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This written declaration commits only those who have signed it.
Written declaration No. 432 | Doc. 12052 | 30 September 2009
Lithuanian Parliament moves to criminalise the freedom of expression of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) persons
This written declaration commits only the members who have signed it
We, the undersigned members of the Assembly,
Note with deep concern that the Lithuanian Parliament:
- has adopted a law that bans material that “agitates” for homosexual and bisexual relations from schools or public places and media where they could be viewed by children (the Law on the Protection of Minors against the Detrimental Effect of Public Information), overruling a presidential veto;
- is now debating amendments to the Penal and Administrative Codes which would punish the “promotion of homosexual relations in public places” with community work, a fine or imprisonment;
Express shock that, if adopted, these amendments would potentially criminalise almost any public expression or portrayal of, or information about, homosexuality;
Emphasise that these provisions violate the European Convention on Human Rights;
Call upon the Lithuanian authorities to:
- respect their obligations not to discriminate on the grounds of sexual orientation or gender identity;
- reject the proposed amendments to the Penal and Administrative Codes;
- repeal the Law on the Protection of Minors against the Detrimental Effect of Public Information.