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Loading ...EU calls for gay couple rights, end to homophobia
01.15.2009 1:17pm EST
(Strasbourg, France) Members of the European Parliament have approved a motion calling for the recognition of the rights of same-sex couples and an end to homophobia in all 27 EU countries.
“It is high time the EU practices what it preaches,” said Spanish deputy Ignasi Guardans. “The European Commission wants to be a champion of human rights, but sadly every day we hear about anti-discrimination laws being flouted by member states.”The document also calls for equal access to reproductive methods and guarantees for the rights of Roma – also known as Gypsies.
The measure still needs the approval of the EU’s Council of Ministers before becoming law.
Same-sex marriage is legal in the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain and, as of Jan. 1, Norway. The UK allows civil partnerships with all of the rights of marriage except the name. Other countries such as France and Germany offer limited rights to same-sex couples.
But in a number of states – mainly former Communist countries – gay and lesbian couples are without rights and homophobia continues to be a major problem.
Earlier this year, Polish President Lech Kaczynski threatened to veto the European Union’s proposed charter of rights if it were endorsed by Parliament if it contained guarantees of equal rights for gays and lesbians.
Under an agreement worked out with Kaczynski, the charter was approved with the LGBT protections dropped.
In June, the Greek government moved to annul the marriages of two same-sex couples and indict the mayor who performed them in a small town.
In October, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Petras Vaitiekunas admitted in Parliament that EU criticism the country was the most homophobic in Europe was justified.
In 2007, about 200 people attending an international LGBT rights conference in Vilnius were overcome with a noxious gas when several smoke bombs were thrown into the club where the meeting was taking place.
Police refused to allow those inside the building to leave, saying they had not contained the perimeter, even though the fumes had filled the building.
I didn’t quite follow this re Poland, etc, whom we should probably cede to Russia / Putin, they think alike.
But the EU should seriously think about a resolution to end diplomatic recognition of any country that doesn’t work to end homophobia and give gay people equivalent legal rights.
Suck that one up, old guy in the fancy dress, with his chains and ornaments hanging from his clothing. He is funnier then some way out trans people.
And note that from what I hear, churches in Europe are more or less empty. Mankind, though with terrible and horrible struggles, marches on.
Andy B – This article was specifically about the EU of which Canada and South Africa are not a part of considering they are in North America and Africa respectively and not in Europe.
Andy B >>> Since the list of countries refers to members of the European Union neither Canada or South Africa should be there .. neither should Norway since they’re not members either.
The list of countries that have legislated same-sex marriage is quite short missing two significant countries. Which ones you ask? CANADA and SOUT AFRICA Both these countries have had same-sex marriage for a number of years now. how could the author of this article miss that all together. Please be inclusive in the future and make sure this list is always complete.
Andy B
In France the norm among people under 50 is not to get married, but enter into a civil union with all the rights enjoyed by the married. This includes everyone, straight/gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender. The couple may or may not hyphenate their names, and among straight couples the children take their mother’s name. I lived in France for 3 years and was never discriminated against for being gay or anglais; nor did I witness any violence, even when revelers were pretty drunk and otherwise obnoxious. I want to return to France!