MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on homosexual propaganda bill law in Kyrgyzstan

13.1.2015 - (2015/2505(RSP))

with request for inclusion in the agenda for a debate on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law
pursuant to Rule 135 of the Rules of Procedure

Charles Tannock on behalf of the ECR Group

See also joint motion for a resolution RC-B8-0054/2015

B8‑0061/2015

European Parliament resolution on homosexual propaganda bill law in Kyrgyzstan

(2015/2505(RSP))

The European Parliament,

- having regard to its previous resolutions of 15 December 2011 on the state of implementation of the EU Strategy for Central Asia

 

- having regard to its previous resolutions of 6 May 2010 and of 8 July 2010 on the situation in Kyrgyzstan

 

- having regard to international human rights obligations and instruments, including those contained in the UN conventions on human rights and in the European Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, guaranteeing human rights and fundamental freedoms and prohibiting discrimination,

 

- having regard to the Joint Progress Report of 14 June 2010 by the Council and the Commission to the European Council on the implementation of the EU Strategy for Central Asia,

 

- having regard to the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) between the EU and Kyrgyzstan, which entered into force in 1999,

 

-  having regard to the European Community Regional Strategy Paper for Assistance to Central Asia for the period 2007-2013,

 

- having regard to Rule 135 of its Rules of Procedure,

 

A.  whereas Kyrgyzstan is a part of the in Partnership and Cooperation Agreement with the EU since 1999;

 

B.  whereas the EU has committed itself, in particular through its Central Asia Strategy, to act as a partner of the countries in the region, whereas Kyrgyzstan has achieved great progress over the past years compared to the other countries in the region;

 

C.  Whereas on 15 October the Kyrgyz Parliament passed its first reading of the homosexual propaganda bill, which proposes punishments of up to a year in prison or fines of about $ 115 for anyone deemed to be promoting a "positive attitude" to homosexuality;

D.  Whereas numerous heads of states and government, United Nations leaders, government and parliamentary representatives, the EU (including the Council, the Parliament, the Commission and the former High Representative Ashton) and numerous world figures have sternly condemned similar laws;

E.  Whereas the United nations human rights office called on the Kyrgyz Parliament to refrain from passing draft legislation on homosexual propaganda;

1.  Deeply regrets the introduction of this law, and any actions which lead to cruel, inhumane, and degrading treatment, and calls all countries to immediately end the criminalisation of homosexuality;

2.  Regrets that the Kyrgyzstan government followed the example of Russia, whose homosexual propaganda law came into force on June 30, 2013;

 

3.  Condemns the actions of any countries which violate a person's human rights, right to equality, right to privacy and a private life, and freedom of expression as guaranteed by international law and national constitutions; according to which equality and non‑discrimination should be promoted, whilst freedom of expression should be guaranteed;

4.  Calls on the Council, Commission, the External Action Service and Member States to make urgent representations to the authorities of Kyrgyzstan, to express their opposition to this law and asks that the Commission, the External Action Service and Member States to lend all possible assistance to NGO's and human rights defenders;

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5.  Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Commission, the Council, the External Action Service, Member States, the national governments and parliament of Kyrgyzstan.