2nd International Day Against Homophobia, 2006
The members of ''Equality in Diversity'', the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Group of the Council of Europe invite their colleagues to attend a seminar organised by the European Parliament's Intergroup on the occasion of the 2nd International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO) on Wednesday 17 May at 4.30 pm in the European Parliament, with the participation of Thomas Hammarberg, Commissioner for Human Rights and Josep Borrell-Fontelles, President of the European Parliament.
The reality and threat of homophobia is too easily ignored or denied in many member States of the Council of Europe. Recently, the Equality in Diversity Group was profoundly disturbed to learn of the increasingly violent attacks suffered in recent weeks by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in the Russian Federation and by the inadequate response of the authorities in dealing with these serious crimes that are being committed with impunity. As stressed by the Secretary General in his press release of 15 May, the violence is of particular concern since the first ever Russian lesbian and gay festival is to be held in Moscow on 24-28 May. Equality in Diversity calls upon the authorities to ensure that this festival, and in particular the Pride March foreseen for 27 May, takes place and that the necessary measures are taken to provide for the safety of participants.
The seminar “Ending the hate” is an opportunity to look for ways to stop homophobia and the violence it engenders. It will be held on 17 May at 16:30, meeting room WIC 100 (Parliament, Winston Churchill building, ground floor, CoE badges requested to enter premises). The seminar will be followed by a cocktail offered by the Council of Europe group Equality in Diversity.
Link to website of the Parliament's Intergroup on LGBT rights