It was therefore a normal pride march, such as take place in all modern cities almost every weekend of the year. There was relief that Riga had not gone down the Moscow route, the city authorities there having declared themselves homophobically opposed to the freedom to meet and express ones views.
I fully understand that one of the hottest
buttons that can be pressed in Latvia is that concerning Gay and Lesbian
rights. The issue seems to upset people, maybe make them embarrassed.
There are religious issues. There is anger. There is also a huge amount
of unwillingness to listen and accept.
The debate seems so old-fashioned to
me. Gay rights were recognised in the UK in the 1960s. Open discussion
of gay and lesbian marriage, gay and lesbian culture and gender politics
more generally is part of the contemporary world. It is rich and stimulating.
It is important. Some people are gay/lesbian/bisexual/
I am not naïve. I know all the differences
of view. I have sat thought debates in the United Nations in New York
about human rights and where gay/lesbian rights fit in (or not). The
UK government’s position is quite clear: gay/lesbian rights are fundamental
human rights. The government promotes those rights worldwide. The UK
deplores discrimination on any grounds.
I don’t presume to comment on Latvian
domestic issues. But my bet is that education in schools lies at the
heart of the ignorance about society's diversity. The sort of education
which my sixteen year old daughter receives in North London equips her
to understand society and people. It teaches her to accept appreciate
that people are not made the same way. I don’t judge those who refuse
to open their minds, or who play politics with other peoples’ rights.
But I wish Latvia could move on and embrace in full everyone’s rights.
I would welcome your views. And for those who want to comment aggressively or unpleasantly about this blog, I of course support your basic human right to do so. But please respect my right to flatly disagree.