Europride 97
The meeting will leave its landmark. For the first time in history, Paris welcomes thousands of Europeans coming from all over the continent. This is to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Parisian homosexual marches.
Europride advocates a true European citizenship, with equal rights between all, men and women, whatever their sexual partnership. Everyone has to be able to find a place in society, with identical rights and the same respect.
There are countries in Europe where homosexuality is severely penalised : Rumania, Armenia, Azerbaidjan and Georgia. Others, like Britain, Portugal, Greece, Poland and Bulgaria fight it to a lesser degree.
Amnesty International reminds us that totalitarian or integrist regimes have always got rid of homosexuals. They pinpoint homosexual repression as one of the signposts of no-respect for human rights in these countries.
A wide debate in society on homosexuality is necessary today. Homosexual couples look for a status. They claim their rights ; but they are discriminated. People are slow to change their mind. Churches keep braking. More fundamentally, our societies are based on differences and limits. The sexual difference is seen as essential.
Europride is a challenge. To take account of the homosexual minority
is the sign of a society which is able to make room for this difference,
isn't ?
Jacques Gaillot
Write to Partenia: jgaillot@partenia.org