by Filip Ziarek
A stand against the so-called LGBT free zones were published on Valentine's Day, February 14 this year. The organizers of Equality Marches from all over Poland signed it. Among the signatories, there was the Institute of Equality, the organizer of marches in Zielona Góra since 2017.
CAPTURE D'ÉCRAN ATLASNIENAWISCI.PL/ via HuffPost
Zones "without LGBT ideology" in Poland
"LGBT free" zones larger than Hungary
According to the authors of the position, 2019 was an important year in terms of LGBT rights, and the very abbreviation "LGBT" aroused mixed feelings. In 91 local governments - including five voivodships - 96 anti-LGBT resolutions were adopted that were accompanied by a "homophobic and transphobic message". It was noted that the zones in the country cover an area of about 98 thousand square kilometers, or 30 percent of Poland, which is larger than all of Hungary.
"Over the 30 years of inefficient discussion in Poland about LGBT social and civic rights we have not observed a similarly intensified wave of systemic hatred, planned harassment and slanderous disinformation in the media and public space, strengthening social prejudices against LGBT people. Also at the local government level insulting dignities, dehumanizing positions "against LGBT ideology", which are slanderously creating a threat to society, family and youth from non-heteronormative people are pushed.
Resolutions contrary to the constitution
A strong opponent of the introduction of laws on LGBT free areas is Ombudsman Adam Bodnar. The Ombudsman appealed to the resolution in several local governments in the country. In his opinion, resolutions are contrary to the constitutional principle of legalism and restrict the rights and freedom of residents of communes.
"Systemic discrimination against LGBT people in Poland has gained infamous publicity in Europe and around the world. Many Polish local governments, adopting negative resolutions, establish and conduct international cooperation with partner cities from Western Europe, where LGBT rights are respected. It is outrageous that, as part of the aforementioned cooperation and EU projects, they obtain European Funds, also for anti-discrimination activities, then taking discriminatory positions that contradict EU law and values. "
And they refer to the European Parliament resolution of 18 December 2019 on discrimination against and non-heteronormative people in the public sphere, including by creating 'LGBT free zones'. They express their strong opposition to the implementation of such resolutions. Because their content is incompatible with Polish and European law. In this with The Constitution of the Republic of Poland, the Act on the implementation of certain EU provisions in the field of equal treatment and the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights.
"[Acts are based] on prejudice, not substantive knowledge, which results in systemic discrimination and legitimizes social exclusion and violence against homosexual women and men, bisexual, transgender, intersex, all non-heteronormative people identifying with the community and their allies and allies. "
They appeal to local governments to withdraw their adopted resolutions. In return, they expect anti-discrimination programs to be introduced in their area and declare their help in carrying them out. They are against any manifestations of hostility towards minority groups and do not accept their harm. They assure everyone who needs support of their help. Read more via Zielona Gora