Priden i Moskva - Pressmeddelande frân EPs HBT-grupp

Press release from the Intergroup on gay and lesbian rights of the European Parliament

February 28th 2006

Religious opinion no excuse

The plans to stage Russia's first gay parade on 27 May have been vetoed by Moscow's mayor. The mayor's administration has stated that it would not even consider an application for such a march, although the organisers have declared that it will be a calm and dignified demonstration for human rights. The mayor's spokesman said the reason for denying people their freedom of assembly, was that the plans for a march "have caused outrage in society, particularly among religious leaders". The officers of the European Parliament Gay and Lesbian Rights Intergroup express their serious concern about the statement.

"We, the Officers of the Intergroup on gay and lesbian rights in the European Parliament, wish to condemn this attitude," says Michael Cashman (PES), president of the Intergroup.

"In our view it is important to send out a strong signal that such behaviour is totally unacceptable. Religious opinion can never be used as an excuse to disparage or oppress LGBT people" said Sophie in 't Veld (ALDE), vice-president of the Intergroup. "As a member of the Council of Europe, and upcoming presidency, Russia should respect the Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, including the freedom of assembly," MEP in 't Veld added.

"Russia has also signed the European Neighbourhood Policy and is thereby committed to "common values principally within the fields of the rule of law, good governance, the respect for human rights, including minority rights..." Human Rights are for everyone, also lesbians and gays. To deny them their freedom of assembly is discriminatory," added Raül Romeva (Greens/EFA), vice-president of the Intergroup.

"The steering committee of the Intergroup has sent written questions to the Commission and Council to ask for action" informed Alexander Stubb (EPP-ED), vice-president of the Intergroup.

ENDS
For further information please contact Catrine Norrgard on mcashman@europarl.eu.int

www.gayandlesbianrightsintergroup.com