Amnesty International pledges to continue pressure for LGBT march in Vilnius

International nongovernmental organization Amnesty International has condemned a decision by Vilnius authorities to ban a gay march through the Lithuanian capital’s central Gedimino Avenue, and pledged to continue pressure on the country’s government. “Maybe I can just say that Amnesty International is very disappointed about the city council’s decision today,” Amnesty International representative Helle Jacobsen

The organisers submitted their request to march on the city’s main avenue during the Pride March, which is scheduled to take place in Vilnius on 27 July, many months ago; the city refused the grant permission to hold the event at the requested venue without offering an alternative. ILGA-Europe is appalled by the failure of

Vilnius municipal authorities ban upcoming Baltic Pride march

The municipal authorities of the Lithuanian capital, Vilnius, must allow the upcoming Baltic Pride to take place, Amnesty International said today. After a meeting held today with the Lithuania Gay League, organizers of the 27 July march, and Amnesty International, the Vilnius municipality authorities said the event cannot be held in the city centre and

Vilnius authorities ban LGBT pride on central Gedimino Avenue

Vilnius City Council has refused to allow an LGBT pride march along the town’s central Gedimino Avenue, it has emerged after a meeting between the authorities and the Lithuanian Gay League on Wednesday. Read more at 15min.lt

Lithuanian Parliamentary Speaker Vydas Gedvilas believes that the Seimas’ move to turn to the European Union (EU) institutions over pending bills that could restrict gay rights was too hasty. In comment made by a group of parliamentarians, Gedvilas, of the ruling Labour Party, said on Wednesday morning that the bills are in their initial phase.

Lithuanian national television council green-lit airing Baltic Pride ads

Council of the state-run Lithuanian national radio and television (LRT) did not give a clear-cut stance on social ads promoting the upcoming LGBT pride festival, authorizing the LRT administration to act in line with the law. On Tuesday, the LRT Council sent the recommendation to the administration, which had asked for advise after receiving a

EU foreign affairs ministers adopt ground-breaking global LGBTI policy

Today the EU’s 27 foreign affairs ministers adopted a ground-breaking global policy. The LGBTI Guidelines instruct EU diplomats around the globe to defend the human rights of LGBTI people. The Guidelines will be binding. The EU’s diplomatic efforts will revolve around four priorities: Eliminate discriminatory laws and policies, including the death penalty Promote equality and non-discrimination at

‘Ex-gay’ group Exodus International shuts down

A prominent US Christian group that purported to rid gay people of same-sex attraction through prayer has said it is shutting down. Three-decade old Exodus International made the announcement alongside an apology from President Alan Chambers to people “hurt” by its treatment. He acknowledged “the shame and guilt you felt when your attractions didn’t change.

Lithuanian court rules in favor of LGBT pride organizers

The Supreme Administrative Court of Lithuania passed a ruling on Thursday, ordering Vilnius authorities to review their decision regarding the venue for an LGBT pride march scheduled for July. Having heard the organizers’ appeal, the court ruled that Vilnius City Municipality had made a non-substantiated decision to move the planned event from central Gedimino Avenue,

Lithuanian court to hear LGBT pride march case

The Supreme Administrative Court of Lithuania is scheduled to start hearing Vilnius Municipality’s appeal regarding the location of a planned LGBT march on Tuesday. The case will be heard without holding a public hearing and without the attendance of the parties involved. Read more at 15min.lt

Lithuanian MPs ask EU opinion on anti-gay bills

A group of Lithuanian lawmakers have turned to EU institutions, asking for their position as to whether bills put before the Seimas do not violate human and sexual minority rights. The bills include proposals to ban “violation of constitutional moral values” and state that “every child has the natural right to a father and mother,

The controversial legislative proposals to ban abortions and to introduce administrative sanctions for “homosexual propaganda” have received no attention by the President in the course of her annual statement, which was read in front of the Lithuanian Parliament on 11 June 2013. It seems that the President has closed her eyes by refusing to refer to some