Ludford condemns state homophobia in the EU

6.16.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 17th May 2007

London Lib Dem MEP Sarah Ludford

Addressing today's British Youth Council organised protest outside the Polish Embassy, Liberal Democrat MEP Baroness Sarah Ludford, a member of the European Parliament's gay and lesbian rights 'Intergroup' said: "I am deeply concerned by the homophobic stance of the Polish government.

"It is absolutely unacceptable that leaders of an EU member state can ban discussions on homosexuality in schools and colleges, maintain a list of jobs for which homosexuals are 'unfit', or use hate-filled rhetoric to promote intolerance against gay people.

"Today's demonstration will send a clear message that this type of behaviour will not be tolerated by EU citizens.

"Following the recent European Court of Human Rights judgement condemning Poland for banning a gay rights march, the EU institutions must be similarly firm about Polish infringements of European human rights provisions, and ensure that tough measures are taken when a member state fails to implement the letter or spirit of anti-discrimination laws."