PACE Resolution: LGBT rights in the South Caucasus
The Council of Europe's Parliamentary Assembly (PACE) adopted a resolution on alleged violations of the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) people in the South Caucasus, stating that "a country's cultural and religious traditions cannot be used to justify discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and sexual characteristics."
The resolution expressed concern about the plight of LGBTI individuals in Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia, citing "many infringements" of their human rights.
PACE emphasised that pro-LGBTI demonstrations "do not constitute an infringement of, or restriction on, the rights of those who disagree with them," such as Gay Pride marches.
"Each signatory state to the European Convention on Human Rights has an obligation to ensure the enjoyment of fundamental rights while determining the best way to avoid conflicts," the Assembly stated.
The Assembly encouraged all three nations to guarantee the right to organise public activities in favour of LGBTI people's rights, to ensure that they are held securely and without violence, and to conduct effective investigations and prosecutions in violent events.
The South Caucasus governments were also urged to safeguard the freedom and independence of the media, as well as the safety of its staff, and to expand collaboration with civil society groups working on LGBTI issues, according to the resolution.