Laurence Dollimore
A HUGELY popular restaurant on the Costa del Sol has divided opinion after a picture of a sign declaring it ‘Spanish, Catholic and rightwing’ attracted heated debate online.
Some locals blasted the message at the Asador Guadalmina as ‘unnecessary’ and said it would only serve to ‘alienate’ potential customers.
While some defended the owner’s right to free speech, others said the sign – which has been in place for several years – helped them decide ‘where NOT to spend their money’.
The full sign reads: “This house is Spanish, Catholic and rightwing, sorry for the inconvenience.”
Hundreds of expats and locals commented on a picture of the sign after it was uploaded by an Olive Press staff member who happened to be dining there at the weekend.
“Absolutely ridiculous,” wrote one. “I am not Spanish but even if they sell the best delights in the world I would not go inside, nevermind spend my money in that place…ridiculous.”
Others defended the right of the owner to put up the sign.
“I am in favour of freedom of expression and just like I carry the gay flag in my car…as long as people respect me, I respect everyone,” one said.
“I have very rightwing friends who know that I am gay and leftwing and they respect and hear my opinions with more tolerance than many other lefties.”
However another hit back: “The problem is not respect, the problem is that the extreme right ideology would repeal all rights won not only for gays, lesbians, etc., but for the majority of discriminated and weaker classes in our society.”
The restaurant, renowned among expats and locals for its tapas and pintxos, told the Olive Press the sign has been up since 2011.
A spokesperson said: “Quite simply, the owner is Spanish and Catholic, that’s why he put the sign up.”
The controversy comes after far-right party Vox stormed into the Andalucian parliament at last year’s snap regional election.
The party, which wants to undo gender violence laws and is openly against gay rights, took 12 seats at the Junta in December.
What are your thoughts on the sign? Let us know at newsdesk@theolivepress.es
