Original source: http://austrianindependent.com/ne...nager_calls_gay_Spaniards_%27sick%27

An Austrian businessman faces prison for branding homosexual staff "sick" in what could be an unprecedented legal procedure in Spain.

Christian P., an upper-tier manager at a Viennese haulier in the Spanish city of Barcelona, is accused of secretly browsing the e-mail account of an employee. Prosecutors said today (Tues) the manager then informed a board member of the firm in Vienna about the "incredibly dirty content" of the messages the man and another male employee were exchanging. The businessman accused of homophobia went on to label the men as "sick."

The defendant denies any wrongdoing, claiming he checked the man’s e-mails to gather information about a business project. State prosecutors have asked juridical officials to open a trial against Christian P. They cannot become active over a possible homophobia charge themselves since the persons he insulted must launch legal action. There is no information on whether the men – who do not work for the company anymore for reasons unlinked with the controversial occurrences – consider doing so. Prosecutors said they would press for a four-year jail term for the man had they the right to do so.

Reports have it that the whole company could face consequences in a possible labour discrimination trial since the Vienna-based manager failed to act in favour of the homosexual employees after receiving the Barcelona office manager’s abusive e-mail. It would be the first time in the history of Spain that a firm operating in the country faces charges for homophobic mentality.