Diplomats show support for equality

A group of 20 diplomatic representatives in Cyprus showed their support for the LGBTQIA+ community on Friday, as they welcomed this year’s Pride Festival set to take place on September 25.

The initiative called ‘Diplomats for Equality’, a global initiative with a branch in Cyprus, is made up of representatives from the missions of Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Finland, France, Greece, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Luxembourg, Mexico, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom, the United States, the European Commission Representation in Cyprus, and the British Council.

In a statement, the group said they congratulate, “Cyprus Pride’s organisers, Accept-LGBTI Cyprus, all the volunteers who make the event happen, and everyone who is participating. We also thank the sponsors of this year’s event for their support to the cause. We welcome the return of Cyprus Pride, in-person, following the challenges of the previous years due to the pandemic and look forward to taking part in events under our ‘Diplomats for Equality Cyprus’ banner.”

According to the group of diplomats, around 70 countries still criminalise same-sex relations between consenting adults.

“There continue to be unacceptable instances of discrimination and/or persecution of LGBTQIA+ persons across the world. This includes hate-motivated violence, arbitrary arrest and the application of the death penalty. We reaffirm our opposition to all forms of violence and discrimination, including on grounds of sexual orientation, gender identity and sex characteristics,” the diplomats said.

More information about ‘Diplomats for Equality’ is available on their social media accounts on Twitter @dipforequality and Instagram #diplomatsforequality and through their Embassies’ and High Commissions’ accounts in Cyprus.