during the past four years, with the largest number being in Cataluña and Madrid, followed by Andalucia, Valencia, the Canary Islands, the Basque Country and the Balearic Islands.

As a result of the new laws, and certainly helped by the warm climate, Spain is a popular choice for lesbians and gays wanting to relocate in a new country.

Period Properties in Spain have these superb properties for sale in Madrid and Cataluña.

Castle, near Madrid €12,900,000
Steeped in history and awash with period features, This impressive castle, just 36km from Madrid, was built during the 15th and 16th centuries and was totally restored during the 1970s.

Coastal townhouse, Portbou, Cataluña €695,000
This property is ideal for conversion into a hotel. The house dates from 1900 and is located in the heart of the town of Portbou, close to the Spanish-French border. It is 300m from the beach, 50m from the town’s market and next to the station.

L’Ametlla de Mar €85,000
Finca with almond, carob and fruit trees and just 3km from town and beach, in need of restoration but with planning permission already granted.

Period Properties in Spain specialise in older Spanish properties with character and history. Some are in need of a bit of TLC and restoration, others need a complete overhaul, while some are ready to move into straight away.

For more information please visit www.periodpropertiesinspain.co.uk or contact Catherine Dolan at Catherine@periodpropertiesinspain.co.uk or call 0034 675 834 066.