Polish conservatives have opposed plans to fly a rainbow flag in front of the European Parliament in Brussels to mark International Day Against Homophobia on Thursday, according to Poland's PAP news agency.

Though the rainbow flag has been displayed in windows of the European Parliament building, PAP reported that it has never before been officially hoisted up a mast.

The initiative has been opposed by conservative members of the European Parliament, including Ryszard Legutko, co-President of the European Conservatives and Reformists group which includes Poland's ruling Law and Justice party.

PAP reported that, in a letter to European Parliament chief Antonio Tajani, Legutko said that the day was an initiative promoting “just one lobby group”.

He asked whether the European Parliament would similarly celebrate other “unofficial international days” such as those marking museums, beer, or students.

Legutko told PAP that the flying of the rainbow flag meant the European Parliament supported a “moral revolution” which would privilege same-sex couples.

Legutko was quoted by PAP as saying that there are "practically no... attacks” on people attracted to the same sex.

Legutko suggested that a flag with a fish – a symbol of Christianity – should be flown instead because Christians were being persecuted around the world, PAP reported.

LGBTI discrimination

In an official statement, the European Union said that “regrettably, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) persons in Europe are still subject to serious discrimination and maltreatment on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity.”

The European Commission pledged to mark International Day Against Homophobia by illuminating its headquarters and the headquarters of the European External Action Service in the colours of the rainbow flag.

European Commission Vice-President Frans Timmermans said: “It's time we put an end to the widespread discrimination against LGBTI people together."

International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia aims to coordinate international events that raise awareness of LGBT rights violations.

It is held on May 17 to mark the 1990 decision to remove homosexuality from the International Classification of Diseases of the World Health Organization. (vb/pk)

Source: PAP