LibDem Euro-MP condemns homophobia in Latvia

2.34.01pm GMT Mon 26th Feb 2007

Liberal Democrat European justice spokeswoman and member of the European Parliament Intergroup on Gay & Lesbian rights Baroness Sarah Ludford MEP has today written to the Latvian Prime Minister and the Minister for Society Integration seeking reassurances of the government's commitment to tackling homophobia.

This initiative comes after it was reported that the Latvian government has, following protests by Christian church groups, postponed its expected decision on explicitly including sexual minorities in the 'National Programme for the Promotion of Tolerance'.

Baroness Ludford commented:

"I am deeply concerned by reports that lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans-gender individuals are subjected to systematic discrimination and abuse in Latvia. This contravenes the country's obligations as an EU member state to ensure respect for the principles of equality and non-discrimination, including on the grounds of sexual orientation."

"I am urging the Latvian government to incorporate the LGBT community in its National Programme for the Promotion of Tolerance as an important step towards developing a framework to tackle homophobia in the country."

"Time and time again I hear of discrimination against gay people in parts of 'new Europe'. This is wholly unacceptable. The European Commission must now closely monitor Latvia's respect for EU laws on freedom, dignity and equal rights for all citizens."