May 24th, 2012
For the first time since the last European elections,
all five mainstream political groups co-authored the text, including
centre-right EPP, S&D, ALDE, Greens/EFA andGUE/NGL.
With
a large majority (430 for, 105 against), the European Parliament has adopted a
resolution to condemn homophobic laws and discrimination in Europe.
For the first time since the last European elections,
all five mainstream political groups co-authored the text, including
centre-right EPP, S&D, ALDE, Greens/EFA andGUE/NGL.
In today’s
resolution, the European Parliament “strongly condemns any discrimination on
the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity”.
The
Parliament adopted its official position after a
debate on Tuesday, where MEPs almost unanimously asked the European Commission and European
governments to better protect
the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.
The
resolution particularly condemns recent laws or proposals in EU countries
(Lithuania, Latvia, Hungary) and Council of Europe Member States Russia, Ukraine
and Moldova, making it a penal or criminal offence to talk positively about
homosexuality in public.
These
laws and proposals consider “gay propaganda” any support, tolerance or
acceptance of LGBT people. They have already been used to arrest and fine
citizens, and legitimise homophobia and sometimes violence, as was the
case in
Kiev and Saint Petersburg.
Ulrike
Lunacek MEP, Co-President of the LGBT Intergroup in the European Parliament,
commented: ”Such a huge support from across political groups shows that
homophobes are losing their ground in Europe.
“Politicians
in Lithuania, Latvia, Hungary, Russia, Ukraine and Moldova should take
note: all political families in Europe find it unacceptable to limit freedom of
expression as they do. We will not rest until these laws are repealed, and
LGBT people in these countries can live without fear.”
Michael
Cashman MEP, who is also Co-President of the Intergroup,
added: “Homophobia, lesbophobia and transphobia are still a cruel reality
for too many in Europe.
“We
must take action now: the anti-discrimination Directive, the Framework Decision
on hate crimes, the recognition of civil status documents and their effects…
these are tangible measures we can take within the next two years. We hope Viviane
Reding and the Council will
show all the good will they promised in this debate.”
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