Gay Parade is the Least of Our Problems
Opponents of gay pride parade often use declining demographic numbers as an argument against legalization of gay marriage, or a same-sex union before the state. The angry mob held religious icons, sprinkled holy water in front of the Hotel Latvia last year where gay and lesbians gathered for a conference.
Somewhere beneath the anti-gay sentiment and anger lay the real problems. For example, if it hadn’t been for abortions performed in this country, the birth rate would have surpassed the death rate in 2003.
In 2004 in Latvia the rate of induced abortions per 1000 live births has decreased by 28 percent, comparing to 1999 and by 2.5 percent comparing to 2003. In 2004, there were 674 induced
abortions per 1000 live births. Similar trend can be observed in Lithuania and Estonia. However, in Baltic States the number of induced abortions is high comparing to other European countries. For example, in 2003 in Sweden there were 347 induced
abortions per 1000 live births, in Finland – 189. In these countries the rate of induced abortions has not changed during the last years.
Although, a ban on abortion isn’t going to increase the birth rate, I suspect creating favorable economic conditions for mothers and family would.
The life expectancy — the lowest in the EU — is only the tip of the iceberg.
Following the demise of the Soviet Union, Latvia has become one of the major hubs for child trafficking, sex slaves, and prostitution.
Of all social ills that affect Latvia today, anger over celebration of consensual homosexual relationships seem misdirected.
May 30th, 2007 at 1.45
Re this coming Sunday’s display of homosexuality in Riga. It might interst people to know that the annual Riga cycle marathon has had to be cancelled because of this. The police say they cannot police both events. 1200 cyclists were going to take part in the cycle marathon – many thousands of others were to watch. Shame on Riga for putting a bunch of queers (mostly from outside Latvia) before the pleasure of the vast majority of Riga residents.
May 30th, 2007 at 5.16
Here we go again Max….
Got your stick figure t-shirt all ironed and ready to start the flinging.
Support minority groups within our society, it makes the world a more equal, loving and tolerant place to live.
May 31st, 2007 at 23.07
Aleks, Your comments on Latvian gay pride are “right on” – so thoughtful and well-expressed. It’s just another failure in Latvia’s government and church leadership to advocate discrimination against gays and lesbians rather than promote education and tolerance. It’s too bad that it’s so unsafe to be out of the closet in Latvia. I think the public would be shocked to learn who among them is homosexual. Some of the truly best and brightest – or maybe even their own kids.
June 1st, 2007 at 22.56
In reference to Amber’s comment “It’s too bad that it’s so unsafe to be out of the closet in Latvia” – I know several homsexuals who are “out of the closet” and they have no problems for the simple reason that they do not try to influence others. They are just normal men doing a normal job respected by their collegues – one of whom is one of the countries foremost doctors. Incidently they are totally against the Gaypride march – as are, acording to LETA, many other homeosexuals in Latvia. Indeed, one of them was hoping to participate in the velomarathon. Incidently how can one be proud in being “gay”? Is is as nonsensical as stating that one is proud of being white or black. It is nothing more than “an accident of birth”. I may as well say that I am proud of having a slight stammer!
June 3rd, 2007 at 15.35
To Rigamax: I’m sure you’re as supportive as it gets for homosexuals in Latvia. “Pride” is necessary because being gay is not akin to “having a slight stammer.” And no matter how much I may suspect a known heterosexual may be “an accident of birth,” I refrain from saying so. It’s really quite unacceptably presumptuous for run-of-the-mill heteros to try and define “human rights” for homos. Heteros have plenty of “pride” with Mardi Gras, Carnival, after-soccer-match clebration, etc. “Equality” is really not that difficult of a concept.
June 5th, 2007 at 21.54
Surely homosexuals also enjoy events such as Mardi Gras, Carnival, after-soccer-match clebration, etc.???
June 6th, 2007 at 3.56
sure, of course they do.
and you too can enjoy ‘pride’ events as well, I know a few heteros who went to Vermanes darzs to enjoy/participate in the days events.
Max if you dont get it by now Im sure theres no point explaining, but I will for the last time briefly outline why these events are needed.
A minority group (be it gay, handicapped, ethnic) has problems with how they are treated within society. Gays have a multitude of problems ranging from safety to legal differences than their hetero counterparts. These events are designed to open up societies eyes to both the groups existence and their problems.
They arent meant to convert you, they arent meant tear the fabric of society, they are meant to show society how diverse it is and how it should treat its citzens with respect, humanity and equality.
Now if we could just get this through to the loving, christian-based society that exists in Latvia we will be well on the road to a better place for everyone.