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'Such statements are totally inappropriate and unacceptable,' he says
Michael Cashman
Michael Cashman condemns UN president's view of homosexuality
Gay MEP Michael Cashman has condemned remarks made by the president of the United Nations General Assembly, Ali Abdussalam Treki, who said that homosexuality is "not really acceptable".
The new president was speaking during a press conference at the opening of the 64th session of the General Assembly earlier this month. Treki, a Libyan diplomat, was asked about a UN resolution calling for the universal decriminalisation of homosexuality.
"That matter is very sensitive, very touchy," he said. "As a Muslim, I am not in favour of it...it is not accepted by the majority of countries. My opinion is not favour of this matter at all. I think it's not really acceptable by our religion, our tradition.
"It is not acceptable in the majority of the world. And there are some countries that allow that, thinking it is a kind of democracy...I think it is not."
Cashman, who is president of the European Parliament's Intergroup on LGBT rights, said in a statement released today that Treki should "think again".
"Such statements are totally inappropriate and unacceptable," he said. "He must now speak on behalf of those who do not have a voice and forget his religious beliefs which must remain private. He must realise that the implications of his words could legitimise violence towards LGBT people."
He added: "He is there to defend the principles of the United Nations and that includes the Universal Declaration Human Rights Act 1948 and all following amendments and covenants of rights, including LGBT human rights."
