An Open Letter to the Chairmen and Deputies of the Political Parties in the Latvian Parliament
15/11/2006
By
Mozaika
„As a representative of Christianity in the Latvian Parliament, I am proud that we have been able to protect the law that strengthens the traditional family from changes. My country is no cheap prostitute that will sell herself for European money. We are prepared to pay fines to Europe, but we will defend our reputation...“this quotation is one of the many recent statements by Latvia’s First Party (LPP) representative and candidate for chairperson of the Parliamentary Human Rights and Social Affairs Committee, Janis Smits.
We the undersigned non-governmental organisations protest loudly and strongly against J. Smits candidacy for the post of chairperson of the Parliamentary Human Rights and Social Affairs Committee. We believe that J. Smits has proven many times over his support for inciting hatred against minorities in Latvia, that he encourages homophobia in society, and that he crudely and intentionally transgresses the European Human Rights Convention and the Latvian Constitution. To nominate such a person for such an important position concerning the defence of human rights is a blatant disregard for the values on which our country’s foundations are built.
How else is it possible to understand a deputy who, during the Parliamentary debates that took place in May of this year on the subject of changes to the Labour Law, in order to include a ban on discrimination against sexual minorities, quotes the Old Testament with the words „If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.” We agree with opinion, which was expressed during the same debate noted that „if those are the words of a legislator speaking from the podium of the Parliament then, in accordance with your quotation, this must be interpreted as an invitation to invoke the death penalty.“
In addition, we believe that J.Smits is not competent to lead the Human Rights and Social Affairs Committee, because he lacks an elementary understanding about human rights and basic rights that are declared in the Constitution of the Latvian Republic and in the European Human Rights Convention. There is no doubt that under the leadership of J.Smits, the Human Rights and Social Affairs Committee would not only become laughable, but also anti-constitutional in the eyes of our neighboring countries and the other member countries of the European Union.
We ask that Parliamentary deputies reconsider their choice, and not allow the Parliamentary Human Rights and Social Affairs Committee to be lead by an antidemocratic, intolerant and hate inciting politician.
We call upon all individuals, local, national and international organisations and institutions to express their concern and protest again a nomination of J. Smits to the post of a chairperson of the Latvian Parliamentary Human Rights and Social Affairs Committee. Send protests to Saeima, Jekaba iela 11, Riga LV-1811, LATVIA or saeima@saeima.lv.
Riga, November 7, 2006
‘Mozaika’Board Members Linda Freimane (+37129404111) and Vita Brakovska (+37129203533)
E-mail: info@mozaika.lv
Signed,
Alliance for LGBT and their friends ‘Mozaika’
European Youth Human Rights Network
Latvian Student vortal "StudentNet"
Project ROUNDTABLE (Youth leaders coalition of LGBT organisations in Sweden, Finland, Poland and Baltic States)
Estonian LGBT organisation "Diversity"
Soros Foundation Latvia
Portal „Dialogi.lv”
Karlis Streips
Janis Jurazs
Resource Center for Women "Marta"
Transparency International Latvia
ILGA & ILGA-Europe –the International Lesbian and Gay Association and its European Region
Youth Leaders Coalition
Campaign Against Homophobia, Poland
The Latvian Centre for Human Rights
What follows are only some of the many statements that that we have heard in the past year from J.Smits speaking from the podium in Parliament, in the Latvian media, and in public discussions.
Quotes from Janis Smits:
„Sexual orientation – that doesn’t just mean heterosexuals and homosexuals. It also means all types of sexual pathology. “ (2006.g. 21.06, Telegraf)
„Fifteen years ago Latvia defended her independence and overturned a totalitarian regime. Today we face another important event. For the eighth time, homosexuals are trying to change the laws regarding morality. But we must remember that Latvia is a country with a national anthem containing a prayer – “God bless Latvia!” And as a representative of Christianity in the Parliament, I am proud that we have been able to protect the law that strengthens the traditional family from changes. My country is no cheap prostitute that will sell herself for European money. We are prepared to pay fines to Europe, but we will defend our reputation...“ (2006.g. 16.07, baznica.info)
„We have shown the entire world that it is both necessary and possible to protect our principles. All nationalities that live in Latvia are not prostitutes, and we will not sell our virtue for any amount of money. This precedent will be the first step for those people living in Europe and in the world who call themselves Christians, to understand, to repent their sins, and to start bringing order into their homes. Let them first clean their own homes before they come to us to teach us how to live. “ (2006.g.19.07, public address in the Town Hall Square)
„In both Latvia and Russia there was a natural reaction in society when someone from outside wanted to force a culture of death on them, which is against this country’s moral code. Latvia should be proud that we have kept our basic values and don’t mean to ‘sell ourselves to Europe at any price’, in the words of Cardinal Pujāts. There are separate, so called gay lobby groups, which state their personal views in the European Parliament and in other influential institutions. But when such views are placed on a pedestal, and we are told that all of Europe thinks this way, a problem is created. But I emphasize that in Latvia there have not been and, I think, will not be the persecution of sexual minorities and those who have different views. As long as these minorities don’t create a situation where amoral things, which are in contradiction to the overall accepted norms and Christian principles, are forced upon the greater population. The representatives of the gay movement demand that we change our value system so that those who call themselves Christians, will no longer call sin sin, but will call it the norm.“ (2006.g. 21.07, Latvijas Avize)
„But, when the changes in the Labour Law were not accepted, a representative from the gay movement admitted that it was already the eighth time that gays had tried to strengthen their rights by law. It is a conscious process with a simple goal: to grab power, to modify the law and to change the entire culture of Latvia to reflect their own image. In the Bible it says that ‘a time will come when good is called evil and evil is called good.’ With the homosexual movement, exactly this has come to pass.” (2006.g. 21.07, Latvijas Avize)
(In answer to the question “What meaning does a ‘Gay dictatorship’ have politically?”)
