BRUSSELS, May 29, 2008 – The open letter, condemning Riga Gay Pride, to the Latvian government from Cardinal Jānis Pujāts and other Roman Catholic priests shows “a blatant disregard for human rights”, an all-party group at the European Parliament said yesterday.

The Intergroup on gay and lesbian rights condemned the Cardinal for opposing laws of a democratic state and inflicting their prejudices on others.

On Tuesday, the Cardinal called on the Latvian Government to ban Saturday’s Gay Pride march, officially known as the March for Equality.

“The signatories to the letter show a blatant disregard for human rights as expressed in the European Convention of Human Rights,” said Michael Cashman MEP, president of the Intergroup.

“They also show an appalling and worrying ignorance of EU Treaties and legislation.  They should not interfere in a democratic state which abides by the rule of law.

“It is up to governments to govern and up to the clergymen to preach unto those who believe as they do.

Mr. Cashman continued: “They are entitled to their views and opinions, but must not be allowed to use their beliefs to diminish the human rights and civil liberties of others.

“I send my love and support to those taking part in the Equality March. They are my heroes and warriors,” he added.

■ Intergroup vice president Sophie in 't Veld MEP is expected to attend Saturday’s march which takes place at 10am at 11. novembra embankment.

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Harsh Protests Promised for Riga Gay Pride by Latvian Nationalists.  Latvian ‘nationalist’ organisations warned today that the Gay Pride event along the 11th November Shoreline in Riga on Saturday will result in probable counter action.  And the country’s gay and lesbian NGO, Mozaika, was proudly flying the Rainbow Flag from its office building downtown.  ((UK Gay News, May 29, 2008)

Cardinal: Gay Pride Marches in Latvia Should be Declared Unlawful.  Gay Prides in Latvia should be seen as unlawful and impermissible, Roman Catholic Cardinal Jānis Pujāts has said in an open letter to the government.  (UK Gay News, May 27, 2008)