By Terry Vanderheyden
RIGA, April 12, 2006 (LifeSiteNews.com) – A Latvian MP appeared in court today for comments he made last year before a “gay pride” parade there, in which he described homosexuality as a “nasty mental disorder,” among other things.
The private lawsuit brought against Farmers Party MP Leopolds Ozoliņš charges him with “expressing disrespectful and derogatory remarks” against homosexuals, and of “breaching ethical and moral standards,” according to a UK Gay News report.
The lawsuit does not constitute a formal criminal charge – which, under Latvian law, would require the consent of parliament. Latvia’s parliament overwhelming confirmed a proposal to enshrine the traditional definition of marriage in the country’s constitution in December.
Ozoliņš was quoted as saying that “homosexuality promotes paedophilia and spread of HIV and hepatitis C,” is a “degenerating and human health mutilating lifestyle,” and is “a perverse cult.” He added that Latvia should consider pulling out of the European Union if homosexual activist groups “under the shelter of democracy, continue to jeer at normal people and basic values of our nation and family.”
Ozoliņš’ argues that there is no basis to the suit, because Latvian law allows for freedom of expression. He also asked the court to invite the opinion of the Medical University Department of Psychology on whether homosexuality is normal or a psychological disorder.
See related LifeSiteNews.com coverage:
Homosexual Activists in EU Parliament Vow to Oppose Latvian Pro-Family Measure
https://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2005/dec/05120702.html
Latvian Parliament Overwhelmingly Supports Constitutional Protection for Traditional Marriage
https://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2005/dec/05120204.html