An analysis of the proposed Amendment No. XIP-2595 under international human rights law

The ICJ (International Commission of Jurists) is writing to express its concern at a proposed amendment to the Administrative Code that, if enacted, would undermine Lithuania's obligations under international human rights law. According to the information we have received, the proposed amendment No. XIP-2595 would add a new provision, Article 214(30), entitled "Public promotion of homosexual relations." Under this provision, "public promotion of homosexual relations is to be punished by a fine from two thousand to ten thousand litas." The ICJ believes that this amendment, if enacted, would threaten the rights to freedom of expression and freedom from discrimination, which are guaranteed under both the European Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.