AMNESTY CONDEMNS HOMOPHOBIA AS PHOTO EXHIBITION OPENS IN BELFAST
HUMAN rights campaigners have published information showing deep-rooted prejudice and intolerance towards LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual) people across eastern Europe.
As a new photographic exhibition opens in Belfast, Amnesty International reported that, in countries including Russia, Lithuania, Poland, Croatia and Estonia, participants in Pride events have faced threats and official hostility even before they march.
They have been jeered at, spat at, and pummeled with bottles, eggs, excrement, and fists by protesters, sometimes while police look on. Some events are banned outright, in violation of international law, while authorities breach their obligations, claiming security concerns and the violation of what they perceive as spiritual and moral values.
The “Hate and Pride in Riga” exhibition features images from the May 2008 Pride March in Riga, the capital of the Baltic state of Latvia.
Amnesty supporters from 30 countries travelled to Riga to support the local Mozaika (“Mosaic”) alliance of LGBT people by marching with them through the streets of the city. Unlike in previous years the march was well protected by police although participants still suffered a torrent of abuse from anti-gay protesters and experience threats of losing jobs and other ongoing persecution.
Amnesty International’s Northern Ireland Programme Director, Patrick Corrigan, said: “Despite some fringe opposition, Belfast’s Pride parade has become a generally good natured affair, with positive relations with the police and tremendous support from Saturday shoppers. It is therefore shocking to see the level of hate, intolerance and violence still existing elsewhere in Europe.
“Amnesty International believes that love is a human right and we will continue to show solidarity with Riga Pride until local LGBT people are able to assemble without fear of violence.”
The exhibition will be shown at The Space, Queen’s University Belfast Students’ Union until the end of November and is part of the Outburst Arts Festival.
© FAME Inc
