European Parliament ready to stamp out homophobia, is Frattini?
Press release from the Intergroup on gay and lesbian rights in European Parliament
January 18th 2006
Today, the European Parliament adopted the joint resolution on Homophobia in Europe, tabled by the five major political groups. Earlier this week, the European Parliament debated the subject in plenary, following a Commission Statement by Commissioner Frattini. The officers of the Intergroup on Lesbian and Gay Rights consider the adopted resolution an important step in the fight against homophobia.
"I am proud to see that the European Parliament is ready to stamp out the homophobia in Europe. The resolution is a strong sign of the EP's power to work together and raise current and important issues to the EU's political agenda. The question is if commissioner Frattini and the Council will act to defend LGBT-persons' human rights", said Vice-President Raül Romeva (Greens/EFA).
"Fundamental rights are inalienable and universal for all citizens of the European Union. It is up to the Member States to ensure proper implementation. At such times of growing intolerance, I am extremely pleased that the EP gives such a strong and clear signal that we will not acquiesce to a climate of hatred and intolerance", said Sophie in 't Veld (ALDE), Vice-President of the Intergroup.
"Even in the UK, where enormous advances have been made, a young man was kicked to death just before Christmas for no other reason than he was homosexual. If the EU does nothing, it is party to every single blow that was rained upon that individual and other men like him and on gay women across the EU", said Michael Cashman (PES), president of the Intergroup.
"In October 2004 President Barroso promised that his Commission would bring forward a directive to combat discrimination in other areas within the EU's competences. In 2 years there has been no proposal and no action. When will we receive this directive?" Michael Cashman continued.
"The cross-party Intergroup will continue to promote equality and diversity and to ensure that these rights remain at the forefront of the Parliamentary agenda. The steering group officers look forward to the planned meeting with commissioner Frattini on the 2nd of February and hope that we then receive answers to the questions we raised in the EP debate," said Sophie in 't Veld.
ENDS
Speeches from the debate the 16th of January are published on the Intergroup web site: www.gayandlesbianrightsintergroup.com
For further information please contact the Intergroup's secretary Catrine Norrgård on tel.: +32 22 84 57 59 or mcashman@europarl.eu.int