„I will explain these steps. First: the gay movement tells us to leave them in peace, because they want to make love as they like. When this is accepted by society, the next step follows: “We would like for you not only to be tolerant of us, but to accept us, because we can’t change our homosexuality.” Next: “You must support our movement and the Pride parades, you must let the children be taught in schools that homosexuality is natural.” When this has happened, the next step is that which has already taken place in many European countries – “You must not only support us, but you must punish all those who speak out against us.” Then social persecution begins. In Sweden one minister is already sitting in prison because he dared to speak from the pulpit, saying that homosexuality is a sin. In other countries the gays are trying to get passports changed from reading Mother and Father, to Parent No.1 and Parent No. 2. But if the anti-discrimination law is accepted, than any Latvian citizen who says that homosexuality is a sin will be committing a crime and can be prosecuted under the law.” (2006.g. 21.07, Latvijas Avize)
„This is the least important question that political parties have to deal with. There is no homophobia in Latvia. This question has been artificially provoked. Instead, it is heterophobia that is being created in Latvia. Our party’s position about the Riga City Council decision not to allow the Pride parade, is very positive. In Latvia the power belongs to the people, who delegate this power to their elected representatives. The decision to forbid the parade – let’s be honest and not lie about it – was a political one.” (2006.g. 20.07, politika.lv organised discussion, stenogram)
„LPP has defined its stance that we are against any type of homosexual propaganda in society. There will be no compromise. Forgive me, but perhaps I am one of the few who will say it openly. Discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation simply doesn’t happen. This can be seen in the materials prepared by the Latvian National Human Rights Office, since there are no actual complaints from anyone who has been discriminated against because of their homosexuality.” (2006.g. 20.07, politika.lv organised discussion, stenogram)
We the undersigned non-governmental organisations protest loudly and strongly against J. Smits candidacy for the post of chairperson of the Parliamentary Human Rights and Social Affairs Committee. We believe that J. Smits has proven many times over his support for inciting hatred against minorities in Latvia, that he encourages homophobia in society, and that he crudely and intentionally transgresses the European Human Rights Convention and the Latvian Constitution. To nominate such a person for such an important position concerning the defence of human rights is a blatant disregard for the values on which our country’s foundations are built.
How else is it possible to understand a deputy who, during the Parliamentary debates that took place in May of this year on the subject of changes to the Labour Law, in order to include a ban on discrimination against sexual minorities, quotes the Old Testament with the words „If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.” We agree with opinion, which was expressed during the same debate noted that „if those are the words of a legislator speaking from the podium of the Parliament then, in accordance with your quotation, this must be interpreted as an invitation to invoke the death penalty.“
In addition, we believe that J.Smits is not competent to lead the Human Rights and Social Affairs Committee, because he lacks an elementary understanding about human rights and basic rights that are declared in the Constitution of the Latvian Republic and in the European Human Rights Convention. There is no doubt that under the leadership of J.Smits, the Human Rights and Social Affairs Committee would not only become laughable, but also anti-constitutional in the eyes of our neighboring countries and the other member countries of the European Union.
We ask that Parliamentary deputies reconsider their choice, and not allow the Parliamentary Human Rights and Social Affairs Committee to be lead by an antidemocratic, intolerant and hate inciting politician.
We call upon all individuals, local, national and international organisations and institutions to express their concern and protest again a nomination of J. Smits to the post of a chairperson of the Latvian Parliamentary Human Rights and Social Affairs Committee. Send protests to Saeima, Jekaba iela 11, Riga LV-1811, LATVIA or saeima@saeima.lv.
