The participants of the International Baltic Pride 2019 Human Rights Conference were greeted by European Commissioner V. Jourova and the Special Advisor to the Prime Minister on LGBTQ2 issues issues R. Boissonnault.
Participants of the International “Baltic Pride” Human Rights Conference, which took part on June 6th in the Tolerance center in Vilnius, were greeted by European Commissioner Vera Jourova, who is responsible for justice, consumer rights and gender equality, and the Prime Minister of Canada’s Special Advisor on LGBTQ2 issues Randy Boissonnault.
“Baltic Pride is a very important event for raising awareness of LGBTI equality. Equality is a core value of the European Union that we should promote in every corner of the Union, including in the Baltics,” – in her video greeting emphasizes European Commissioner Vera Jourova, responsible for justice, consumer rights and gender equality.
“In 2015 the European Commission published the list of actions to advance LGBTI equality, which shows the European Commission’s commitment to combat the discrimination of LGBTI people. Some examples of actions are our support to LGBTI civil society organizations in member states, the code of conduct with major IT companies to combat hate speech online and our constant discussions and experience sharing among member states in different high level groups.”
“I am determined to implement the list of actions in 2019 successfully. I want to lay a solid foundation that will enable the next Commission to pursue and further strengthen the policies to advance LGBTI equality. I would like to stress that the Commission stands for equality, tolerance and respect. That is only one possible norm and that is that we treat everyone equally,” – says the European Commissioner.
“We congratulate the Lithuanian Gay League and its partners throughout the Baltics on Baltic Pride 2019. Members of the LGBTQ2 community are our friends, neighbors, colleagues and family. Across Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania I wish all citizens and participants a safe and joyful Pride festival,” – in his video greeting says the Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau’s Special Advisor on LGBTQ2 issues Randy Boissonnault.
The Prime Minister of Canada’s Special Advisor on LGBTQ2 issues regrets not being able to join the Baltic Pride 2019 events. “I join you in spirit and solidarity this important event. Every year we set aside some time to celebrate the work of so many lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and two spirit people to honor our universal commitment that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and in rights. We honor the countless heroes who paved the way for progress: the activists who marched, the advocates who organized, the families who stood by their loved ones, every brave person who came out and spoke out, especially when it was tough. Because of them, because of you there is a lot to be proud of today,” – says R. Boissonnault.
“In Canada we’ve come a long way. We’ve apologized to LGBTQ2 Canadians for historical wrongs, we’ve raised the pride flag over Parliament Hill. We’ve committed to building community capacity in our own LGBTQ2 organizations. It is my fervent hope and belief that by acting to right these wrongs that we can begin to heal and move forward together. Canada shares your commitment to equality. Canadians across the country recognize that diversity is our strength. That is why we stand with you. That is why we believe in you as you strive to foster love and acceptance within your communities,” – emphasizes the Prime Minister of Canada’s Special Advisor on LGBTQ2 issues.
