Brussels, 19/01/2011 (Agence Europe) - MEPs called on the Lithuanian parliament to reject the draft law punishing “the public promotion of homosexual relations”. MEPs also emphasised that minors should be able to freely access information about homosexuality. They are calling on the Commission to put forward an action plan for combating homophobia. This is the main substance of the resolution adopted on Wednesday 19 January at the EP's plenary session in Strasbourg. This resolution was proposed by the S&D, ALDE, Greens/EFA and GUE/NGL groups.
MEPs also urged the Commission to carry out a legal assessment of the amendments in the context of the code of administrative infringements proposed and to publish an EU roadmap to help fight homophobia and discrimination based on sexual orientation.
MEPs consider that this law on the protection of minors against the damaging effects of public information is an attempt by the local authorities to ban marches for equal rights and gay pride parades. The use of inflammatory, threatening or hate-based language used by political leaders and political representatives is contrary to the Lithuanian Constitution. This opinion is shared by the Lithuanian president and former European commissioner, Dalia Grybauskaité, who very firmly denounced the negative effects that this draft homophobic legislation could have on Lithuanian citizens and the image of Lithuania. (G.B./transl.fl)