Ukraine Withdraws LGBT Rights Bill

The Ukrainian government has withdrawn an employment rights bill and resubmitted it without sexual orientation protections. The move might imperil Ukraine's bid for closer ties to the European Union.

Claude Moraes MEP, Rapporteur on Ukraine and Member of the LGBT Intergroup, reacted: “It is extremely worrying that Ukraine’s government seems unwilling to adopt legislation that would ensure protection from discrimination to all people at work. LGBT people still face discrimination in every single area of life, and clearly need basic legal protection. The European Parliament’s position has always been clear on this. Further visa liberalisation measures must go hand in hand with the adoption of anti-discrimination measures by the Verkhovna Rada as agreed, including sexual orientation.”

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