Nearly a year ago, Maegan reported on how the rise of groups in Spain calling themselves “Latin Kings” (after the gang of the same name here in the U.S.) was leading to the arrest of several Latino youths in connection with crimes in that country. Over the past year and according to the Spanish media, numerous crimes have been linked to the Spanish-based Latin Kings, and it seems now that the group has seen the need to respond to their bad reputation among the general public — many who see the rise of crimes involving Latinos a good enough reason to call all immigrants criminals — by seeking legitimacy via their registration as a legal, non-profit organization. They got their wish.

That’s right. Up until now, they were sought by police, and now they are a legal organization. For all of you who are saying “yeah, right”, listen up. The local government in Catalunya (Barcelona) didn’t blink an eye at the petition and the group was accepted as such without a hitch.

The ‘Latin Kings’ of Cataluña announced publicly today in Barcelona their intention of “integrating themselves” into Catalan society and of promoting Latino culture among young people.

Since their legalization last July, “Organización Cultural de Reyes y Reinas Latinos de Cataluña” now has 200 members, which makes up practically all of the “Latin Kings” living in the Cataluña area.

The Latin Kings’ leader in Cataluña, Queen Melody, explained that while the process came off well in this region, she criticizes politicians in other regions for not helping the legalization process:

Melody explains that they are “happy” with the process they went through in Cataluña, but criticizes politicians from other areas for not cooperating as much as the Catalans, as well as society for “not helping much”. She recognizes that “the situation in Cataluña is very different.”

The group also stated that should any group member commit a crime in the name of the Latin Kings, the group will not claim responsibility.

With this and other similar situations, Cataluña has earned the liberal reputation it has throughout Spain and Europe. Can anyone imagine this happening in the U.S.?

In addition, many Spanish media outlets are playing up the fact that, as a non-profit organization, the Latin Kings will receive government funds, and will be eligible to apply for many other grants.

Via / Ideal.es