STANDING TOGETHER

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: february 2021 :: RMTnews 20 Worldwide, particularly in Europe, we are experiencing an alarming level of aggression towards LGBT+ communities. Poland has created gay-free provinces that are suppressing the LGBT+ community. Poland ranked as one of the most restrictive countries in Europe in terms of LGBT+ rights. There are over one hundred gay-free zones restricting citizens now, all supported by their local government. Almost 32 per cent of Poland’s 38 million people live in such areas. The Polish government is on the wrong side of history on LGBT+ rights, a grim reminder that the fight for human rights in Europe is far from over. Conservative leaders in the country including the current president Andrezej Duda have historically criticised LGBT+ people, claiming that they pose a threat to Polish traditions. President Duda made the “protection of traditional family values” a critical campaign stance during his successful re-election last summer. A charter was compiled to form “pro-family” legislation and serves as a framework for local authorities to oversee school curriculum and government projects to “protect family rights” from LGBT+ influence. President Duda, who has described LGBT+ people as “an Ideology”, has enabled hatred to flourish and it has been escalating since 2015. Local LGBT+ people have stated that hate crime rates have increased tenfold, resulting in high suicide rates and citizen emigration. It is an affront to fundamental human rights. The police press service does not track such data on crimes against LGBT+ people and the law does not see such crimes as a severe offence. Regardless of colour, gender or sexuality, people should be treated with respect and dignity without having to endure large scale aggression, physical abuse, or violence. Though LGBT+ people have reported physical assault, abuse and even death threats to police, providing personal details of the perpetrators, police have failed to take action. While expressing her disapproval of Poland’s right- wing government, Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission has said that there is no place in the European Union for these zones, has pledged to build a union of equality. The European Union voted (463-107) in favour of condemning these gay free provinces. Stating treaties in Europe ensure that every person is free to be who they are, live where they like, love whom they want and aim as high as they can. The EU has received numerous complaints from Polish citizens regarding discrimination and directly impacts the lives of LGBT+ people in Poland today. Officials giving funding for projects from the EU need to scrutinise local governments on their position on LGBT+ rights. RMT’s LGBT+ conference passed a motion in autumn to support LGBT+ people in Poland and this was endorsed by the RMT AGM in November. Colleagues from our advisory committee based in London showed solidarity attending demonstrations outside the Polish embassy last year to raise awareness of the struggle polish LGBT+ people are experiencing. A partnership with Polish Rainbow (Jarek Kubiak) and RMT (John Stack- Callum Macleod) have been forged to give all people the right to equal treatment by public authorities so that no one shall be discriminated against by political leaders of government. RMT has committed to work with Jarek Kubiak of Polish Rainbow and the Polish campaign against homophobia. I urge you all too, please sign this petition below and make a difference. https://action.allout.org/en/a/poland/ www.lgbthistorymonth.org.uk STANDING TOGETHER Callum Macleod of RMT’s LGBT+ advisory committee marks gay history month by exposing Poland’s attacks on the community EQUALITY: March supporting LGBT rights in Wroclaw, Poland last year