London’s Green MEP Jean Lambert has joined protests in Brussels against the adoption of legislation in Lithuania which will outlaw the discussion of homosexuality in schools. On the 16th of June, the Lithuanian parliament adopted an amended Law on the “Protection of Minors against the Detrimental Effect of Public Information.”

According to this law, “propaganda of homosexuality and bisexuality” has a damaging effect on minors, and therefore, information on homosexuality and bisexuality should be banned from schools and any other places where it can be accessed by young people.

Jean, a Member of the European Parliament’s cross-party Intergroup on Gay and Lesbian Rights, said today:

“I am appalled and deeply alarmed by the Lithuanian Parliament’s approval this bill which will effectively ban the discussion of homosexuality in schools and any reference to homosexuality in public information that can be viewed by children.

“This clearly violates the right to freedom of expression and contravenes the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights and the European Convention on Human Rights. It is essentially at odds with some of the European Union’s most basic principles.”

Earlier this week, Jean wrote to the European Commission to request that it makes absolutely clear to Lithuanian President Adamkus that such legislation is unacceptable:

“Homophobic attitudes are on the rise in Lithuania, and this law institutionalises that mindset. It is a deeply worrying development.

“If the country wishes to remain a part of the European Union, its laws must respect our common core values and agreed basic human rights. The fundamental rights to freedom of expression and equality of treatment must be upheld in Lithuania as they are across the EU.”