Amnesty International calls on European governments to guarantee the right of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people to celebrate their identity in various demonstrations and other public events held every year between April and November for that purpose.
"Equality before the law without discrimination, this is the message that defenders of gay rights lead to the street" said Nicola Duckworth, director of the Regional Programme for Europe and Central Asia at Amnesty International. However, most of the time holding them back safely. "
In several countries, mainly from Eastern Europe, participants in pride events too often face threats and official hostility even before begin to celebrate. They make fun of them, spat at, punched and beat them they throw bottles, eggs and excrement, sometimes right in front of the police.
11 May 60 people who sought to travel to the Moldovan capital to attend the Gay Pride march, although once again (the sixth since) had been banned, were surrounded by a group of protesters nearly three times as many, which rose to forcing the bus doors and took away the banners and flags while police had watched it all from a half-dozen patrol cars parked nearby.
Even the song contest Eurovision to be held in Belgrade from 20 to 24 May, is guaranteed the absence of actions against gays. In Serbia, where security problems have prevented the Homo and Hetero Alliance to organize an event Gay Pride celebration, a militant group threatened to attack any person gay or lesbian appearance at the event.
In several Eastern European countries, some acts are totally forbidden, which constitutes a violation of international law. The authorities do not fulfill their obligations, citing security concerns or violation of what they consider spiritual and moral values.
Amnesty International is campaigning for the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people to be free from physical assault, verbal abuse or threats, to assemble and freely organize events and receive the proper protection of the officials responsible for enforcing the law.
end of this month and for the second consecutive year, Amnesty International activists from over 20 countries will participate in the Gay Pride march in Riga as a sign of international support and solidarity. The march will demonstrate to what extent there is widespread respect for equality.
"No matter what obstacles stand in your way, people who fight for the rights of lesbians and gays are claiming their human rights," said Nicola Duckworth. Governments must fulfill their obligations. "
AI press release.
For more information on the Gay Pride march in Riga in 2008, see:
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