Written declaration No. 504 | Doc. 12848 | 25 January 2012
Threats to the freedom of expression of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons in Russia, Ukraine and Lithuania
There is now serious danger to the right to freedom of expression of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons in Russia, Ukraine and Lithuania.
In Russia two regional assemblies (Arkhangelsk and Ryazan) have adopted legislation prohibiting "propaganda of homosexuality", while in two others (St Petersburg and Kostroma) similar legislation has been tabled. There are reports that similar initiatives are under discussion for Moscow and even for the Russian Federation as a whole.
In Ukraine MPs have tabled a proposal designed “to strengthen protection from homosexual propaganda”. It would introduce criminal penalties ranging from a fine to five years' imprisonment.
In Lithuania a bill before parliament would penalise “the public denigration of constitutional moral values and the principles of family ….. and the organisation of events contradicting social morality”.
If implemented, these proposals could silence human rights defenders working for the rights of LGBT people. They conflict with the obligations of Ukraine, Russia and Lithuania under international human rights law. We call upon their governments and the members of their delegations to the Parliamentary Assembly to take strong action to oppose them.