Politicians to stand with LGBT people at Kyiv Pride despite threats of ‘bloodbath’ by Neo-Nazi thugs
Despite previous attacks on the event, politicians are to attend Kyiv Pride and stand with LGBT people.
In previous years, Pride has been called of in Kyiv as authorities refused to police the event, and far-right thugs have attempted to interrupt other events.For the second time in a row, a Pride March is scheduled to take place in Kyiv this Sunday. From the European Parliament, Vice-President of the LGBTI Intergroup Sophie in ‘t Veld, and members Ana Gomes and Rebecca Harms will march along for equality and human rights.
In 2015, far-right hooligans attacked the event, and several police officers were injured.
This year, Neo-Nazis threatened to create a “bloodbath” at the event which takes place on Sunday.
Over the last year, Ukraine has made significant progress on the rights of LGBTI people. It included provisions in the Labour Code which outlaw discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity at the work floor.
A National Strategy on Human Rights was also adopted which included provisions seeking to advance the rights of LGBTI people.
However, homophobia and transphobia remain severe problems.
Back in March an LGBTI festival in Lviv in the West of Ukraine, was cancelled following local authorities’ failure to protect the festival from far-right activists.
Sophie in ‘t Veld MEP, Vice President of the LGBTI Intergroup, commented: “On Sunday we support those who want to make Ukraine a modern, open, inclusive society where all citizens are equal, where all can freely and safely be themselves. There is still a long road ahead to achieve full equality in Ukraine and to eradicate homophobia, but I truly welcome the support of Ukrainian politicians and authorities. By embracing diversity, these Ukrainian representatives and all the other pride participants are paving the way for a more open-minded and enriched Ukraine.”
Rebecca Harms MEP, Co-President of the Greens/EFA group in the European Parliament added: “It is the fundamental right of every citizen to freely assemble. The values of tolerance and diversity that will be celebrated this Sunday were at the heart of the Maidan protest. Ensuring these rights is of crucial importance for the society as a whole as they foster democracy. I look forward to joining the march.”
Ana Gomes MEP, Coordinator of the Foreign Affairs Committee for the S&D Group and Member of the LGBTI Intergroup, added: “Undeniably, a lot of progress has been made on LGBTI rights. However, the spotlight on LGBTI people has also led to an increase in violence and homophobia, as the events in Lviv illustrate. I urge the authorities to ensure that all participants of the Pride will be well-protected, in line with European standards.”
