Lithuania’s Social Democratic Prime Minister Algirdas Butkevičius declared that he is against a proposal by a group of lawmakers to legalize same-sex partnerships in the Lithuania on the 25th of March, 2015. “No. I have my opinion which I have expressed on numerous occasions. Thank you,” claimed the Prime Minister of Lithuania when asked if he would back the proposal.
According to Mr. Butkevičius, the five Social Democratic signatures on the same-sex partnership bill do not reflect the position of the whole party. “It’s not the official position of the Social Democrats, and I think the issue will be discussed within the political group,” the Prime Minister of Lithuania said.
The bill on same-sex partnerships has been registered by members of the Social Democratic Party of Lithuania and Liberal Movement’s political groups.
The Speaker of the Lithuanian Parliament Loreta Graužinienė said she was not acquainted with the bill and, therefore, could not comment on it. “I have not seen it yet, therefore, I cannot comment. I need to read it,” she told on the 25th of March, 2015.
The national LGBT* rights organization LGL expresses its grave concern regarding the remarks made by the Prime Minister of Lithuania Mr. Butkevičius, as these statements stand in a clear contrast with the Parliament’s of the Republic of Lithuania mission in respecting, protecting and promoting equality, acceptance, tolerance in the society and the rights of every Lithuanian citizen.
