Green Party LGBT News

MEP demands freedom for LGBT celebrations	24 May 2007
Summary Lucas calls on Lithuania and Russia to overturn LGBT march bans GREEN Party Euro-MP Caroline Lucas has called on the Russian and Lithuanian authorities to overturn bans on LGBT pride-style events.

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Lucas calls on Lithuania and Russia to overturn LGBT march bans


GREEN Party Euro-MP Caroline Lucas has called on the Russian and Lithuanian authorities to overturn bans on LGBT pride-style events.

Dr Lucas has intervened after authorities in Vilnius, Lithuania, decided to ban an EU-sponsored tolerance campaign rally due to take place this Friday (May 25th).

In Russia, the mayor of Moscow has refused to authorise a 'March in support for tolerance and respect for the right and freedoms of homosexual people in Russia'.

She said: "I am deeply saddened that Lithuania has turned away the EU's travelling 'tolerance campaign', which is designed to do no more than inform EU citizens of their rights under EU and national anti-discrimination legislation.

"It's too late now for this Friday's planned event to take place, but I will be seeking assurances from the Lithuanian authorities that it will be rearranged – with full public support – at the earliest opportunity.

"The Mayor of Moscow has banned the city's 'Gay Pride' march for the second year running, a decision which contravenes Moscow's international commitments under the European Convention of Human Rights to guarantee free assembly, free expression and freedom from discrimination on grounds of sexuality."


Dr Lucas has joined a group of MEPs from several parties across the EU in writing an open letter to the Moscow Mayor Yuri Luzhkov demanding that he reconsider.

Dr Lucas, whose South-East England constituency plays host to Brighton's annual Pride festival and parade, one of the largest in Europe, said the decision belied Russia's image as a modern, democratic state.

The Green Party MEP, who raised similar concerns when the Polish authorities tried to ban Warsaw Pride last year, said: "Mr Luzhkov's decision must be reversed immediately in line with Russia's commitments to guarantee free speech, free assembly and freedom from discrimination as a signatory of the European Convention on Human Rights."


She added: "As for Lithuania: its authorities must remember that respect for international human rights – including the rights of lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender people to fully participate in public life without fear of persecution or discrimination – is a condition of EU membership."
ENDS

For more information please contact Ben on 01273 671946, 07973 823358 or ben@greenmeps.org.uk

www.carolinelucasmep.org.uk


Ben Duncan
Media Officer to Caroline Lucas MEP
benduncan@greenmeps.org.uk
01273 671946 (office)
07973 823358 (mobile)
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