Defend freedom and human rights! Solidarity with lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgender people in Poland

The European Greens call for an end to discrimination of lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgender people. In many countries inside and outside of the European Union, it has, thankfully, been possible to improve the civil-rights situation of lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgender people over the last few years. This is a great gain for human rights democracy and thus for all citizens.

Yet, in some countries of the world, the situation is worsening. The European Greens are greatly concerned to observe the situation in Poland in particular. President Lech Kaczyński and his party have together with other right wing parties, for two years, been stirring up hatred of lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgender persons – through defamation, exclusion and restriction of fundamental freedoms. Over the last few years, for example, three demonstrations for tolerance correctly registered in advance have been banned. Right-wing radicals and religious fundamentalist groups have felt encouraged by this and are openly threatening lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgender people with violence.

We have great respect for the way in which the people of Poland fought and won democracy and liberty. This makes it all the more shocking when a section of citizens is being denied the new freedoms, when prejudice and hatred against minorities are being stirred up. President Kaczyński's policy is a betrayal of the ideals of freedom. 

Freedom of expression, freedom of speech and freedom of assembly are elementary basic rights of democracy. Gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgender people, like all citizens, have the right to draw attention to the problems they face and to their political demands. Those who hinder or even prohibit this place putting themselves outside the European consensus.

We call on all member states of the European Union to ensure that lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgender people are protected against discrimination, hostility and violence. They must also ensure that lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgender people enjoy the same respect, esteem and legal protection as other citizens in society.

The European Greens assure the courageous civil rights organisations working for tolerance and equal rights for lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgender people in Poland of their full solidarity and support.

We call for people across the whole of Europe to participate in this year's Christopher Street Day/Equality March events in Cracow, Warsaw and other towns. The discrimination of lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgender people is not a minority issue. It is something which concerns all democrats.