I fully support the equal rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender/Transsexual people. The EU is not, however, a community of values. There are countries and MEPs who do not respect human rights. This clearly effects - and will continue to effect - the policies of the EU. Therefore the EU should not gain influence over these issues. The Council of Europa and the Court of Human Rights are the right fora. Futhermore, it is of great importance that progressive countries (all over the world!) can work together - also on the grass root-level - to improve the conditions - without being held back by minimum standards in the EU.