Date: Tue, 4 May 1999 10:53:29 +0200 From: Tom Hoemig Subject: Press Release PRESS RELEASE ILGA, the International Lesbian and Gay Association, Condemns the London Homophobic Bomb Strike as an Attack Against Democracy and Human Rights After the brutal bombing of the Admiral Duncan pub that took place last Friday in London, ILGA Co-Secretaries General Jordi Petit in Barcelona and Jennifer Wilson in Sidney declare: On behalf of the more than 300 lesbian, gay, bisexual and transexual associations belonging to ILGA in more than 80 countries around the world, we state our concern and deep sorerow for the casualties of the homophobic bombing in London last Friday. We join in worldwide mourning for this attack against democracy, social peace and human rights. We call for NGOs, political parties, trade unions and the general population to send messages of condolence to all UK embassies and consulates; and we call on the authorities to undertake efficient action to put an end to the racist attacks. We call for the international community to join against intolerance and nazi fanaticism, thus increasing and further developping human rights issues, especially in the area of education for the respect of diversity. We call on lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transexuals to gather solidarily with the victims of this unforgiveable attack. We suggest that all rainbow flags on display in local gay businesses bear a black ribbon as a sign of mourning. We believe that this coming June 28, 30 years after the first lesbian and gay Pride celebration, should be celebrated with the slogan that precisely reflects all that fanatics, nazis and intolerant people deny: Lesbian and Gay Rights are Human Rights. We should use our protest actions to fight for lesbian and gay rights in our work, in partnership laws, in education and in all other aspects of everyday life. We must remember that one homophobic-related murder takes place every four days throughout the world, that homosexuality is still illegal in 86 countries, and that some of those countries apply the death penalty against it, the same punishment used in London Friday. The bomb strike in London, the third of a series aimed at minorities, is a serious challenge to social peace and the democratic establishment. It is a strike against Human Rights and the entire society. Therefore, all of society's institutions should react against it. Jordi Petit/Jennifer Wilson Co-Secretaries General ILGA - International Lesbian and Gay Association Kolenmarkt, 81 * B-1000 Brussels * Belgium Phone/Fax +32-2-502-2471 E-mail: ilga@ilga.org * World Wide Web site http://www.ilga.org/ Since 1978