Anti-LGBTI Forces Gain Ground in Lithuania as Seimas Elections Loom

Recent developments in Lithuania point to an intensifying debate over LGBTI rights, with anti-LGBTI sentiment gaining prominence in the Baltic nation as the country prepares for its upcoming parliamentary elections. In August 2024, members of the Lithuanian parliament’s Regional faction proposed legislation that would ban providing any information about LGBTIQ topics to minors in schools

The Lithuanian Social Democratic Party (LSDP) has long positioned itself as a progressive force in Lithuanian politics. However, recent developments suggest a troubling retreat from its previous commitments to LGBTI rights, raising questions about the party’s true values, their adherence to the EU social commitments, and its ability to champion meaningful social change. This shift