International

Euro-MPs from the SP, the Green Left and the centrist liberal D66 party have expressed their delight over the decision to give the go-ahead to Baltic Pride. Yesterday in Lithuania permission had been withheld for Baltic Pride, a demonstration by gays, lesbians and transsexuals. The reason given was the expectation of disorder brought about by counter-demonstrations. SP Euro-MP Dennis de Jong, shared the disquiet felt by MEPs from the Green Left and D66 over this ruling, pointing to the fact that under international law the Lithuanian government had a responsibility to protect participants in Baltic Pride. In the Baltic states brave men and women are forced to stand up for their right not to be discriminated against and should be able to count on the protection of the government, the MEPs contend.

These were amongst the reasons why the three, together with colleagues from other countries, supported Amnesty International's call to allow the demonstration to go ahead. In the MEPs' view, the international protest has provided vital support to participants in Baltic Pride and those organising the demonstration. They now hope to see a big, peaceful, successful Pride Parade, the first ever held in Lithuania's capital Vilnius, and that this will pave the way for further local initiatives.