ALDE MEPs visit Kiev Pride - Hoofdinhoud

For the second time in a row, a Pride March is scheduled to take place in Kiev this Sunday. From the European Parliament, Vice-President of the LGBTI Intergroup Sophie in 't Veld, and members Ana Gomes and Rebecca Harms will march along for equality and human rights.

Last year's Pride was attacked twice by far-right hooligans, resulting in injuries for a number of participants and policemen.

Over the last years, Ukraine has made significant progress with advancing the rights of LGBTI people. The country included provisions in the Labour Code which outlaw discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity at the work floor. Furthermore, a National Strategy on Human Rights was adopted which included provisions seeking to advance the rights of LGBTI people.

However, homo- and transphobia remain a severe problem. In March an LGBTI festival in Lviv, in the West of Ukraine, was cancelled following local authorities' failure to protect the festival from far-right activists.

Sophie in 't Veld MEP, Vice President of the LGBTI Intergroup, commented: "On Sunday we support those who want to make Ukraine a modern, open, inclusive society where all citizens are equal, where all can freely and safely be themselves. There is still a long road ahead to achieve full equality in Ukraine and to eradicate homophobia, but I truly welcome the support of Ukrainian politicians and authorities. By embracing diversity, these Ukrainian representatives and all the other pride participants are paving the way for a more open-minded and enriched Ukraine."