The First EU LGBTIQ Equality Strategy Discussed at the National Human Rights Forum

On 9 December, 2022 the National LGBT rights organization LGL organized a discussion “The first EU LGBTIQ equality strategy 2020-2025: will LGBTIQ-inclusive policy become integral to Lithuanian strategic targets?” at the National Human Rights Forum. The first EU LGBTIQ Equality Strategy 2020-2025 calls on the EU Member States to draw up national action plans for

Baltic Pride 2022 Photo Album Captures Memorable Moments of the Festival

The National LGBT rights organization LGL has released an exclusive photo album of the Baltic Pride 2022 festival. A large-scale photo album presents the most memorable moments of the festival. The album cover features the artwork “Pride” by the artist Nenad Mitrovič. The publication pays special attention to the sponsors, partners and friends of the

EU Code of Conduct Against Hate Online: Hate Speech Evaluation is Slowing Down

On November 24, 2022 the Directorate-General for Justice and Consumers of the European Commission announced the results of the 7th evaluation of the Code of Conduct. The seventh evaluation on the Code of Conduct on Countering Illegal Hate Speech Online shows that the number of notifications reviewed within 24 hours (64.4%) has decreased as compared

Iceland is much more advanced than Lithuania in the field of LGBTI human rights, and the cooperation of Icelandic non-governmental organizations with the Icelandic government is defined in Iceland’s LGBTI Action Programme for the period of 2022 – 2025. Daníel E. Arnarsson, Executive Director of the Icelandic LGBTI human rights organization “Samtökin”, who will take

Latest Survey : 50 Percent of Lithuanians Support Same-Sex Civil Unions

The latest survey conducted by delfi.lt showed that nearly half of Lithuanian respondents support same-sex civil unions. While the law on civil partnership aiming to legally recognize homosexual couples is still discussed, DELFI.lt recently conducted a survey concerning the opinion about a possible civil union Law in Lithuania. The survey demonstrated that Lithuanian public opinion

LGL Representatives Participated at the INACH’s Annual Conference in Amsterdam

On 3-4 November, 2022 representatives of the National LGBT rights organization LGL participate at the INACH’s Annual Conference 2002 to 2022 – 20 years of combating cyber hate: Lessons learned and future challenges in Amsterdam. During the conference LGL Executive Director Vladimir Simonko gave a keynote speech “Activism against ignorance: Lithuanian success (?) story” and

Baltic Pride 2022 Recipe for Success: Togetherness and Solidarity

The Baltic Pride 2022 festival, held in June 2022, was notable for a record number of participants. On June 4 the March for Equality and Peace and the Proud Cities concert in Vilnius attracted up to 20,000 Vilnius residents and city guests. We asked the festival organizers and partners what led to the success of

Report on Hate Speech and Euroscepticism Shows Little Progress on LGBTI rights

In September, 2022 the Human Rights Monitoring Institute in Vilnius published a national report on Hate speech and Euroscepticism. The study was conducted among young people (16-25) over 10 years, from 2010 till 2020, with some events from 2021 included. Here are some main findings concerning the LGBTI issues: Indeed, the report shows a social

LGL Volunteer Participated in the Annual “IGLYO” Conference in Brussels

On 13-17 October, 2022 Violeta Tamelytė, volunteer of the National LGBT rights organization LGL, participated in the annual conference organized by the international LGBTI youth and student organization “IGLYO” in Brussels. During the annual “IGLYO” conference, members of the organization had an opportunity to discuss the future goals for “IGLYO”, admit new members, participate in

From 26th to 27th, 2022 Lithuanian lawyers Monika Antanaitytė and attorney-at-law Aivaras Žilvinskas met with the legal experts of the organization Deystvie (Bulgaria) in Bucharest (Romania). The latter are representing applicants in the principal case Baby Sara (European Court of Justice judgement in case No C-490/20) which concerns the recognition of the family rights of LGBTIQ

US Ambassador Visited LGBT Community Centre

On 29th of September, 2022 the National LGBT rights organization LGL was delighted to welcome H.E. Ambassador of the United States of America to Lithuania Mr. Robert. L Gilchrist and the Public Affairs Officer at the US Embassy in Vilnius, Mr. Drewry Philip. Both guests are supportive of the LGBTQI+ community and wish to see,

Representatives of the Flemish Parliament visited LGL office

On the 22nd of September the Commission of Foreign Affairs of the Flemish Parliament visited LGL office. The National LGBT rights organization LGL took an opportunity to thank the Flemish people for their support for the Baltic Pride 2022 in Vilnius. Flanders is an historical support of LGL as its cooperation with the association started