26/03/2009  Green Party commits to tackling homophobia and discrimination in Eastern Europe

UK and Polish Greens came together this week at their Spring conference in Blackpool to pledge joint action to combat homophobia in Eastern Europe, ahead of IDAHO 2009.

Aleksandra Kretskowska from the Polish Greens spoke passionately about the prejudice and even violence faced by LGBT people in many countries including Poland, Latvia, Serbia and Lithuania. Prides and other demonstrations have been attacked by right wing and religious groups, however, she noted that attitudes and opposition are slowly changing, saying:

"In Poland, Prides were small at first, but over the last few years confidence has grown. In 2008, over 15,000 people felt safe enough to come together to celebrate being gay and lesbian, bisexual and trans. Gradually people are challenging the invisibility which has been forced on them and new laws on LGBT discrimination from the European Union are also helping to improve people's legal rights and change attitudes."

Jean Lambert, the Green Party's MEP for London, who has pushed forward LGBT rights across Europe and helped gay asylum seekers to find safety in the UK, said:

"The Green Party's LGBT group has pledged to work together with campaigners in Eastern Europe to combat homophobia. In many countries people deny that homosexuality exists, so tackling discrimination is difficult.

"However, we have committed to supporting the efforts of those who are progressive and brave enough to speak out."

Those present at the meeting decided to push for EuroPride events to be held in Eastern Europe to publicise the difficulties faced by communities there. The Green Party will also encourage people to provide support through campaign letter writing and attending Prides and other LGBT events.

Next Tuesday 31st March, a new report from the Fundamental Rights Agency entitled Homophobia and Discrimination on Grounds of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity in the EU Member States will be launched in the European Parliament. Green MEPs pushed for this research to help efforts to combat homophobia and discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation in all EU Member States.

Notes to Editors

The fringe meeting at the Green Party's Spring Conference in Blackpool was organised by Joseph Healy and formed part of a programme of meetings and activities of LGBT Greens to champion LGBT rights in the UK, Europe and the world.   

News type: Press Releases