World

HRW Calls on President Tadic of Serbia to Defend Rights of All

by Barbara McPherson | November 23, 2009 at 04:03 pm

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Human Rights Watch, in a letter, called on President Tadic of Serbia to defend the rights of all citizens. Currently the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered (LGBT) citizens are subject to violence and discrimination.

Homophobic violence in recent months has threatened LGBT people's access to basic freedoms," said Boris O. Dittrich, advocacy director in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender rights program at Human Rights Watch. "Leading politicians should show the courage to condemn hatred and prevent abuse."
The government cancelled a gay pride parade that had been scheduled for September 20, 2009, in Belgrade, saying it could not ensure the participants' safety after graffiti and media statements by opponents of the march threatened parade participants with violence.

Human Right Watch spokesperson Boris Dittrich, urged President Tadic to take the lead in ensuring an atmosphere free of bullying and intimidation, pointing out that the anti-discrimination laws already passed needed to be enforced.

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Rhonda J Mangus

at 23:43 on November 23rd, 2009

"...pointing out that the anti-discrimination laws already passed needed to be enforced."

Where don't they need to be enforced? LGBT civil liberties and human rights abuses are rampant world-wide --- it's pathetic, to say the very least!

Thanks for this, Barb!