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19.05.06, 16:41
Seminar sends a clear signal against Homophobia
Participants in a European Parliament seminar to mark International Day
against Homophobia (IDAHO) on Wednesday appealed for urgent action at all
levels to fight homophobia and discrimination experienced by lesbian, gay,
bisexual and transgender people.
EP President Josep Borrell opened the seminar, condemning all forms of
discrimination against people on the basis of their sexual orientation. He
said that the European Parliament had always fought against discrimination of
all kinds and that homophobia is a very current issue, where vigilance and
action are of extreme importance.
"Homophobia must stop in Europe," said Thomas Hammarberg, Council of Europe
(CoE) Commissioner for Human Rights. He said the CoE was looking into
legislation to ensure all basis for homophobic acts had been removed and that
this was implemented in practice. Louis-George Tin, a founder of the IDAHO,
called for the universal abolition of homophobic laws. He added that France
and Belgium now officially recognise IDAHO.
MEPs want firm action against homophobia
Michael Cashman (PES, UK) said that the seminar was organised on the basis of
Parliament's resolution on homophobia of 18 January, with one of its aims
being international recognition of IDAHO. He stressed that Member States have
to respect their human rights commitments, and if they do not the Commission
and Council should take action. Jean Marie Cavada (ALDE, FR), Chair of the
Civil Liberties Committee, appealed for the memory of the homosexual victims
of World War II to be honoured and the truth clearly stated in school
textbooks. Like many participants, he drew attention to recent events in
Poland and stressed that EU has to speak out forcefully as "laws not only
have to be adopted but also respected." Patrick Gaubert (EPP-ED, FR) spoke
out against "the deafening silence and total indifference" regarding Poland,
calling for Parliament to say "no" to homophobic developments there. Thijs
Berman (PES, NL) said Parliament should act to make it possible for
homosexual couples to adopt children. Sophia In't Veld (ALDE, NL) said
homophobia was not so much about legislation as about attitude. She said
religious leaders have an important role to play and called on the Vatican to
stop "inciting fear and hatred." Alexander Stubb (EPP-ED, FI) said
Parliament always needs to give a clear signal when it comes to
discrimination - issues in many Member States needed to be raised, he said,
mentioning Latvia and Poland: "Action can be taken but for that we need
better legislation."
At the end of the seminar the participants adopted an appeal on the fight
against discrimination based on sexual orientation and for the official
establishment of IDAHO. The text urges the UN to act firmly, starting by
adopting a resolution on sexual orientation and human rights. The UN should
also together with the Members States, the EU and all other regional
organisations support and promote IDAHO. The EU is asked to complete its anti-
discrimination legal framework and Member States to adopt appropriate
legislation and take further action.
15/05/2006
Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs
In the chair : Michael Cashman (PES, UK)
Seminar to mark International Day Against Homophobia