MEP welcomes fight against Polish homophobia

By Staff Writer, PinkNews.co.uk • December 18, 2006 - 0:00

The Commission has requested the Polish Selection Committee to re-examine the application of the European Voluntary Project

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A Finnish MEP has welcomed commitments from the European Commission that it will fight homophobia in Poland.

It comes after Piia-Noora Kauppi (EPP-ED) submitted a question to the European Commission on a current case of homophobia in Poland, on this occasion, the Polish Selection Committee of the YOUTH Program had decided to reject the funding application of the European Voluntary Project on grounds that it would "propagate homosexual behaviour and attitudes among young people".

Vladimir Špidla, the Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities, said: "Homophobia is not in accordance with the principles of the EU and it is a severe violation of human rights".

The statement by the Commission also underlines the fact that Article 13 in the Treaty establishing of the European Community, the Treaty of Amsterdam and the European Council's directive 2000/78/EC all strongly oppose any discrimination based on sexual orientation.

After examining the application procedure of the Polish Selection Committee of the YOUTH Program, the Commission also concluded that the procedure was biased and meant to serve national political aims.

The Commission has requested the Polish Selection Committee to re-examine the application of the European Voluntary Project. It has also urged officials and organisations responsible for the implementation of the program to ensure the equal entry for all young people into the program in the future.

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