Riga, November 7, 2006
‘Mozaika’Board Members Linda Freimane (+37129404111) and Vita Brakovska (+37129203533)
E-mail: info@mozaika.lv
Signed,
Alliance for LGBT and their friends ‘Mozaika’
European Youth Human Rights Network
Latvian Student vortal "StudentNet"
Project ROUNDTABLE (Youth leaders coalition of LGBT organisations in Sweden, Finland, Poland and Baltic States)
Estonian LGBT organisation "Diversity"
Soros Foundation Latvia
Portal „Dialogi.lv”
Karlis Streips
Janis Jurazs
Resource Center for Women "Marta"
Transparency International Latvia
ILGA & ILGA-Europe –the International Lesbian and Gay Association and its European Region
Youth Leaders Coalition
Campaign Against Homophobia, Poland
The Latvian Centre for Human Rights
What follows are only some of the many statements that that we have heard in the past year from J.Smits speaking from the podium in Parliament, in the Latvian media, and in public discussions.
Quotes from Janis Smits:
„Sexual orientation – that doesn’t just mean heterosexuals and homosexuals. It also means all types of sexual pathology. “ (2006.g. 21.06, Telegraf)
„Fifteen years ago Latvia defended her independence and overturned a totalitarian regime. Today we face another important event. For the eighth time, homosexuals are trying to change the laws regarding morality. But we must remember that Latvia is a country with a national anthem containing a prayer – “God bless Latvia!” And as a representative of Christianity in the Parliament, I am proud that we have been able to protect the law that strengthens the traditional family from changes. My country is no cheap prostitute that will sell herself for European money. We are prepared to pay fines to Europe, but we will defend our reputation...“ (2006.g. 16.07, baznica.info)
„We have shown the entire world that it is both necessary and possible to protect our principles. All nationalities that live in Latvia are not prostitutes, and we will not sell our virtue for any amount of money. This precedent will be the first step for those people living in Europe and in the world who call themselves Christians, to understand, to repent their sins, and to start bringing order into their homes. Let them first clean their own homes before they come to us to teach us how to live. “ (2006.g.19.07, public address in the Town Hall Square)
„In both Latvia and Russia there was a natural reaction in society when someone from outside wanted to force a culture of death on them, which is against this country’s moral code. Latvia should be proud that we have kept our basic values and don’t mean to ‘sell ourselves to Europe at any price’, in the words of Cardinal Pujāts. There are separate, so called gay lobby groups, which state their personal views in the European Parliament and in other influential institutions. But when such views are placed on a pedestal, and we are told that all of Europe thinks this way, a problem is created. But I emphasize that in Latvia there have not been and, I think, will not be the persecution of sexual minorities and those who have different views. As long as these minorities don’t create a situation where amoral things, which are in contradiction to the overall accepted norms and Christian principles, are forced upon the greater population. The representatives of the gay movement demand that we change our value system so that those who call themselves Christians, will no longer call sin sin, but will call it the norm.“ (2006.g. 21.07, Latvijas Avize)
„But, when the changes in the Labour Law were not accepted, a representative from the gay movement admitted that it was already the eighth time that gays had tried to strengthen their rights by law. It is a conscious process with a simple goal: to grab power, to modify the law and to change the entire culture of Latvia to reflect their own image. In the Bible it says that ‘a time will come when good is called evil and evil is called good.’ With the homosexual movement, exactly this has come to pass.” (2006.g. 21.07, Latvijas Avize)
(In answer to the question “What meaning does a ‘Gay dictatorship’ have politically?”)
„I will explain these steps. First: the gay movement tells us to leave them in peace, because they want to make love as they like. When this is accepted by society, the next step follows: “We would like for you not only to be tolerant of us, but to accept us, because we can’t change our homosexuality.” Next: “You must support our movement and the Pride parades, you must let the children be taught in schools that homosexuality is natural.” When this has happened, the next step is that which has already taken place in many European countries – “You must not only support us, but you must punish all those who speak out against us.” Then social persecution begins. In Sweden one minister is already sitting in prison because he dared to speak from the pulpit, saying that homosexuality is a sin. In other countries the gays are trying to get passports changed from reading Mother and Father, to Parent No.1 and Parent No. 2. But if the anti-discrimination law is accepted, than any Latvian citizen who says that homosexuality is a sin will be committing a crime and can be prosecuted under the law.” (2006.g. 21.07, Latvijas Avize)
„This is the least important question that political parties have to deal with. There is no homophobia in Latvia. This question has been artificially provoked. Instead, it is heterophobia that is being created in Latvia. Our party’s position about the Riga City Council decision not to allow the Pride parade, is very positive. In Latvia the power belongs to the people, who delegate this power to their elected representatives. The decision to forbid the parade – let’s be honest and not lie about it – was a political one.” (2006.g. 20.07, politika.lv organised discussion, stenogram)
„LPP has defined its stance that we are against any type of homosexual propaganda in society. There will be no compromise. Forgive me, but perhaps I am one of the few who will say it openly. Discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation simply doesn’t happen. This can be seen in the materials prepared by the Latvian National Human Rights Office, since there are no actual complaints from anyone who has been discriminated against because of their homosexuality.” (2006.g. 20.07, politika.lv organised discussion, stenogram)
