Project GayRussia managed to collect some supports after the ban of the Riga Pride by the City council
BRUSSELS
Statement from Michael Cashman, head of the Intergroup LGBT at the European Parliament
A statement for you to use however you wish:
I am deeply saddened that the City authorities have cancelled Riga Pride but their intolerance and weak excuses will not prevail. We will win the battle for human rights - even if it takes a thousand years. We will win because goodness and decency and truth are on our side. The weak decision by the authorities to cancel the march sends a dangerous signal that violence or the threat of violence overcomes respect for fundamental freedoms and democracy. Those who cherish democracy and the rule of law in Europe will be deeply worried by these events. We will pursue this with determination both within the European Parliament and within the European Commission. The fight goes on.
Yours in love and solidarity.
PARIS
Statement from Jack Lang, Member of the French Parliament, former Minister
J’appelle les autorités de l’Union, et les pays européens, à condamner fermement la duplicité des autorités lettonnes qui, d’une part, excitent les haines homophobes et d’autre part interdisent la tenue de la Gay Pride pour « raison de sécurité ». C’est une attitude inacceptable au sein de l’Europe. L’Union européenne n’est pas qu’un système d’aides financières : c’est d’abord un ensemble de valeurs. La Lettonie doit garantir à ses citoyens LGBT la libre revendication de leur identité et de leurs droits, en toute sécurité. C’est un devoir. J’exprime ma profonde solidarité avec tous ceux qui, en Lettonie, sont victimes de l’obscurantisme.
Statement from Louis-Georges Tin, President of the “International Day Against Homophobia Committee” (IDAHO)
I am deeply sad by the reaction of the City authorities not to allow the Riga Pride to go ahead. The IDAHO Committee expresses all its solidarity with Latvian gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgender in their fight for freedom and equality. We do hope that one day Latvia will join France, Belgium and the European Parliament and recognize the day against homophobia.
ROME
Statement from Vladimir Luxuria, Member of the Italian Parliament, first elected transgender in a National Parliament
I give all my support to the disappointed gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender in Riga, people who have been denied to have the chance to host a Pride.
Don't give up. You are on the right side of history.
A country should consider the Pride as a medal to wear
so as to declare equality, freedom and justice.
You efforts will be rewarded.
Love
LONDON
Statement from Merlin Holland, grandson of Oscar Wilde, Ambassador of the IDAHO Committee
It is deeply regrettable that yet another Eastern European city is wanting to deny its gay community the right to hold up its head without shame and without fears of violence. Having seen the ugly face of homophobia in Moscow this spring I commend your courage in standing up for your rights. Even if the pride does not take place, be proud that you are making a stand against prejudice in Latvia.
I wish you all well.
BERLIN
Statement from Volker Beck, Member of Bundestag, Whip and human rights spokesman for the Parliamentary Group of the Greens
Dear Friends in Riga,
I strongly support your efforts for the Gay Pride 2006 in Riga.
I am scandaliced and disappointed that the City of Riga has decided to
ban your demonstration.
This administrative action is not in accordance with the European Human
Rights Convention and neglects the democratic standards of the European
Union.
My hope and demand is that the Courts of Latvia will correct this
decision according to international Law.
With my best wishes
USA
Statement from Russel Murphy & Nita Thomas, co-President of InterPride
InterPride, the International Association of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Coordinators, stands strong with you and MOZAIKA in your effort to hold an LGBT Pride Celebration. In the ongoing struggle for Human and Civil Rights in this world, a government should stand with the oppressed, and not with the oppressors. It is unconscionable that the government of Riga has refused you a permit for a peaceful demonstration of human dignity and pride. We urge you to continue the fight to hold your event. No country has ever granted the LGBT community its rights without a struggle, and in many places the effort must continue for years before success is achieved. All the organizations in InterPride understand that the fight is not over any where until our equality is achieved everywhere. InterPride supports all our members, current and future in their local struggle. We look forward to the day when LGBT Pride is held in Riga without reservations.
GayRussia.Ru, from Riga
