Born in Puerto Real (Cádiz), where he lived until age 22, when he moved to Barcelona. He is a journalist (RTVE) and practicing attorney. Constituent MP, he signed the Spanish Constitution in 1978 and has represented Barcelona and Almeria from 1977 to 1986. Honorary life member of the Council of Europe. MEP from 1986 to 1999. Doctor Honoris Causa by the University of Cádiz. He is a member of the Order of Constitutional Merit, and holds the Solidarity Gold Cross as well as the Gold Medal of the Spanish Red Cross and the Gran Creu de Sant Jordi of the Generalitat of Catalonia. Award from the National Flamencology Chair of Jerez de la Frontera. José Blanco Award from the Andalusian Council of the European Movement on Europe Day 2008. President of the Spanish Romani Union. Cofounder of the International Romani Union (London, 1971) of which he is vice president. First deputy chairman of the Council for the Promotion of Equal Treatment and Non-Discrimination of Persons by Racial or Ethnic Origin. Author of more than 10 volumes on the Roma community and social issues.