17.05.2007
International Day against Homophobia:
European Greens demand more public attention is paid to anti-lesbian and anti -gay violence
On the occasion of IDAHO (International Day against Homophobia), which is being celebrated today, 17th May, European Green Party Spokesperson Ulrike Lunacek, herself a lesbian and MP in Austria, says that the various forms of discrimination and violence against lesbians,gays,bisexuals and transgender people should be given much more prominence in the media and politics.
"This issue is currently highly topical, because the discrimination ranges from invisibility (mostly of lesbian women) in the public sphere to legal disadvantages and to homophobic physical acts of violence. The extent and form of discrimination varies from country to country, and ranges from legal discrimination to prison sentences and - outside the EU - even the death penalty for homosexual acts: the death penalty still applies in nine countries, including Iran," explained Lunacek.
The International Day against Homophobia is celebrated worldwide and has
been supported by the European Parliament, among other organisations. It
is celebrated on the 17th May to commemorate the fact that on 17th May
1990, the World Health Organisation withdrew homosexuality from its
register of illnesses.
"The Greens", says EGP-Co-Spokesperson Philippe
Lamberts, "are using the opportunity afforded by this special day to
reiterate our call for comprehensive anti-discrimination laws, for civil
partnership laws and the introduction of marriage for same-sex couples
- the latter already having been introduced in three EU-countries:
Netherlands, Belgium and Spain".
"In general, the suicide (attempt) rate among young homosexuals is
drastically higher than among young heterosexuals," Lunacek and Lamberts
state as an example of why public acceptance and recognition of same sex
partnerships is needed: "It would especially help teenagers in their
coming-out phases to have more positive images and develop self-esteem
related to their sexual orientation. Fear is a very bad guide for teenagers,
and politicians and society have to work at creating a welcoming atmosphere
for youngsters who find out that they fall in love with people of the same sex," the EGP-Spokespersons concluded.
Graham Burgess
Communications Officer
European Green Party
email:graham.burgess@europeangreens.org
Tel no : +32 2 626 0724
Mobile no: + 32 477 902 023