Twenty diplomatic missions in Lithuania express support for LGBTIQ+ people

• Published date: 17 May 2022
• Publication title: LETA

Twenty diplomatic missions in Lithuania on Tuesday expressed their support for LGBTIQ+ people and their right to a family, and drew attention to the repression of members of the community in Russia and Belarus.

"On the occasion of the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT) on 17 May, and in celebration of Baltic Pride 2022, which will take place in Vilnius on 1-5 June, we reaffirm the fundamental principle strongly and convincingly supported by the European Union, that human rights are universal and that every individual is entitled to enjoy them freely, equally, openly, and without discrimination or fear," the 20 foreign ambassadors said in a statement.

"We therefore express support for members of the LGBTIQ+ community in Lithuania, as they seek inclusion and recognition that families take on many forms. We hold firmly to the democratic value that everyone has the right to dignity and equality, regardless of who they are, where they live and whom they love," they said.

The statement was signed by the ambassadors of the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain, Australia, Canada and other countries.

The diplomats also reaffirmed their "commitment to...