The Birth of Gay Rights Litigation in Belarus

Published February 23, 2009 @ 07:58AM PT

belarus Last week, the first LGBT rights lawsuit was filed in Belarusian courts, with a complaint against the Gomel City Administration for denying a request from LGBT activists to hold a peaceful rally. The rally, which was billed as a "Right to Love" gathering, was designed to raise public awareness about homophobia and discrimination against LGBT people in Belarus. LGBT rights activist Roman Mandrykin filed the lawsuit, arguing that denying a permit to activists violated the right to freedom, which is guaranteed in the Constitution of Belarus.

This is very cool to see. LGBT rights activists in Belarus have been becoming increasingly vocal and well organized in their efforts to push for equality. In November 2008, LGBT rights activist Sergei Androsenko impressed even right-wing leaders in the country with his passionate pleas for equality. And last week, Russian and Belarusian officials traveled to Brussels to meet with European Union leaders to discuss efforts to promote equality for LGBT people.

Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice once labeled Belarus "an outpost of tyranny." Now would be a perfect time for the country to dispute that claim, and the way to do it is for the government to recognize the right of all citizens, including LGBT citizens, to organize publicly.

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I support the Belasurian LGBT rights lawsuit because it's an important starter for advancing LGBT rights in Belarus. As well, I would like to see that every country treat LGBT people with accordance to the concept of human rights. The LGBT activists had their rights violated because of the content of their important message and is why their lawsuit must win. Finally, I hope further changes occur in Belarus so that their freedom meet European Union standards.

Posted by Edwin Bonilla on 02/23/2009 @ 10:53AM PT
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Michael is the Communications Director for the Human Rights Program at Harvard Law School, and previously was Communications Director for Pax Christi USA, a progressive Catholic human rights organization.