Today the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) presented its updated report on Homophobia, transphobia and discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity in the European Union.

The FRA report reveals that in some EU Member States, legislation and practice is increasing the protection of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) persons, while in others the rights of LGBT persons are being restricted or neglected.

„The legal framework in Lithuania seems to be more ambivalent, since national legislation bans information on homosexuality, while at the same time sexual orientation is included among the criminal provisions“ – noticed in the report.

„There are no provisions in the EU Member States which target the diffusion of information on homosexuality as such. In conclusion, against this comparative background, Lithuania appears very isolated among EU Member States in its intention to prohibit dissemination of material that could be seen as ‘promoting’ (homo)sexual relations or ‘expressing contempt for the family’“ – report continues.

„Concerning the ban on the ‘promotion’ of homosexuality and same-sex relations to minors or in public, Lithuania constitutes the only recent example of such legislation. In contrast, a number of Member States have taken action to foster education and dialogue, with the aim of challenging negative attitudes towards homosexuality and LGBT people <…>.“

Update reveals progress in relation to the enjoyment of freedom of assembly, and expression for LGBT people as well as protection from violence motivated by prejudice, incitement to hatred and expressions of prejudice and discrimination against LGBT people. „In Poland, Romania and Bulgaria pride marches were held successfully for the first time. In contrast, in Lithuania the 2010 Baltic pride was threatened with cancellation at short notice, and in Latvia the right to organise marches continues to be challenged by elected officials despite several court rulings annulling attempted bans.“

„With respect to hate crime, Lithuania and the UK (Scotland) have enacted new provisions in this

area, bringing the total number of Member States having classified homophobic or transphobic intent as at least an aggravating circumstance in criminal law.“ – stated in the report.

The report together with background information is available online at: http://fra.europa.eu/fraWebsite/research/publications/publications_per_year/pub-lgbt-2010-update_en.htm