European LGBT youth against the Belarus dictatorship!
Svyatoslav Sementsov
dictatorship! Join us!
On the night of 18th-19th of March 2009 JEF will organise a
co-ordinated pan-European action in different cities across the
continent to show support to the suppressed civil society, LGBT and
opposition movement in Belarus. The date coincides with the 2006
Presidential elections in Belarus. The action consists of gagging
statues in cities throughout Europe and the world that will
symbolically be prevented from speaking freely, much like the current
situation of the people in Belarus. The 2009 Action will call on
Europe to stand up for democracy in Belarus in defence of human
rights. Signs such as "It’s time for change... It's Time for a Free
Belarus“ - will be hung around the necks of the statues. This is the
fourth year we do this action – last year 80 European cities joined
and this year we hope to beat this record!
JEF and TEMA would like to invite LGBT activists and organisations of
all backgrounds who believe in democracy and respect for human rights
to join us in this action against Europe’s last dictator-ship during
the night of the 18th and 19th of March. All it takes is some tape,
paper and a cloth! Go with your organisation and friends or join a JEF
local section - simply contact bel...@jef.eu - to find a section near
you or tell us about your planned activity. Please also send any
pictures from the statues you gagged for immediate release online -
www.jef.eu - together with all other pictures from the pan-European
action in support of democracy and LGBT movement in Belarus!
"I believe this action can will make clear focus on human rights
situation in general as well as LGBT human rights in BELARUS - the
last dictatorship in Europe! We ask all LGBT organization in Europe
join this action and raise rainbow flags, to show your support and say
- that LGBT rights are Human Rights and Belarus as a European country
have to respect them!" - said Svyatoslav Sementsov.
"Homosexuality is not illegal in Belarus, but discrimination against
homosexuals was widespread, and harassment occurred.
Government-controlled media discouraged participation in the protests
following the 2006 presidential election by saying they were part of a
"gay revolution". This year two LGBT public gatherings were banned by
Minsk and Gomel City Administration The organizers see this denial of
permission as part of a pattern of infringement on the rights to
assembly and they are concerned that homophobia may be a significant
factor in the refusals."
We would really appreciate if you could disseminate this invitation
among your contacts and networks, as well as to any other contacts you
think that may be interested in joining the action outside Belarus.
http://www.pride.by/en/show.php?id=40
--
Svyatoslav Sementsov
co-president
TEMA - information center
-
m. +375297390882
svyatoslav...@gmail.com
skype: svyatoslav.sementsov
www.pride.by
-
p.o.box 118 | 246048 Gomel | BELARUS