ΟΙ ΠΟΛΩΝΟΙ ΟΜΟΦΥΛΟΦΙΛΟΙ ΧΡΕΙΑΖΟΝΤΑΙ ΤΗ ΣΥΜΠΑΡΑΣΤΑΣΗ ΜΑΣ

PETITION

POLAND: HANDS OFF HUMAN RIGHTS

Send a message to Poland's government that it must respect all human rights for all. Sign the petition below!

In recent months and years, Polish leaders have threatenedcriminal sanctions against lesbian and gay activists andorganizations, have tried to restrict freedoms of expression andassociation, and have even threatened violence against LGBT marchers.

Human Rights Watch and Campaign Against Homophobia (Kampania PrzeciwHomofobii, Poland's central LGBT group) ask for YOUR signatures on theattached petition demanding an end to homophobic attacks. KPH willpresent the petition to Polish authorities at Warsaw's Equality Paradeon May 19, 2007.

Send an e-mail to lgbt@hrw.org by NOON EST (5 PM GMT) ON FRIDAY, MAY18 letting us know you will sign on. Give your NAME, COUNTRY OFORIGIN, and any other identifying information you want included.PLEASE also let us know if you are signing on as an individual or an organization!

PLEASE CIRCULATE THIS WIDELY! And please sign the petition by writingto lgbt@hrw.org --and stand up for human rights in Poland!

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POLAND: Hands off Human Rights

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The President of the Republic of Poland

Lech Kaczynski

ul. Wiejska 10 00-902

Warszawa, Poland

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Dear President Kaczynski,

We urge you and your government to stop your attacks on the humanrights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people.Such attacks betray Poland's long, proud record of struggling forhuman rights. Upholding equal rights for all will help build a freer future.

Your government has declared it will fire gay teachers, and imposecriminal penalties on "anyone who promotes homosexuality or any otherdeviance of a sexual nature in education establishments." Thisblatant violation of basic rights could deprive students ofpotentially life-saving information about sexuality and aboutHIV/AIDS. Members of your government have accused organizationsworking on LGBT people's human rights of "pedophilia," and threatenedthem with criminal investigations. A legislator in your governingcoalition said that gays who demonstrate "should be bashed with abaton." In 2004 and 2005, when mayor of Warsaw, you yourself tried toban Gay Pride marches, saying that "public promotion of homosexualitywill not be allowed." Your words and actions have contributed to aclimate where violence against LGBT people is tolerated—or evenencouraged.

Such words and acts threaten democracy.

This month, the European Court of Human Rights condemned your attemptsto ban Gay Pride marches in Warsaw. The court praised a "pluralism …built on the genuine recognition of, and respect for,diversity"—including "genuine and effective respect for freedom ofassociation and assembly."

Last month, the European Parliament, motivated by events in Poland,passed a resolution "On Homophobia in Europe." It condemned"discriminatory remarks by political and religious leaders targeting homosexuals." It voiced "solidarity with, and support for,fundamental rights activists and defenders of equal rights for LGBTpeople." It called for an official EU investigation of what ishappening to LGBT people's rights in Poland.

Do not isolate Poland by promoting intolerance and hate. Defend allhuman rights for all people, regardless of sexual orientation andgender identity.

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Scott Long

Director Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Rights

Program Human Rights Watch

350 Fifth Avenue, 34th Floor New York, NY USA 10118

Tel. +01 (212) 216-1297 Fax +01 (212) 216-1876 E-mail: longs@hrw.org ·

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"Un pajaro de papel en el pecho

Dice que el tiempo de los besos no ha llegado."

Vicente Aleixandre