Ljubljana, February
2nd 2005
PRESS RELEASE
Ljubljana, January
1st 2005
OPEN LETTER TO THE GOVERNEMENT OF SLOVENIA
Ljubljana, December 24th 2004
POLITICAL HOMOPHOBIA IN SLOVENIA - INTERNATIONAL
APPEAL
Ljubljana, September 14th 2002
EQUAL
CITIZENSHIP
The final document from the seminar
of lesbian NGOs from
former Yugoslavia
EQUAL CITIZENSHIP
The final document from the seminar
of lesbian NGOs from
former Yugoslavia
The seminar "Equal Citizenship", a meting
of lesbian NGOs from the states and regions of former Socialist
Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, was held in Ljubljana,
Slovenia from September 12 to 14, 2002. The
meeting gathered 40 representatives of lesbian NGOs and
individual activists from Croatia, Serbia, Vojvodina,
Kosovo, Macedonia and Slovenia. The main goal of the
seminar was an exchange of information, experience and
knowledge among lesbian activists, a development of joint
working strategies for the future, and an examination of
realization of the working platform adopted at the previous
meeting in Rovinj in 2001.
REGIONAL LESBIAN NETWORK is
the basic form of networking between lesbian NGOs from
the states and regions of former Republic of Yugoslavia.
Groups (NGOs) and individual activists, members of the
network, have made a commitment for mutual cooperation,
support and solidarity with a view to achieve the common
goal, namely combating discrimination and creating equal
human and civil rights for lesbian women. A continuous
exchange of information, experience and knowledge will
assist in achieving this goal. A regular and stable communication
is enabled by way of a special
E-mailing list for the members of the Regional Lesbian Network.
If necessary, the Regional Lesbian Network will start
an Ad hoc coalition, which will be the basis for
efficient joint actions in case of emergency or any other
special need.
Demands. With this document we unanimously demand
of the governments of the respective countries to make
the following changes in legislation:
- National constitutions must explicitly prohibit any
discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation.
- Explicit sanctions must be introduced into Penal Code for violations
of human and civil rights of LGBT citizens. Family law must introduce
reforms in the light of protection of same-sex partnerships, including
the right of foreign partners to gain citizenship.
- Laws regarding parental, adoption and reproductive rights must
allow equal rights for all women regardless to their sexual orientation
or marital status.
- Public schools and education systems must respect the right of
each citizen to unbiased and neutral information on homosexuality.
- Public media must be aware of their responsibility for creating
public opinion about marginalized social groups in the society.
We call upon all the countries within the region to establish
laws and mechanisms for implementation of equal rights
for same-sex oriented women in all aspects of daily life
and work.
* * *
Content of the seminar. The participants analyzed
the situation of lesbian women in regard to society, state,
family, and legislation. Special attention was given to
the question of legislation reforms, developing infrastructure
of lesbian NGOs and public media attitude towards lesbian
issues.
Assessment of the current situation. In the year
between the two seminars there were no significant changes
in legislation, apart from Croatia where several bills
concerning the protection of LGBT rights were initiated.
No country within the region legally recognizes same-sex
relationships. Stigmatization and discrimination of lesbians
and general homophobia are topical problems, urging systematic
solutions.
Needs. The situation and status of lesbian women
differs from one state to another, however in all the states
within the region the situation demands organized activities
and articulated common action of lesbian NGOs. In some
parts of the region, LGBT rights are completely ignored
and social situation of lesbian women is "invisible".
Those areas demand special attention. The Regional Lesbian
Network took a decision to stimulate the development and
support the formation of new groups in this areas.
Examination of conclusions from the seminar in 2001. Some
goals stipulated in the final document from the meeting
of lesbian NGOs in 2001 were fulfilled, while most of them
still need to be worked on. The goals that were fulfilled
include the exchange of knowledge, information, and mutual
support of NGOs during the organization of national Pride
Parades (Zagreb, Ljubljana, Belgrade).
Future meetings and structure. The communication,
cooperation and exchange of information will be intensified
between annual meetings. In the future, the meetings will
be organized either as topic-oriented seminars for lesbian
activists or regional conferences for a larger number of
participants.
A long-term plan is to integrate the Regional Lesbian Network into
similar international networks and associations. The meeting in 2003
will be organized by Labris (Beograd) and Kontra (Zagreb). The meeting
in 2004 is planed to take place in Priština (Kosovo).
Kontra, Zagreb
Lori, Rijeka
Labris, Belgrade
Lambda, Niš
LP, Priština
SKUC-LL, Ljubljana
& individual activists
Ljubljana, September 14, 2002
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