Several bills currently under discussion at the Lithuanian parliament that, if passed, would restrict LGBT rights harms the country’s image on the international arena, Foreign Minister Linas Linkevičius says.

“I think you will agree that Lithuania is not a homophobic country, and everyone trying to depict the situation differently may be trying to harm our image prior to the presidency (over the European Union Council), possibly without even knowing it. This is a fact,” Linkevičius said at the parliament during the government’s question-and-answer session on Thursday.

In his words, the proposed monetary fines to organizers of gay pride parades may run counter to the European Convention of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms and the agreement on operations of the European Union (EU).

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