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Lithuanian President Vetoes Antigay Bill


President Valdas Adamkus (pictured) of Lithuania last week vetoed a bill that would prohibit the discussion of homosexuality in schools and ban references to gay and lesbian relationships in public places where children can see them, reports the U.K.-based Lesbian and Gay Foundation .

The Lithuanian parliament passed the bill, called the Law on the Protection of Minors Against the Detrimental Effect of Public Information, June 16. According to Human Rights Watch, which sent a letter asking Adamkus to veto the bill, the bill would ban all materials that "agitate for homosexual, bisexual and polygamous relations" from schools or other public places where they can be seen by youth, on the grounds that they have a "detrimental effect" on "the development of minors."

Opponents of the bill had urged Adamkus to remember his country's commitments to free expression as a member of the European Unio, and as a signatory to the joint United Nations statement in December affirming that LGBT rights are human rights.

The Lithuanian parliament, formally known as the Seimas, could reverse the veto, but it would require an absolute majority of the 141-member body.

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Reader Comments
  • Name: Lisette Kampus
    Date posted: 7/14/2009 5:37:00 PM
    Hometown: Tallinn Estonia

    Comment:

    Despite Adamkus not signing it, Adamkus retired on Sunday after serving out two five-year terms. The law does not allow his successor, Dalia Grybauskaite, to reimpose a veto. Earlier she had stated she would sign such a law with great regret. However, she had no other way out and the law will now become effective from 2010. Protests are held in front of Lithuanian embassies in several EU countries on July 15th. Candles will be laid in front of the embassy to mark the loss of human rights in Lithuania.

  • Name: Adrianus
    Date posted: 7/6/2009 3:51:00 AM
    Hometown: Northridge, CA

    Comment:

    He should teach humanity to NOM and the likes in America.

  • Name: Russell Cordell Eckhart
    Date posted: 7/3/2009 5:45:00 AM
    Hometown: Bloomfield

    Comment:

    How quickly Lithuania has forgotten the years of Soviet oppression and before that, NAZI occupation. It's the same old story, "I have mine, to hell with you getting yours." If parliament overturns the veto, kick Lithuania out of the EU and the UN.

  • Name: Paul Beppler
    Date posted: 7/2/2009 5:52:00 AM
    Hometown: Brazil/USA

    Comment:

    As it is known, true leadership is much more than just pandering to the general populous' for their votes and their approval; but it is, above all, to inspire the majority in society to reach higher levels of human mutual respect and understanding. Very well done, Mr. Adamkus! --Paul (Brazil/USA)

  • Name: Dotty Alkonis Kotchian
    Date posted: 7/1/2009 5:15:00 PM
    Hometown: Chicago

    Comment:

    I too am a second generation Lithuanian on my fathers side. I am so proud of my heritage! Our people know, only too well, the price to be paid for discrimination and blind hatred! Thank you President Adamkus! Domicella

  • Name: greg
    Date posted: 7/1/2009 3:00:00 PM
    Hometown: Menifee, CA

    Comment:

    I am ashamed to be half Lithuanian. I am second generation on my father's side. I used to give money to the Lithuanian Mercy Lift every year but I stopped because of the Lithuanian stand on LGBT issues and Gay Pride Parades. This country has been persecuted for ions of years and its people repressed. They had a history of being very accepting of all people but that history died many, many years ago. Thank you, Mr. Adamkus for having the guts to veto this hateful bill. Bless you for it.

  • Name: Jeremy
    Date posted: 7/1/2009 12:06:00 PM
    Hometown: Southport, UK

    Comment:

    Thank YOU, Mr. Adamkus, for having some common sense, something that some of the members of the Lithuanian parliament apparently don't have. Free speech and free expression are qualities to be admired and protected in a society. LGBT rights are indeed human rights. Bravo!



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