MEPs criticise Latvia
17/06/2006
Submitted by
Mozaika
Jean Lambert, MEP, members of the European Parliament’s LGBT right Intergroup
UK GREEN MEP CONDEMNS LATVIA’S DEFIANCE OVER GAY RIGHTS
Green MEP Jean Lambert has today condemned Latvia’s refusal to introduce a law banning discrimination at work on grounds of sexual orientation.
Today Jean said it had been made ‘crystal clear’ that Latvia would be required to introduce the law when they joined the European Union in
2004 and commented; “This law is part of the discrimination measures under the Treaty of Amsterdam and as part of the EU Latvia has no choice but to comply and introduce such policy.
“Latvia’s actions come just a day after the Parliament passed a resolution to end homophobic and racist violence, just one aspect of the daily violation some are subjected to, demonstrating Latvia’s complete disrespect and support for Europe, our policies and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) communities.
“I have urged the Commissioner to ensure that laws banning discrimination towards the LGBT community are stringently implemented and upheld across Europe, to which he has agreed. With legal action already taken against 4 member states that failed to maintain policies against the discrimination of race and ethnic origin, I look forward to the Commissioners decision over Latvia.”
“I intend to pursue this blatant disregard for EU laws with renewed vigour,” said president of the European Parliament’s ‘Intergroup on LGBT rights Michael Cashman (UK, Labout), who pointed out that the Latvian vote came less than 24 hours after the European Parliament had voted by a substantial majority on a resolution on the increase in racist and homophobic violence in Europe.
“Latvia must respect EU laws or she will be dragged kicking and screaming to the Court of Justice,” said Mr. Cashman. “The values of the EU are based on the determination that we will never again allow one group or minority to be scapegoated.
“The history of the Second World War teaches us that if we fail to defend one another then collectively we will perish. The LGBT community has been an easy target.
“Aided and abetted by religion, our rights and our freedoms have been attacked, denied and washed away. No more.
“This week the European Parliament once again sent a powerful signal to all member states and to the Council of Ministers that homophobia and homophobic attacks must be brought to an end.
“Latvia has signed the Treaty of Accession to the European Union. If she fails to abide by that legally binding treaty then ultimately sanctions could follow.
“However, I do not believe that these extremist politicians represent the decent civilised majority of Latvian citizens. Decency will prevail,” Mr. Cashman concluded.
UK GREEN MEP CONDEMNS LATVIA’S DEFIANCE OVER GAY RIGHTS
Green MEP Jean Lambert has today condemned Latvia’s refusal to introduce a law banning discrimination at work on grounds of sexual orientation.
Today Jean said it had been made ‘crystal clear’ that Latvia would be required to introduce the law when they joined the European Union in
2004 and commented; “This law is part of the discrimination measures under the Treaty of Amsterdam and as part of the EU Latvia has no choice but to comply and introduce such policy.
“Latvia’s actions come just a day after the Parliament passed a resolution to end homophobic and racist violence, just one aspect of the daily violation some are subjected to, demonstrating Latvia’s complete disrespect and support for Europe, our policies and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) communities.
“I have urged the Commissioner to ensure that laws banning discrimination towards the LGBT community are stringently implemented and upheld across Europe, to which he has agreed. With legal action already taken against 4 member states that failed to maintain policies against the discrimination of race and ethnic origin, I look forward to the Commissioners decision over Latvia.”
“I intend to pursue this blatant disregard for EU laws with renewed vigour,” said president of the European Parliament’s ‘Intergroup on LGBT rights Michael Cashman (UK, Labout), who pointed out that the Latvian vote came less than 24 hours after the European Parliament had voted by a substantial majority on a resolution on the increase in racist and homophobic violence in Europe.
“Latvia must respect EU laws or she will be dragged kicking and screaming to the Court of Justice,” said Mr. Cashman. “The values of the EU are based on the determination that we will never again allow one group or minority to be scapegoated.
“The history of the Second World War teaches us that if we fail to defend one another then collectively we will perish. The LGBT community has been an easy target.
“Aided and abetted by religion, our rights and our freedoms have been attacked, denied and washed away. No more.
“This week the European Parliament once again sent a powerful signal to all member states and to the Council of Ministers that homophobia and homophobic attacks must be brought to an end.
“Latvia has signed the Treaty of Accession to the European Union. If she fails to abide by that legally binding treaty then ultimately sanctions could follow.
“However, I do not believe that these extremist politicians represent the decent civilised majority of Latvian citizens. Decency will prevail,” Mr. Cashman concluded.
