Do we need another example as to how we are morally behind Europe? Well here is at least two more.
On Thursday, the European Parliament voted to approve its “Annual Report on Human Rights and Democracy in the World 2013 and the European Union’s policy on the matter,” which declares both same-sex marriage and abortion to be fundamental human rights. The Parliament, which enjoys freedom from voter accountability, continues its legislative activism, pushing member states toward more liberal positions on virtually every social issue, and slinging loose language such as “homophobia.” – Freerepublic.com
Have you heard of the European Parliament before? What do they do?
The European Parliament has three main roles:
- debating and passing European laws, with the Council
- scrutinising other EU institutions, particularly the Commission, to make sure they are working democratically
- debating and adopting the EU's budget, with the Council. – Europa.eu
For more information and what kind of power the European Parliament actually has, go to Europa.eu . Here is a little bit of what they can do.
In the area of sexual orientation, the report urges the Commission “to raise the issue of LGBTI rights in political and human rights dialogues with third countries and multilateral forums” and enjoins its policy-working group, the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR) to “support organisations defending LGBTI rights by empowering them to challenge homophobic and transphobic laws and discrimination against LGBTI people.”
The report applauds the legalization of same-sex marriage in an increasing number of countries (17 to date), and encourages the EU institutions and the member states to frame “the recognition of same-sex marriage or same-sex civil union as a political, social and human and civil rights issue.”
It is “regrettable,” the report states, that in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia “a bill constitutionally banning same-sex marriage is currently being considered in parliament,” claiming that “such developments contribute to a climate of homophobia and discrimination.” – Breitbart.com
Is the European Parliament more advanced in their beliefs than our Congress? It was reported that an overwhelming majority of European Parliament members approved the report, 390 voting yes, 151 no, and 97 abstaining. I doubt this vote and report will have an effect on our policies. Most of us do not pay attention to European news or politics, but maybe we should. But then again, if we do, we may shatter the belief that we are the most advanced nation in the world.
Why don't we poll our Representatives more about these issues and make them more nationally known. We are too many times focused on what states have these rights and those laws. Let's make our representatives accountable in DC and ask them point blank and make the results known.
Balkans are not in the
Balkans are not in the European Union, Russia, Armenia and Belarus too
Free from voter
Free from voter accountability? That's odd, I'm sure I've voted for my Euro MP everytime since I have been able….. I'm sure they campaign, send me literature and I make a choice….. I always thought THAT was accountability…
Oh now I understand. Kentucky
Oh now I understand. Kentucky is as closed up as the damn Balkans. I would never move there.
Still, I’d rather be happy
Still, I'd rather be happy with my wife in Kentucky than be without her in the Netherlands 🙂
Declarations are meaningless.
Declarations are meaningless. Italy and the Balkans are worst places for gay people in Europe. The Parliament may pass as many declarations as they want, implementation on the ground is a totally different matter. Homophobia is well and alive in EU.
It is also interesting that
It is also interesting that countries with gay rights – be it decriminalization of sodomy, civil unions or gay marriage – are also the top countries for best places to live.
Canada, Denmark, Switzerland, Austria, Germany are example of countries where gay rights are being enjoyed and are the best countries to live around the world.
Opposite of that, countries with ban or criminalize homosexuality are the worst places to live – particularly African countries and middle east countries
The Balkans is the worst!
The Balkans is the worst! Trust me, I know this from my own experience because I live in Montenegro. It's terrible. Homophobia is an-all time high.
eastern europe is still a
eastern europe is still a long way to go – russia, armenia, belarus.
We’re all lagging behind the
We're all lagging behind the USA and the rest of Europe thousands of years
Don’t include the USA…..
Don't include the USA….. the USA is way further behind Europe than you think unfortunately. Unless you are in a big city you are not safe being gay. There are still people getting killed over being gay here. I'm from the Netherlands myself, moved to the US to be with my wife, but man oh man…. it's like living in the '50's here.
Where did you move to? I just
Where did you move to? I just can't believe it's like in the 50s. Well, here's way worse.
Kentucky…. no by choice but
Kentucky…. no by choice but my wife lives there, has her life there, grew up there. So yeah, it's awful here. Outside the house we don't hold hands, let me put it that way. Yeah, not even on our own porch.
I am lucky to live in
I am lucky to live in Vancouver BC.
Yes, you are. And as for
Yes, you are. And as for Kentucky…yeah, it's awful.
But trust my I'm in the worst country of y'all