MEP CALLS FOR HOMOPHOBIA TO BE ROOTED OUT ACROSS EUROPE (Fiona Hall MEP)

Fiona Hall MEP <info@fionahall.org.uk>

MEP CALLS FOR HOMOPHOBIA TO BE ROOTED OUT ACROSS EUROPE

January 17, 2006 12:00 AM

MEPs are expected to support a resolution later today, condemning the disturbing evidence of homophobia in EU countries. The resolution calls for EU laws upholding human rights and outlawing discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation to be extended, and properly implemented, in all member states.

MEPs have summoned the European justice Commissioner Franco Frattini to the Strasbourg session of the European Parliament to report to them on efforts to combat the scourge. Their actions follow a series of worrying events in EU member states, including the banning of equality 'Pride' marches in Poland, the introduction of a constitutional amendment in Latvia to ban the possibility of same-sex partnerships, and crude anti-gay public commentary.

Liberal Democrat MEP for the North East, Fiona Hall, commented:

"Every Member State must be made to understand that freedom, dignity and equal respect are for all citizens, without exception. I strongly support the call for EU laws to go beyond the existing ban on workplace discrimination. There need to be measures to combat homophobic acts and hate speech, and to eradicate discrimination in all sectors including the right of gay people to move around the EU with their family members."

The resolution also calls on the European Commission to sanction those states failing to implement EU law. Ms Hall added:

"The EU is a community built on shared respect for human rights and acceptance of difference. It is the Commission's job to uphold these principles, and they must not be afraid to pursue any Member State guilty of a breach which seriously prejudices gay people. It has been proved with race hate that legislation can help effect a sea-change in attitudes. "