19 Apr Pro-gay Europe politicians furious over approval of visas for Ukraine
European Parliament’s approval of easier visas to Ukrainians was met with opposition from members (MEPs) over the country’s proposed anti-gay laws today (18 April).
A simple majority of politicians voted in favor for this decision in Strasbourg, with an agreement planned to be signed in May.
Ukraine’s parliament is examining draft laws which will make it illegal to support gay rights. These laws are close to being adopted, according to the EU’s Intergroup on LGBT Rights.
Claude Moraes MEP said during the discussion, he called for further significant improvement in gay and other human rights.
The country is not part of the European Union and the parliament has made it easier for Ukrainians to visit union states.
Sophia in‘t Veld, vice president of the EU’s Intergroup requested to postpone the approval.
Human rights group ILGA-Europe recently tried to stop this vote as a message to Ukraine.
‘We cannot deepen our relationship with a country that enacts witch-hunting laws against its minorities,’ Veld said.
‘The mere presence of these bills on their parliament’s agenda has already justified an increase in homophobic violence.
‘Nevertheless, several MEP’s and political groups made clear during the debate that they wouldn’t accept any further easing of visa rules as long as homophobic laws were on the statute book.’
European Parliament spokesperson, Claude Moraes added: ‘It was important to give our consent to this agreement, which gives Ukrainian journalists, NGOs and academics the opportunity to travel to the EU more easily.
‘We want to see a real improvement on LGBT rights, democracy and the rule of law in Ukraine before visa liberalisation can be a reality. The EU is a community of values, and we will stand strong on these values when dealing with our neighbours.’
The parliament’s agreement simplifies the documents required for entry to EU nations. It also abolishes the €70 ($91) visa fee.