IGLYO is calling on the Greek Government to extend protections for LGBTQ People

The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Youth and Student Organisation (IGLYO) is calling on the Greek Government to extend protections for LGBTQ people.

Last week, the board and secretariat of IGLYO visited our Greek member organisation Colour Youth in Athens. During our meeting, concerns were raised about the situation of LGBTQ youth in Greece.

IGLYO is shocked and concerned to hear about violence towards LGBTQ youth in Greece. We are calling on the police to ensure that LGBTQ people are protected and that all crimes against LGBT people are throughly investigated and treated seriously.

IGLYO notes the rise of conservative groups and fascism spanning from the economic crisis in Greece. It is appalling to hear that political parties are openly using hate speech and that increasingly, many young people are sharing these racist beliefs. While IGLYO stands in solidarity with the Greek people and our member organisation during this crisis, the use of hate speech cannot be justified at any time.

IGLYO is calling on the Greek Government to increase legal protections for LGBTQ youth, to practise legal protections that are already in place and to tackle homophobic and transphobic attitudes in schools. IGLYO believes that is is more important than ever in Greece, with this rise of right wing groups such as Golden Dawn, to protect, defend and extend the rights of LGBTQ people in Greece.

IGLYO is standing in Solidarity with our Greek member organisation, Colour Youth, and recognises the great work they are doing to advocate on behalf of young people and to empower them.

For more information please contact Patrick Dempsey, Communications Officer of IGLYO at patrick@iglyo.com