On 26 November the Lithuanian Parliament Seimas voted on the proposal to reject the draft amendment to the Code of Administrative Violations No. XIP-4490 (2). The amendment introduces administrative liability for “public denigration of constitutional moral values and of constitutional fundamentals of the family life, as well as organization of public events contravening public morality”. The bill was proposed by MP Petras Gražulis in May, 2013 in reaction to the upcoming Baltic Pride 2013 March for Equality.

The implementation of this amendment could be used to justify discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals (LGBT). Moreover, it violates the right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly of the LGBT community.

The Parliament rejected the recommendation of the Parliamentary Committee on Human Rights to disapprove this controversial legislative initiative (29 votes in favour, 33 votes against, and 14 abstentions). Now the amendment will be considered by the Committee on State Administration and Local Authorities. It will already be the sixth committee that will consider the above-mentioned proposal.

During the autumn session the Lithuanian Parliament has considered or will consider five homophobic and transphobic initiatives.