MEPs: European action after introduction anti-gay laws

Dutch Members of the European Parliament, Sophie in 't Veld and Marietje Schaake (ALDE/D66) are calling for European sanctions after the introduction of anti-gay laws in Uganda and Nigeria. Today, the European Parliament votes on a resolution that calls for the suspension of the Cotonou treaty, the cooperation treaty between the EU and countries in Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific (ACP-countries). Various European member states have already frozen development aid. Draw a line According to Schaake, the EU should draw a clear line. "The EU needs to show that the human rights clauses that we take up in international treaties are there for a reason. They are meant to be able to enforce respect for human rights and that is exactly what we should do here", says the MEP. In the coming month, there are two large meetings between European and African politicians. Schaake: "The timing of this resolution is crucial, this is a unique moment to give a clear and strong signal that discrimination and violence on the grounds of sexual orientation  is unacceptable for the EU and that there will be consequences." Witch-hunt In 't Veld, vice-president of the LGBT working group in the European Parliament: "These homophobic laws have released a true witch-hunt and instigate further hatred and discrimination of the gay community. The EU should stand for its values, also in its foreign policy. We must act against the persecution of innocent citizens. In spite of Western pressure, Nigeria and Uganda have passed anti-gay laws, the ball is now in the EU's court." In 2012, In 't Veld, together with others, nominated the Ugandan gay rights activist Frank Mugisha for an important Dutch human rights prize. In ‘t Veld also signed the Come Out 2014 European Election Pledge, an initiative by the International Lesbian and Gay Association, on behalf the liberal group in the European Parliament. With this agreement, the group commits itself to the promotion of LGBTI rights for the next five years, both at home and abroad.