UPO “Gay Alliance Ukraine” received a reply to the request on clarification of the EU position regarding the law prohibiting discrimination
Due to the current wave of discussions that emerged around the topic of changes in conditions for visa liberalization and the refusal to adopt the anti-discrimination legislation in relation to LGBT, organization "Gay Alliance Ukraine" submitted an official request to the European Commission on clarification of the EU position.
In reply we received a letter with an explanation of the situation. The press officer of the EU Delegation in Kyiv David Stulik wrote the following:
"As a matter of fact, the EU position on this matter remains the same. Regarding mobility, the Commission will do its outmost to accelerate the visa liberalization dialogue, but in line with the Agree Visa Liberalization action plan conditions. The requirements for the Visa liberalization action plan have not changed, and the identified legislative gaps will have to be addressed, including anti-discrimination on basis of sexual orientation.
Little bit on the background of the whole process: Ukraine is still in the first phase of the Visa Liberalization Dialogue given that there are still some identified legislative gaps to be addressed (including anti-discrimination on basis of sexual orientation). A possible acceleration of the VLD to phase 2 phase (i.e. check of the implementation of the reforms) could however take place despite some remaining legislative gaps. Altogether, those issues would not be dropped – but would not block/prevent progress to second phase. They would still be required, checked upon in due time. I hope that this answer clarifies your questions. Please, feel free to share it with your partner organisations and colleagues".
According to the President of UPO "Gay Alliance Ukraine" Taras Karasiichuk such a delay in adoption of anti-discrimination laws does not meet our expectations, however we understand reasons for this decision. We will be closely following the course of events and we are ready to cooperate with all the interested parties on the development and implementation of the legislation concerning the LGBT community.
The decision made is a necessary compromise in the current and quite difficult conditions for Ukraine. However the delay on this matter should not be interpreted as a refusal of the requirements in respect of the necessary reforms.
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Press service of UPO "Gay Alliance Ukraine"
Автор: Gay Alliance Ukrain
