via “Громадський Простір”/Public Space
Here is another interview from UHHRU to discuss the issue of legislative adoption of the Civil Partnership Registration (RCP) in Ukraine. Olena Shevchenko, a well-known LGBTQI + public activist and chairwoman of the Insight NGO, answers UHHRU's questions.
Judging by the recent statements of Ukrainian politicians in the media, the authorities tend to identify the legislative permission of the Civil Partnership Registration (RCP) exclusively as "legalization of same-sex marriages." To what extent, in your opinion, is this true and how wide is the circle of citizens today who would like to take advantage of this innovation in the legislation of Ukraine?
In my opinion, the government and Ukrainian politicians in general tend to substitute concepts and have little understanding of the legislation and its nuances on the topic of RCP. Unfortunately, this highlights the level of their "professionalism". When it comes to LGBTQI +, here we also have cave stereotypes and prejudices, when politicians do not understand that LGBTQI + is a part of the population that should not differ in the legislative field from all other people and communities. Various negative stereotypes based on people's ignorance are exploited here. The main point in this case, I would highlight the complete isolation of politicians from people in principle. They do not care who votes for them and why, they focus on the stereotype of a short-sighted traditionalist voter who in their minds opposes the rights of LGBTQI + people.
In fact, RCP is not a marriage, but a completely different form of cohabitation that can be accessible to all people, regardless of sexual orientation. It also expands opportunities for hetero couples who can choose marriage or partnership.
At what stage is the advocacy of the RCP by the working group of activists currently?
At the moment there are no changes, because there is no political will. And our political will always depends on the political situation. Given that the human rights situation is not always a priority for us, the situation with the most stigmatized groups in society is even worse.
To what extent, in your opinion, is Ukrainian society ready for a broad public debate on this topic?
The first question here is who should be considered the creators of Ukrainian society? Who should discuss this? Who should we discuss with? We are constantly talking about public debate, but in fact in the situation with LGBTQI + we always see the intervention of the church and right-wing radical groups. This is not a public discussion. I believe that such issues, which concern the rights of minorities and are related to the elimination of violence and discrimination against them, should clearly not be discussed by those who oppose equal rights. This is nonsense. It's like giving a platform to racists, who will have the right to decide whether people with non-white skin can be allowed into the white space.
Why, in your opinion, should the Ukrainian authorities be interested in considering this Bill as soon as possible?
I think that it is beneficial for the authorities to give people a quiet life, to provide people with basic opportunities and to stop making LGBTQI + people a horror story. Ordinary people from the LGBTQI + community just want to live and enjoy life like any other.
What impact will the fact of the RCP's Legislative Permit have on Ukraine's domestic social policy?
I think the main effect is to increase the number of couples, both homo and hetero, who join civil unions. Their level of life satisfaction will increase, the number of depressions and suicide attempts due to rejection by society will decrease. Everyone wins in this situation.
The Ukrainian Helsinki Human Rights Union is implementing the project "Development of a legal network to protect the rights of people living with HIV / AIDS, representatives of key PLHIV communities and people with tuberculosis" with the financial support of the All-Ukrainian Network of People Living with HIV / AIDS " in the framework of the project" Reducing the burden of tuberculosis and HIV through the creation of universal access to timely and quality diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis and its resistant forms, expanding evidence-based prevention, diagnosis and treatment of HIV, and creating sustainable and viable health systems "I", implemented with the financial support of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.