International human rights and advocacy groups are outraged over the Lithuanian Parliament’s implementation of a homophobic censorship law.
The ‘Law on the Protection of Minors Against Detrimental Effect of Public Information’ prohibits the distribution of information about sexual orientation through any medium to which children have access.
An explanatory note accompanying the law states that ‘the propagation of a non-traditional sexual orientation and exposure to information containing positive coverage of homosexual relations may cause negative consequences for the physical, mental and, first and foremost, moral development of minors.’
The law is not limited to sexual orientation, however, with material that encourages gambling, displays graphically violent images or portrays drug use in a positive fashion also being prohibited.
The Lithuanian Parliament (Seimas) originally passed the law on June 16 this year before the now-former President Valdas Adamkus used his power of veto to reject the legislation and refer it back to Parliament for reconsideration.
On July 14, the bill was approved with 87 votes for, 6 against and 25 abstentions. It will come into effect in March 2010.
Lithuania’s new President, Dalia Grybauskaite had previously criticised the law, saying it breeches fundamental human rights, however, following the parliamentary vote she is bound by the country’s constitution to sign it.
The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Youth and Student Organisation (IGLYO) released a statement late last month criticising the implementation of the Law on the Protection of Minors Against Detrimental Effect of Public Information.
‘The law will have a tremendously harmful effect on homosexual and bisexual children and adolescents, and potentially on other young people indirectly affected by the law,’ reads the statement. ‘It further encourages the marginalisation and stigmatisation of young people from sexual minorities, and restricts their access to adequate information and support.’
According to the IGLYO, the legislation is in breach of Article 10 of the European Convention of Human Rights, which states that, ‘Everyone has the right to freedom of expression. This right shall include freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart information and ideas without interference by public authority and regardless of frontiers’.
The International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC) have also condemned the parliament’s decision, saying it codifies discrimination based on sexual orientation.
‘Lithuania has taken a huge step backward for human rights by enacting this law,’ said Cary Alan Johnson, Executive Director of IGLHRC.
‘Not only does it stifle the free expression of all people, but it could actively prevent children from getting a comprehensive and accurate sexual education, which is vital to their health and lives.’
Although Lithuania decriminalised homosexuality in 1993, it has repeatedly banned gay pride events over the last few years.
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