Three islanders
from Lesbos told a court Tuesday that gay women insult
their home's identity by calling themselves lesbians.
Three islanders
from Lesbos told a court Tuesday that gay women insult
their home's identity by calling themselves "lesbians."
The plaintiffs --
two women and a man -- are seeking to stop a Greek gay
rights group from using the word "lesbian" in its name.
Also known as
Mytilini, Lesbos was the home of the ancient poet Sappho,
who praised love among women. It is a major travel
destination for gay women.
The Homosexual
and Lesbian Community of Greece "causes confusion by
using a geographic term in connection with [the group's]
special character and social action," said Dimitris
Papadelis, a lawyer representing the plaintiffs.
A spokeswoman for
the group accused the plaintiffs of homophobia.
"I believe ...
the other party's intentions were purely racist,"
Evangelia Vlami said. "They showed that what bothers them is
a specific sexual orientation."
"What will they
do next, sue the United Nations? They too use the term
lesbian," Vlami said.
Plaintiff
Dimitris Lambrou has insisted the lawsuit "is not an
aggressive act against gay women."
Lawyers from both
sides are to submit written arguments on Wednesday, and
the court is expected to issue its decision in the next six
months. (AP)
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