Jean, who is a member of the European Parliament’s Intergroup on Gay and Lesbian Rights, today said she was proud to vote for the resolution against Homophobia but regretted the antagonistic approach taken by some of her colleagues towards this important motion.
Speaking after the vote Jean said; “This is the European Year of Equal Opportunities in a Union which prides it self on its commitment to human rights. However we still have certain member states, such as Poland, where the Government has yet to realise what such a commitment means in reality.
“What it means is delivering on equality at work; not using language which incites hatred and attacks on individuals simply because of who they are; respecting the human rights of others, including their right to assembly and to be protected from violence – including state violence.
“I sincerely hope that this is the last time that the European Parliament has to address this issue as I trust that Member States will fulfill their duties under the law and under international convention.”
ENDS
For more information please contact:Morwenna Holland, Media OfficerTel: 020 7407 6280 or 07813149812 Email: media@jeanlambertmep.org.uk www.jeanlambertmep.org.uk
Notes to editors: Jean Lambert: In October 2005 Jean was named MEP 2005 for Justice and Human Rights. Jean was first elected Green Party Member of the European Parliament for London in the 1999 European elections. She was re-elected in 2004. She is one of nine MEPs representing London and one of two UK Green representatives in the European Parliament.