US ambassador supports Equality March in Kyiv, hopes no one gets hurt – NRCU
U.S. ambassador supports Equality March in Kyiv, hopes no one gets hurt
17-05-2013 15:57
U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine John Tefft has expressed his support to all those planning to participate in the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Equality March in Kyiv on May 25.
In his statement, the ambassador said that in many parts of the world, members of the LGBT community continue to suffer violence, discrimination, or persecution because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. “As Secretary of State [John] Kerry has said, all people, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity deserve ‘equality under the law’. By embracing diversity, promoting tolerance, and fighting prejudice and discrimination, we strive to build a world where everyone can enjoy equal human rights,” Tefft said. He added that this concept is enshrined in Ukraine’s Constitution, which explicitly protects freedom of speech and assembly, and stipulates that the main duty of the state is to ensure human rights and freedoms. “I would like to convey my appreciation to the organizers of the Kyiv Equality March, and I hope that many people, both gay and straight, will join us in this cause. I wish everyone a successful and peaceful celebration in which no one gets hurt,” the ambassador said.