Brussels, 17/09/2009 (Agence Europe) - In a resolution made on Thursday 17 September, the European Parliament indicted that Lithuania is expected to re-examine its draft legislation on child protection in an effort to avoid possible discrimination based on sexual orientation. Last July, the Lithuanian parliament modified a draft law on protecting children against the damaging effects of public information. An amendment puts a total ban on, “public information that promotes homosexual, bisexual or polygamous” relations” that could have a, “detrimental effect on the development of minors”. The law was due to enter into force on 1 March 2010. In a resolution adopted by 349 votes in favour, 218 against, with 46 abstentions, MPs affirmed that the wording of the law is, “vague and legally unclear and might lead to controversial interpretations”. They consider that the kind of material covered by this law is unclear. Does it extend to books, art, press, publicity, music, theatre, exhibitions or demonstrations? While recognising the need for “appropriate legal protection” of children, Parliament stresses the importance of fighting discrimination particularly that based on sexual orientation and asks Lithuania to ensure that their laws are compatible with international and European human and civil rights legislation. MEPs want the Agency for Fundamental Rights to asses the law and its amendments in relation to EU law and treaties. In response to an oral question asked during the plenary, the European Commissioner for Justice, Jacques Barrot pointed out that given the “serious concerns” created by certain aspects of this law, “the Commission will not hesitate taking al appropriate measures to ensure respect with Community law, including those on fundamental rights”. (B.C./trans/rh)