Brussels, 24/05/2012 (Agence Europe) - In Strasbourg on 24 May, MEPs passed a resolution tabled by the S&D, EPP, ALDE, Green/EFA and GUE/NGL Groups condemning homophobic hate speech and violence in Europe and calling on member states to set an example on tackling homophobia, in passing taking a sideswipe at homophobic laws in force in some countries. The text was passed one week after the International Day against Homophobia and for the recognition of LGTB (lesbian, gay, transgender and bisexual) people. In their resolution, passed by 430 votes to 105, with 59 abstentions, MEPs called on both member states and countries such as Russia, Ukraine and Moldova to guarantee the rights of LGBT people and make it easier for them to enter into marriage, civil partnerships or other types of union recognised and organised in the various countries.
A number of MEPs were critical of the hypocrisy of the EU in this matter, pointing out that the Council has not yet made progress on the anti-discrimination directive, which will soon have been under discussion for four years. In a press release, Hélène Flautre (Greens/EFA, France) said, too, that it was to be regretted that the resolution adopted did not “clearly call on the Council to become fully engaged in the fight against homophobia”. She also bemoaned the laws and Bills in some countries, such as Russia, though also Hungary and Latvia, “which criminalise public debate on homosexuality on the grounds of child welfare”. (SP/transl.rt)