The Group of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE) is the only group in the European Parliament to have a specific campaign « ALDE 4 Equality « to support political action in the field of LGBTI rights, notably by participating in gay pride events to provide international protection and monitoring.
On behalf of ALDE, Sophie In‘t Veld (D66, Netherlands), will participate in the Gay Pride March in Budapest tomorrow, 7th July.
“The ambition of the ALDE4Equality campaign is to achieve a Europe where all citizens are free, equal and respected, a Europe where no-one has to hide his or her identity. Gay prides are a celebration of our common European values. Europe is moving in the direction of a true political union. But a political union can only exist if its citizens have shared values,” In ‘t Veld says on the eve of the heavily guarded event – more than 2000 police officers will secure the safety of the participants of the parade.
“We are pleased the Pride will take place, after a period of uncertainty about authorization. Local authorities should stop their delaying tactics by trying to ban Gay Prides. They know very well they have a legal duty, repeatedly confirmed by the Strasbourg Court, to guarantee freedom of expression and freedom of assembly for all citizens, including the obligation to authorise peaceful demonstrations and to provide police protection where necessary. “
ALDE welcomes the fact that across Europe, more and more Gay Prides are no longer an event surrounded by fear and violence, but a true celebration of diversity. In this context ALDE congratulates the organisers and authorities of Riga, Sofia and Bucharest, where peaceful pride events took place this year, despite earlier threats and calls for violence.
"When it comes to LGTBI rights we can certainly be proud of our achievements in Europe, but we must all remain vigilant. We express our deep concern about the so-called anti-gay propaganda laws. They create a climate of hatred, in which violence is legitimised. ALDE will continue its fight for the prohibition of discrimination on the grounds of – among other things – sexual orientation, as this is one of the fundamental values of the European project and must remain so."
Note for editors:
Sophie in ‘t Veld is available for interviews on 7th July in Budapest.
Contact Elzelien van der Steen tel +32 477 45 42 84
More information on the ALDE4Equality campaign: http://www.alde.eu/campaigns/equality/
Sophie in 't Veld is ALDE vice-President of the LGBT Rights Intergroup in the European Parliament. In reply to a letter expressing concerns on the security situation of the Budapest Gay Pride, the Intergroup received on 6th July the reply from the Mayor of Budapest.
