31 May 2006

Leaders of European Parliament political groups are to discuss an EU response to a wave of racist, xenophobic and homophobic attacks across the European Union.

Speaking on behalf of all senior group leaders, Socialist Group President Martin Schulz condemned the attacks as "alarming developments".

He launched a scathing attack on the deputy leader of Poland's League of Families party for openly advocating violence against gays.

At the opening of today's parliamentary session in Brussels Mr Schulz said: "We are extremely concerned about the fact that the leadership of the League of Families in Poland, a government party, has called openly for violence of a homophobic nature."

Euro MPs of all parties cheered loudly as Mr Schulz added: "It is quite unacceptable that members of parties in government in the EU should behave in this way. We must give serious thought to the fact that attempts are being made to undermine people's rights."

Labour MEP for Dublin, Proinsias De Rossa, added: "It is likely that the Government of Poland could be found to be in breach of the EU Treaties unless it takes steps to make it clear that the statements made by the deputy leader of the League of Families party are not Government policy. If found to be in breach of Article 13 of the Treaties the Government of Poland could be denied its right to vote in Council."