KPH expresses its concern about the new proposed law in Lithuania
21/08/2009
Submitted by
Tomasz Szypula
21st August 2009
To: Chairman of the Committee on Legal Affairs in Lithuanian Parliament
Mr. Stasys Sedbaras
Dear Mr. Chairman,
We, the Campaign Against Homophobia in Poland, are extremely concerned about the new proposed amendments which your Committee is considering for introduction in September sessions.
These are:
Amendment to the Penal Code (registered under number XIP-668(2))
Inclusion of the new Article 310¹ . Promotion of homosexual relations in the public places
1. A person promoting homosexual relations in public places is committing a criminal offence which is punishable with public works or fine or arrest.
2. Legal person is also responsible for this criminal offence.
AND
Amendment to Administrative Code (registered under number XIP-667(2)
Inclusion of the new 214³º article
Article 214³º. Promotion of homosexual relations or financing of promotion in public places.
Promotion of homosexual relations or financing of promotion in public places is to be fined by fine from one to five thousand litas.
We consider these amendments to be a blatant violation of human rights.
Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people are already a highly vulnerable group which is exposed daily to discrimination and prejudice in Lithuania and across Eastern Europe. These amendments will amount to State-administered discrimination, stigmatizing a sizable minority. As new democracies however, we are responsible for defending minority rights, and embracing diversity.
We strongly urge you to block this and other such amendments and uphold European and universal standards of human rights.
Yours sincerely,
Tomasz Szypuła
Vice President, Campaign Against Homophobia
CC: Ombudsperson for Equal Opportunities Ms. Ausrine Burneikiene
Board Chair of the Lithuanian Gay League Mr. Vladimir Simonko
Ambassador of the Republic of Lithuania in Poland Mr. Egidijus Meilūnas
To: Chairman of the Committee on Legal Affairs in Lithuanian Parliament
Mr. Stasys Sedbaras
Dear Mr. Chairman,
We, the Campaign Against Homophobia in Poland, are extremely concerned about the new proposed amendments which your Committee is considering for introduction in September sessions.
These are:
Amendment to the Penal Code (registered under number XIP-668(2))
Inclusion of the new Article 310¹ . Promotion of homosexual relations in the public places
1. A person promoting homosexual relations in public places is committing a criminal offence which is punishable with public works or fine or arrest.
2. Legal person is also responsible for this criminal offence.
AND
Amendment to Administrative Code (registered under number XIP-667(2)
Inclusion of the new 214³º article
Article 214³º. Promotion of homosexual relations or financing of promotion in public places.
Promotion of homosexual relations or financing of promotion in public places is to be fined by fine from one to five thousand litas.
We consider these amendments to be a blatant violation of human rights.
Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people are already a highly vulnerable group which is exposed daily to discrimination and prejudice in Lithuania and across Eastern Europe. These amendments will amount to State-administered discrimination, stigmatizing a sizable minority. As new democracies however, we are responsible for defending minority rights, and embracing diversity.
We strongly urge you to block this and other such amendments and uphold European and universal standards of human rights.
Yours sincerely,
Tomasz Szypuła
Vice President, Campaign Against Homophobia
CC: Ombudsperson for Equal Opportunities Ms. Ausrine Burneikiene
Board Chair of the Lithuanian Gay League Mr. Vladimir Simonko
Ambassador of the Republic of Lithuania in Poland Mr. Egidijus Meilūnas
