Yesterday's homophobic attack at the Cyprus University of Technology (CEPAK) in Limassol is an act of brutal violence which, not only as Advisor to the President of the Republic of Cyprus on Multiculturalism and Diversity issues, but especially as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I condemn in the strongest possible terms.
The attack is being investigated by the police as an act of hatred and it is imperative that the perpetrators are identified and brought to justice. It is extremely worrying that such an act is happening for the second time in a few months in a university setting where dialogue and acceptance are non-negotiable principles and part of the mission. The previous incident occurred in the same place in November last year while Accept - LGBTI Cyprus was again holding a debate in cooperation with the CUT. This should immediately give serious concern to the university community and the wider education sector in our country.
ILGA-Europe's report on the human rights situation of LGBTI+ people in Europe and Central Asia for 2022, released this week, paints a grim picture. It highlights the increasing levels of violence and hate speech against the LGBTQI+ community in Europe while, in addition, there are pan-European reports of an increase in murders and suicides of LGBTQI+ people. Just last year, in two European countries, Norway and Slovakia, we had two terrorist attacks outside LGBTQI+ bars in which a total of four people were killed and 22 injured.
The exploitation of ignorance and hatred by public and non-public figures for political gain cannot be dealt with by the silent indifference of society. Not every mindless person can feel free to do whatever they want without repercussions. We must find ways to proactively combat hate speech and not limit ourselves to simply condemning it in response to its consequences. We need to act strategically to avoid the worst that seems to be coming, including here.
Undoubtedly, the state needs to take a number of actions in every aspect of society to improve the situation. However, it is vital that the private sector also takes its responsibility. It is time for businesses to develop relevant policies and take a clear stance against discrimination and to train their staff, helping to foster acceptance of diversity. A safe environment for all, without exceptions and exclusions, concerns us all.
Accept-LGBTI Cyprus and its allies send a clear message to all those who try to intimidate us: we are not afraid of you. It is our collective need to work together against homophobia and transphobia and to create a society that is welcoming and inclusive for all, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, gender characteristics or gender expression.
The exploitation of ignorance and hatred by public and non-public figures for political gain cannot be dealt with by the silent indifference of society. Not every mindless person can feel free to do whatever they want without repercussions. We must find ways to proactively combat hate speech and not limit ourselves to simply condemning it in response to its consequences. We need to act strategically to avoid the worst that seems to be coming, including here.
The exploitation of ignorance and hatred by public and non-public figures for political gain cannot be dealt with by the silent indifference of society. Not every mindless person can feel free to do whatever they want without repercussions. We must find ways to proactively combat hate speech and not limit ourselves to simply condemning it in response to its consequences. We need to act strategically to avoid the worst that seems to be coming, including here.
Do you want to raise this or some other issue?
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