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Diplomatic pressure on the Warsaw government is growing: Ambassadors from almost 50 countries have called on Poland to respect the rights of gays, lesbians, trans people and other sexual minorities. In a joint open letter, diplomats working in Poland called for the protection of these minorities from “verbal and physical abuse” and hate messages. To do this, we must work together in a “climate of non-discrimination, tolerance and mutual acceptance.”
The letter was signed by the ambassadors of almost all the EU countries: even Germany, as well as representatives from the United States, Canada, Israel, Japan and other countries. US Ambassador Georgette Mosbacher posted the letter on Twitter.
Homophobia is still widespread in strictly Catholic Poland. Several communities there have declared themselves “LGBTI-free” zones since early 2019. The abbreviation in English LGBTI stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex. Municipal resolutions do not have direct legal consequences for members of sexual minorities, but they create a climate of intolerance.
A few days ago, the president of the EU Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, voiced harsh criticism of discrimination against sexual minorities in Poland. “LGBTI-free” zones are “humanity-free” zones and “have no place in our community,” von der Leyen said in her speech to the European Parliament on Wednesday on the state of the EU.
The Commission had already reacted to the declaration of “LGBTI-free” zones by prohibiting six Polish cities from participating in subsidized town twinning programs.
In light of progressive family policy, supporters and members of the Polish right-wing conservative ruling PiS party repeatedly denounce a so-called “LGBTI ideology” against which traditional values must be defended. President Andrzej Duda, re-elected in July, had also lifted his spirits during the election campaign with such rhetoric.
Polish Deputy Foreign Minister Pawel Jablonski responded to the open letter on Twitter. Your country fully agrees with the message. “They all enjoy the same protection under Polish law.” Jablonski felt compelled to add something: “We also remind you that, according to the Polish constitution, marriage is a connection between a woman and a man.” The manifestation of this fact is not discrimination, but a sign of respect for the values that are dear to Poles.
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