Council of Europe ombudsman calls on Ukraine not to ban promotion of homosexuality

18:15, 05.10.2012 1 min read

Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Nils Muiznieks has expressed concern that the Ukrainian authorities are planning to ban the promotion of homosexuality in Ukraine.

"I call on the Ukrainian parliament to withdraw the draft law criminalizing the promotion of homosexuality. Ukraine needs to strengthen anti-discrimination measures to better fight homophobia," he wrote on Twitter.

Earlier this week, the Verkhovna Rada passed a bill banning the promotion of homosexuality in Ukraine. The spread of information about homosexuality in a positive manner and the holding of rallies in favor of the LGBT community would be considered unacceptable.

It is foreseen in the law that a single violation will be punished by a large fine, and a repeated violation - for a period of up to five years in prison.