50 Countries Call Out Poland Over Homophobic Crackdown

The ambassadors of 50 countries made it clear how they feel about the recent state-sanctioned attacks on the LGBTQ+ community in Poland by sending an open letter to Poland expressing support for the oppressed queer and trans folks in the central European country.

"We pay tribute to the hard work of LGBTI and other communities in Poland," the letter states. The ambassadors also recognize allies and "all those who seek to ensure human rights for LGBTI and other persons belonging to communities facing similar challenges, and to end discrimination in particular on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity."

The global community made known in the letter it was displeased with Poland's leadership when it comes to protecting the human rights of all citizens.

"We affirm the inherent dignity of each individual as expressed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights," the letter goes on, also noting Poland's obligation "to protect all citizens from violence and discrimination and to ensure they enjoy equal opportunities."

A wave of fear has swept over the LGBTQ+ community in Poland in recent months. Homophobic President Andrzej Duda was sworn into office for a second term in July. His re-election campaign featured a "Family Card" of proposals that promised to outlaw marriage equality and prevent child adoption by LGBTQ+ families. The country has also seen many towns declare themselves to be "LGBT-free" and the minister of state assets said the "all Poland should be an LGBT-free zone," although Polish courts recently struck down two of these zones as illegal. Krasnik, a municipality in eastern Poland, recently voted to remain an "LGBT-free zone" in the face of all of the ongoing opposition.

In the US, the Democratic nominee for president responded to the reports. "Let me be clear: LGBTQ+ rights are human rights -- and 'LGBT-free zones' have no place in the European Union or anywhere in the world," he tweeted of the issue.

The open letter concludes by calling on Poland to work jointly on creating "an environment of non-discrimination, tolerance and mutual acceptance" for all persons.

"Human rights are universal and everyone, including LGBTI persons, are entitled to their full enjoyment. This is something that everyone should support."

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