Apr 13, 2007News: European Parliament Adopts Soft Approach on Homophobia in Poland
By vanrozenheim
(Brussels, EU) - The European arm of the International Lesbian and Gay Association expressed “disappointment” at the Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) Committee of the European Parliament following a discussion yesterday (April 11) on homophobia in Poland. The committee was split on the way forward to a request by two Dutch MEPs, Kathalijne Buitenweg (Greens) and Sophie in ´t Veld (ALDE), to discuss the worsening situation in Poland following the recent pronouncements by the country’s minister of education to restrict lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people’s entitlement to employment in schools and other education institutions.
It had been hoped that members would have taken a robust stance and initiate procedures provided by the EU Treaty against those member states which do not comply with the Union’s principles.
Some committee members from Poland defended thesis of so-called “homosexual propaganda” and its “detrimental effect on minors” and undermined the importance of the debate on proposed legislation to limit LGBT people’s entitlement to equality in employment.
The committee adopted a softer approach, asking for a Fundamental Rights Agency study on homophobia in Europe.
At the same time the majority of political groups at the European Parliament agreed to ask the Commission and Council for a statement on homophobia in Europe and Poland during the plenary debates later this month.
“We are disappointed by the lack of consensus in the LIBE Committee on condemning hate speech,” commented Dr Christine Loudes, policy director of ILGA-Europe.
“Suggestions by the Polish minister of education to discriminate LGBT people in employment is not an isolated case of homophobia. Already for a couple of years we regularly receive information on homophobia and incitement to hatred against LGBT people which are occurring in Europe.
“Just months ago the European Parliament adopted two resolutions strongly condemning homophobia,” she pointed out.
“LIBE Committee’s soft approach and the lack of reaction from Commission and Council [of Ministers] are sending a signal that homophobic speech and acts are acceptable in the EU.
“It highlights the current lack of protection of fundamental rights the EU,” Dr. Loudes insisted.
“We also need to stress that this is not an attack on Poland and Polish people, but rather an attempt to eradicate homophobia as one of expression of hate and prejudice which manifests itself too often,” she concluded.
