The European Court of Human Rights has ordered Greece to allow same-sex couples to enter into the same civil unions it allows for same-sex couples. Greece has had opposite-sex civil unions since 2008 for heterosexuals who do not wish to marry and the European court in Strasbourg found that it was discriminatory for Greece to
News / LGBT Guide LT
The Lithuanian parliament has opened discussions of the amendment to the Criminal Code which spells out that criticism of homosexuality should not be viewed as discrimination. Initiated by a mixed group of parliamentarians, the amendment suggests that “Criticism or discussion of sexual behaviour, sexual practices, convictions and views, or attempts to persuade to change such
According to the liberal members of the European Parliament, the Lithuanian Government had assured them that the LGBT March for Equality planned for this July will be properly protected. However, they have pledges to keep a close eye on the situation. Hans van Baalen, a member of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE),
On 24 April 2013 Vilnius authorities appealed before the Supreme Administrative Court of Lithuania, indicating that, despite the judgment by the first instance court, the municipal authorities have the right to propose a location for a public assembly other than demanded by the organizers. “The law does not provide an organizer with the right to choose the
Well-known and openly gay Lithuanian singer Ruslanas Kirilkinas became a victim of a homophobic attack. Kirilkinas was performing at a concert held in the Lithuanian town of Aukštadvaris on the 23rd of February when eggs were thrown at him from the audience, resulting in lip, chin and ear wounds. The singer was taken to hospital by
According to the system introduced in 2005, the vehicle registration plates in Lithuania contain three capital letters, which are selected alphabetically in accordance with the sequence of registration. 15min.lt reports that the current attempt to introduce vehicle registration plates containing the letter combination GEJ (closely resembling the Lithuanian equivalent for the word “gay”) has caused
An essay on the situation of LGBT rights in Lithuania by Kjetil Duvold & Inga Aalia*, published in the Baltic Worlds, analyzes the recent political and cultural developments in the Lithuanian society through the lens of public discourse on sexual orientation issues. The comprehensive analysis of legal and policy consideration regarding LGBT community is accompanied
The Lithuanian Ministry of Justice has proposed that persons who have undergone gender reassignment surgery be issued with new identity documents upon presentation of a medical statement without the need to apply for such documents through the court. At the same time it proposes that gender reassignment surgery shall not be regulated by a separate
Anna Shepherd Helsinki Pride took place last week, culminating in the Pride Parade in which also a small group of Lithuanians took part. The Pride week consisted of a diverse range of events and activities such as panel discussions, art exhibitions, film screenings, workshops, parties and picnics. The programme also included a Rainbow Mass held
Sigitas Tamkevičius, Lithuanian archbishop of the Roman Catholic Church, is praying for people not to go to Lady Gaga’s upcoming concert in Vilnius. Lady Gaga, a strong supporter of LGBT rights, is scheduled to perform in Vilnius in late August. Tamkevičius, who currently serves as Archbishop of Kaunas, was quoted in delfi.lt: “We’ll pray for
Five percent of Lithuanians admit to being intolerant, but only less than one third would be able to work and communicate with other foreigners, homosexuals or disabled, shows the poll by Center of Public Opinion and Market Research Vilmorus. Specialists explain this phenomenon as “hidden intolerance” – when a person thinks and claims to be
Lithuanian Foreign Minister Petras Vaitiekunas told the national parliament Monday that the country’s reputation for homophobia was justified. “This is true: Lithuania is one of the most homophobic countries in the EU. This has to be viewed as a fact,” Vaitiekunas said in response to a parliamentary question from Member of Parliament Ausrine Marija Pavilioniene.