As a foreigner volunteering in one of the most homophobic countries in the European Union, I admit I did not know what reactions would have generated the Rainbow Days 2015, the set of initiatives organized in Lithuania for IDAHOT (International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia). Since I moved to this country, not many positive events
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Several gay rights activists have been arrested by police after attempting to stage a gay pride rally in Moscow. One of the activists attempted to unfurl a rainbow flag as they were arrested by police. During the incident, around 30 counter-demonstrators threw eggs at those participating in the pride parade. It is understood that the
Ireland’s tourist board is not wasting any time in promoting the country as a same-sex wedding destination. The Republic of Ireland overwhelmingly voted to introduce same-sex marriage in a referendum last week, with 62.1% voting in favour and 37.9% voting against. Although by passing the referendum the public has given approval to the concept of
The Australian Prime Minister has dismissed the idea of his country holding a referendum on same-sex marriage after Ireland’s historic vote on 23 May. Tony Abbott acknowledged it was important to millions of Australians and said he was taking the matter seriously, but marriage equality would be dealt with by the Federal Parliament. ‘Referendums are
On the 28th of May, 2015 Poland has rejected civil unions for the fourth time. The parliament voted to table the discussion of the proposed law which would allow same-sex couples to have similar rights to opposite-sex married couples. Less than a third of MPs, 146, voted for the discussion, with 215 voting against. 24
In a debate with the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) on Tuesday, Justice commissioner Vera Jourová confirmed her commitment to create a roadmap or action plan on LGBTI rights. In response to oral questions by Sophie in ‘t Veld MEP and Helga Stevens MEP, Vice-President and Member of the LGBTI Intergroup,
Lithuania’s performance at the Eurovision semifinals, which took place on the evening of May 28th, 2015, featured two same-sex kisses and has attracted a great deal of support from the international media and the LGBT* community. The LGBT* news service pinknews.co.uk reports that Eurovision fans worldwide are celebrating the performance of Vaidas Baumila and Monika
Although the entirety of Lithuania travels to Klaipėda every summer anyways, the national LGBT* rights organization LGL paid the city an extra visit. Klaipėda has always had its queer charm with its boats, waves and mist shining in the sun. Our friends by the sea have always been more beautiful and liberal! On May 20th,
Building Bridges, the motto of the “Eurovision” Song Contest, is all about uniting the east and west. Lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) communities from this year’s host country, Austria, and abroad used the opportunity of the world’s biggest LGBT-friendly music event to make the statement that Europe must improve the rights of its
The German Green Party has called on Angela Merkel to follow Ireland in introducing same-sex marriage. The Republic of Ireland overwhelmingly voted to introduce same-sex marriage in a referendum last week, with 62.1% voting in favour and 37.9% voting against. Following the victory, political leaders in a number of other countries – including Northern Ireland, Australia and Italy
On the 26th of May, 2015 Greenland’s parliament voted unanimously to adopt Danish laws legalizing same-sex marriage and adoption. Greenland is an autonomous country within the Kingdom of Denmark and has been self-governing since 2009. The Arctic nation adopted Denmark’s civil union law in 1996. But it did not do the same when Denmark legalized same-sex
Every spring, as the breeze carries fresh green leaves, the longest rainbow flag in the country waves proudly. On May 19th, the national LGBT* rights organization LGL brought the events of Rainbow Days 2015 to Kaunas. LGL invited the public to the LGBT* Myth Busters Workshop and a Rainbow Days film screening. At 16:00 on