Cyprus receives LGBT human rights score of 34 per cent
Cyprus was given a score of 34 per cent for the human rights situation and living standards of its LGBT population.
homophobia
Diplomats urge LGBT rights progress in Cyprus
– Diplomatic missions in Cyprus issued a joint statement in support of human rights for all individuals, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or sex characteristics.
– The statement praised Cyprus for progress in recognizing and protecting LGBTQI+ rights, including legislation criminalizing conversion therapies.
– Encouraged Cyprus to consider removing legislative exclusion of same-sex couples in civil union from adoption and to make progress on legal gender identity recognition and recognition of same-sex marriages conducted abroad.
– Highlighted the need for continued work towards a reality where everyone is treated with dignity and respect, regardless of sexual orientation.
Diko hits out at probe into homophobic video
– A homophobic video was shown in a Nicosia school, leading to condemnation and an investigation ordered by the education ministry.
– The video featured a Greek bishop of Mesogaias, Nikolaos, expressing views against same-sex unions and emphasizing the necessity of heterosexuality for unity.
– Independent MP Alexandra Attalides wrote to Education Minister Athena Michaelidou condemning the incident.
– The theologian who showed the video claimed it was part of the approved curriculum for the religion class taught in public schools.
– Diko MP Pavlos Mylonas criticized the investigation as “fascist behavior” and defended the bishop’s video as a scientific explanation of the church’s stance on marriage and adoption by gay couples.
– Mylonas argued that children should be exposed to various viewpoints, including those of the LGBTI movement, to develop critical thinking.
– Commissioner for Children’s Rights, Despo Michaelidou, stated that proselytizing and propaganda are not acceptable in schools, and educators should promote critical thinking rather than catechism or propaganda.