On Oct. 31st 2018 the parliament of the Czech Republic will hold its first vote on marriage equality. In an open letter SoHo together with Andreas Schieder MP encouraged the social democratic members of the Czech parliament to support this important step towards more equality!
Dear friends,
the proposal to legalize marriage equality for same-sex couples in the Czech Republic will be up for debate in the Chamber of Deputies in the days ahead. This discussion comes at a time of great uncertainty all over Europe. While we move forward towards our common goal of an open and free society we must never ignore the attacks on the rights of minorities and vulnerable groups within our nations.
As Social Democrats we know that fairness and equality are always the basis of a peaceful and prosperous society. The proposal to give same-sex couples equal rights and opportunities under the Czech law is an important chance to move forward in this direction.
In Austria marriage equality will be the law of the land as of 2019. Through the opposition of conservatives and right-wing politicans we haven’t had the chance to implement this important step for equality in our country on a legislative way. Instead it took the Austrian Constitutional Court to finally strike down the ban on marriage equality. The Czech Republic now has the chance to take this important step through the votes of its elected officials and thereby show support to the Czech LGBTI-community, their families, their friends and everyone fighting for an open, fair society.
The direction that the Czech parliament will take in this important question is closely watched all over Europe. That is why we want to ensure our full support for you, the Social Democratic Members of Parliament, in your backing of this important law. We’re looking forward to stand together with you in the fight for equality in the Czech Republic and all over Europe!
As Social Democrats we share a history of fighting for civil and human rights – the struggle for equality and justice for the LGBTI-community must therefor always be part of our work!
In solidarity,
Mario Lindner, president of SoHo
Andreas Schieder, SPÖ-spokesperson for foreign affairs
Camila Garfias, Rainbow Rose