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Jean Lambert London's Green MEP

London MEP condemns Lithuania over LGBT rally ban

LONDON’S Green Euro-MP Jean Lambert has called for intervention from the government in Lithuania – new holder of the rotating EU presidency – after city authorities in the capital Vilnius banned this year’s LGBT ‘pride’ rally.

She called on the government to step in and broker a deal between the Vilnius authorities and the organisers of ‘Baltic Pride 2013′, which had been due to take place on July 27.

“In the week of London Gay Pride it’s easy to forget the level of homophobia and discrimination organisers of Pride events can be subjected to,” said Ms Lambert.

“But such discrimination runs counter to European values – and the key human rights of free speech, free assembly and privacy – and there can be no place for it in the EU.

“If the Lithuanian government wants to be taken seriously during its presidency of the EU it must show its commitment to the values of the union and intervene to make sure Baltic Pride 2013 goes ahead.”