Diplomats sign open letter in solidarity with LGBTQ+ Poles

Political figureheads from over 50 countries have signed an open letter urging the Polish government to end their unjust treatment of the LGBTQ+ community in country. The letter, published by the US Embassy & Consulate in Poland, says there is need for greater protection of the Polish LGBTQ+ community which is being constantly subjected to ‘hate speech’.

It emphasises the Polish government need to work to create an atmosphere of tolerance and acceptance, and praises those who are already striving for this, saying: “We pay tribute to the hard work of LGBTQ+ and other communities in Poland and around the world, as well as the work of all those who seek to ensure human rights for LGBTQ+  and other persons belonging to communities facing similar challenges, and to end discrimination in particular on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity”.

Ambassadors from many EU countries signed the letter, as well as diplomats from the US, Israel and India. Recently re-elected president Andrzej Duda has vowed to crack down on what he has branded ‘LGBTQ+ ideology’. Around 100 areas in Poland are now classed as ‘LGBTQ+ free’ zones as local authorities have signed pledges to ‘oppose any acts of tolerance’ towards queer people.

A recent petition protesting against the anti-LGBTQ+ governance gathered around 350,000 signatures, and demanded EU officials to take action to protect the community. In response to Duda’s anti-LGBTQ+ regime, the US Embassy letter states: “Human rights are universal and everyone, including LGBTQ+ persons, are entitled to their full enjoyment”.