Press release from the Intergroup on Gay and Lesbian Rights of the European Parliament

3 July 2008

For immediate release


"Intergroup demands Hungary to properly protect Pride participants."


On 5 July a Pride parade will take place in the streets of Budapest.

The European Parliament's Intergroup on Gay and Lesbian Rights supports the event and requests the government of Hungary to provide proper and full protection to all people taking part in Pride events.

"Violence as seen last year must not be repeated", said Michael Cashman, President of the Intergroup. "Police forces must be able to protect people exercising their democratic rights to peaceful assembly."

Sirpa Pietikäinen, Vice-President of the Intergroup for the EPP-ED added, "Last year, because of negligence and inactivity of police, people were attacked before, during and after the parade. This year we will closely watch the ability of Hungarian police to protect every citizen against violence."

ENDS



For further information on the Intergroup please visit our website:
http://www.lgbt-ep.eu


Representatives of European Parliament's Intergroup on Gay and Lesbian Rights:

President: Michael Cashman MEP (UK/PSE)
Vice-President: Lissy Gröner MEP (DE/PSE)
Vice-President: Sophie in 't Veld MEP (ALDE)
Vice-President: Raül Romeva MEP (G/EFA)
Vice-President: Sirpa Pietikäinen MEP (EPP-ED)

For further information please contact Maris Sergejenko on mcashman@europarl.eu.int or tel.: +32 22 84 57 59