GBTQ advocacy groups in Switzerland have welcomed a recent court decision to sentence writer Alain Soral for his derogatory comments against journalist Catherine Macherel.
Soral had referred to Macherel as a "fat lesbian" in a Facebook video posted two years ago, sparking widespread outrage and condemnation.
The Lausanne court handed down a 60-day jail sentence to Alain Soral, whose real name is Alain Bonnet, for multiple offenses, including discrimination, defamation, and incitement to hatred.
In addition to his jail time, Soral must also pay substantial legal fees and fines, amounting to thousands of Swiss francs.
In the Facebook video, he not only labeled her a "fat lesbian" but also questioned her professional integrity by describing her as a "queer activist" who he believed was "unhinged."
Murial Waeger, co-director of the lesbian activist group LOS, wrote in a statement: "This court decision is an important moment for justice and the rights of LGBTQI people in Switzerland. The conviction of Alain Soral is a strong signal that homophobic hatred cannot be tolerated in our society."
60 days for saying fat lesbian was unhinged