Open Letter to László Sólyom, President of the Republic
09/07/2010
Submitted by
Budapest Pride
Friday, 9th July 2010
The Gay Dignity March and the cultural and human rights festival is being held for the 15th time this year.
Unfortunately, already the opening ceremony was disturbed by extremist groups, which in recent years have tried to prevent the pride march, which is an integral part of the festival.
For those who hold the idea of the republic and the rule of law in high esteem it is unacceptable that radical groups prevent members of a minority from exercising their freedoms in a dignified manner. As the head of state, who defends human dignity unconditionally, we are requesting you to raise your voice for the equality of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people and against the extremists who want to violate the rights of a minority.
It is a sign of the visibility and social acceptance of the LGBT community that similar festivals throughout Europe are held peacefully and with the participation of large numbers of sympathisers expressing their solidarity with the LGBT community. It was not only leaders of countries and cities where these events have a long tradition that have supported pride marches openly but also the leaders of young democracies have stood up for the free exercise of rights by LGBT people. Thus for instance both the Serbian and the Croatian Presidents expressed their support of the marches.
In addition to peaceful participation in social life, an increasing number of states ensure full legal equality for members of our community. In Hungary, you sanctioned an important milestone in this process when you singed the act on registered partnership. In contrast to earlier years we are requesting you, Mister President to express your solidarity with participants before the march and not only condemn any attacks afterwards. We feel that it is important for the person signifying the unity of the nation to speak up against social exclusion and thus prevent crimes similar to earlier years.
Please issue a statement that expresses solidarity with the participants of the Festival and the Pride March and condemn attacks by extremist.
Rainbow Mission Foundation
The Gay Dignity March and the cultural and human rights festival is being held for the 15th time this year.
Unfortunately, already the opening ceremony was disturbed by extremist groups, which in recent years have tried to prevent the pride march, which is an integral part of the festival.
For those who hold the idea of the republic and the rule of law in high esteem it is unacceptable that radical groups prevent members of a minority from exercising their freedoms in a dignified manner. As the head of state, who defends human dignity unconditionally, we are requesting you to raise your voice for the equality of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people and against the extremists who want to violate the rights of a minority.
It is a sign of the visibility and social acceptance of the LGBT community that similar festivals throughout Europe are held peacefully and with the participation of large numbers of sympathisers expressing their solidarity with the LGBT community. It was not only leaders of countries and cities where these events have a long tradition that have supported pride marches openly but also the leaders of young democracies have stood up for the free exercise of rights by LGBT people. Thus for instance both the Serbian and the Croatian Presidents expressed their support of the marches.
In addition to peaceful participation in social life, an increasing number of states ensure full legal equality for members of our community. In Hungary, you sanctioned an important milestone in this process when you singed the act on registered partnership. In contrast to earlier years we are requesting you, Mister President to express your solidarity with participants before the march and not only condemn any attacks afterwards. We feel that it is important for the person signifying the unity of the nation to speak up against social exclusion and thus prevent crimes similar to earlier years.
Please issue a statement that expresses solidarity with the participants of the Festival and the Pride March and condemn attacks by extremist.
Rainbow Mission Foundation
