The European Parliament will tonight debate the increase in homophobia and xenophobia in Russia. It will look at what the European Commission and the High Representative for Foreign Affairs have done so far. The debate will be streamed live at 9.30AM Strasbourg time, which will be 8.30PM New Zealand time. Ahead of the debate, the European Parliament Intergroup on LGBT Rights points out the legal and social situation has sharply deteriorated for non-governmental organisations defending human rights in Russia, particularly for NGOs working for the rights of ethnic minorities, migrants, and LGBT people. It cites the several laws which recently came into force, including the ban on 'propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations to minors'. "Behind the smokescreen of 'traditional values', Russian authorities turn increasingly authoritarian, limiting freedom of expression and violating human rights—not only against LGBT people, but against all minorities,” says Michael Cashman MEP, Co-President of the Intergroup. "In this worrying context, we'll ask the Commission and the EEAS what they've done to stand straight up for human rights." Vice President Sophie in 't Veld adds that the recent decree by President Putin banning demonstrations and rallies for two and a half months in Sochi around the 2014 Winter Olympics should be a wake-up call to the International Olympic Committee." "The IOC has also banned all expressions of support, including rainbow nail polish. Clearly, the Committee has chosen Russia's side by shielding them from criticism. I call upon the new IOC President Thomas Bach to take appropriate measures and fiercely condemn these laws." You can stream tonight’s debate live here
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Thursday, 10th October 2013 - 11:13am