INTERGROUP ON GAY AND LESBIAN RIGHTS
EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

Letter of support for Vaira Vike-Freiberga, President of the Republic of Latvia

21st June 2006

It is with great pleasure that we, the Officers of the European Parliament's Intergroup on Gay and Lesbian Rights, learnt of your courageous decision to send back to the Latvian Parliament for re-consideration the amendment to the Latvian Labour Law voted last Thursday to exclude sexual orientation from the anti-discrimination provision in employment law.

We are heartened by your action and convinced that through your political commitment to non-discrimination, symbolised by your action today, the LGBT community in Latvia will benefit from greater protection as enshrined in European Law.

We like to offer you our thanks and on-going support for your stance. We are convinced that you will do everything necessary and within your powers as President to ensure your country respects her EU obligations whilst promoting and defending the interests of minorities.

Yours,

Michael Cashman
President, European Parliament's Intergroup on Gay and Lesbian Rights

Sophie in 't Veld
Raúl Romeva
Alexander Stubb

Vice Presidents, European Parliament's Intergroup on Gay and Lesbian Rights