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"Tolerance is not enough"

Message by Terry Davis, Secretary General of the Council of Europe,

to the participants of the International conference against homophobia

(Moscow, 26 and 27 May 2006)

Strasbourg, 26.05.2006 – "I add my voice to those condemning homophobia which, regrettably, remains alive and well in many parts of Europe. I also want to express my hope that this form of discrimination will soon be a matter of the past.

When it comes to our attitude towards gay and lesbian people, Europe still has little to be proud of and much to make up for. Sixty years ago, gays and lesbians were victims of the Nazis. Today, they are no longer forced to wear a pink triangle, but they continue to be regularly exposed to prejudice, bigotry, violence and officially sanctioned discrimination.

Homophobia is a regrettable phenomenon, but for many gays and lesbians across Europe, it is not the worst of their worries. What they face far too often is not fear – but violence and hate.

If mentalities cannot change overnight, official attitudes and laws can, and must, when the protection of the most basic human rights are at stake. All 46 member states of the Council of Europe are legally bound to comply with the European Convention on Human Rights. Their authorities have the legal obligation to guarantee respect for all the rights of all their citizens.

First, we must demolish the walls of prejudice and intolerance. Then we must build a new structure of acceptance, equality and respect."