Document - Ukraine must reject planned anti-gay laws
�AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL �MEDIA ADVISORY ��AI Index: EUR 50/009/2012�5 July 2012
�Ukraine must reject planned anti-gay laws
��The Ukrainian parliament must reject two draft laws which are a direct assault on lesbian, gay and bisexual people’s rights and in contravention of the country’s international obligations to protect the right to non-discrimination, Amnesty International said. ��The draft laws purport to protect the rights of children by denying them information relating to homosexuality. ��If enacted, this legislation would have the effect of discriminating against lesbian, gay and bisexual individuals in their exercise of the rights to freedom of expression, association and assembly. ��“The draft laws appear to be the outcome of stereotypical views on homosexuality rather than the result of a thorough process aimed at seeking the views of children and ensuring their best interest,” said Heather McGill, Amnesty International’s expert on Ukraine. � �“If it is to live up to European and international human rights standards, the Ukrainian government must strive to create a society in which diversity is viewed not as a threat, but as a source of enrichment for society as a whole.” ��See also: �Ukraine: Proposed laws discriminate against LGBTI people and violate children’s rights ��To arrange for an interview please contact: �Heather McGill, Amnesty International’s expert on Ukraine on heather.mcgill@amnesty.org or +44 (0)7799605261 ��