Homophobic behavior is to be punished in Cyprus with a new bill setting up fines and jail terms.

The House Legal Affairs Committee introduced the bill in order to bring in protections for LGBTI people similar to those that protect victims of racism and xenophobia.

Jail terms will go up to three years, while fines will go up to €5000 ($7000).

It comes as the Mediterranean country is about to host its first ever Gay Pride at the end of May. Northern Cyprus also recently became the last European country to decriminalize gay sex.

Aristos Damianou, a MP from the liberal party AKEL, said it was about time to introduce a bill that punished homophobic behavior.

‘In this day and age we are required to do so by our international commitments,’ he said, as reported by the Cyprus Mail.

‘What we did, basically, is to ensure that people have a right to choose their partners regardless of whether other people like it or not.’

When asked if ‘homophobic behavior’ was a vague definition, the politician said that was the goal.

He said: ‘The definition is purposefully vague so as to give courts the flexibility to judge such cases based on the evidence before them’.

Sotris Sampson, a lawmaker from the Christian conservative party DISY that has the majority of seats in parliament, announced the bill will be discussed at a later date.

The opposition AKEL party are hoping to include in the bill the power for individuals to file lawsuits based on homophobic discrimination.

Gay rights activists hope with the new bill, it will be a short step to civil unions. A bill is planned to be submitted for discussion in the House of Representatives this month.

Archbishop Chrysostomos, the head of the Cypriot Orthodox Church in Cyprus, has said governments demonstrate ‘weakening moral integrity’ if they ensure equal rights.

Ulrike Lunacek MEP, Co-President of the LGBT Intergroup, said: “The statements by the Archbishop are a reminder that opponents of equality are still there, yet also show how far Cyprus’ Orthodox Church is detached from reality. A recent survey found that a majority of Cypriot citizens is in favour of civil partnership legislation.’

‘This government is doing the right thing by continuing on the road to equal rights for everyone.’