24 May 2006

Wojciech Wierzejski, a Sejm deputy representing the League of Polish Families (LPR), has demanded that the government investigate gay and lesbian communities, as he believes they are behind the recent protests against the new Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education Roman Giertych. "It is widely known that the gay and lesbian communities are interested in spreading deviant behavior among the youth and, what is worse, are connected with the semi-criminal circles including those of pedophilic character," Wierzejski stated.

Minister of Justice Zbigniew Ziobro responded that if Wierzejski presented him with real evidence that could prove the criminal connections of the gay and lesbian communities, he would take appropriate action. Meanwhile diplomats from a few countries expressed their concern with the level of security at the Equality Parade planned for June 10 in Warsaw. Diplomats are interested in plans to provide safety for the march as they expect many gay and lesbian movement sympathizers from their countries to participate. Wierzejski meanwhile stated that if the authorities declare the parade illegal its participants should be "beaten with nightsticks."

The Equality Foundation handed in the documents needed to register the demonstration. However, at the same time All-Polish Youth (a radical youth movement supporting the LPR) started the registration of their March of Culture and Tradition, which is to travel the same route in the opposite direction.

send to a friend	print article