We, the Ambassadors from the Diplomatic Missions of Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom, the United States, joined by the European Commission Representation in Ireland and European Parliament Liaison Office in Ireland, express our continued support for the Dublin Pride festival. We are pleased to take part as a joint contingent of 'Diplomats for Equality' in the Virtual Dublin Pride Parade on 28 June 2020.
Seventy countries still criminalise same-sex conduct between consenting adults. There continues to be unacceptable instances of discrimination and/or persecution of LGBT+ persons across the world. This includes hate-motivated violence, arbitrary arrest and the application of the death penalty. We reaffirm our opposition to all forms of violence and discrimination, including on grounds of sexual orientation, gender identity and sex characteristics.
Citizens of all societies, including Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and related persons (LGBT+), should be able to live freely without fear of violence or discrimination, and play an active part in society. Education, raising awareness and dialogue are key tools to achieve this, and Pride organisations across the world, including Dublin Pride, play an important role in this work.
COVID-19 has enacted a heavy toll on our communities. We express support to all those affected, and to the key workers who are helping to keep us safe here in Ireland and across the world. This includes members of the LGBT+ community, many of whom already face discrimination, violence, persecution and isolation. Tackling COVID-19 is a significant challenge and it has caused great pain. But we have also seen acts of great kindness, of communities coming together to support each other and the vulnerable, and new and innovative ways of connecting with each other.
We are therefore pleased that Dublin Pride 2020 will take place virtually, allowing us to continue to support and celebrate the LGBT+ community and the work of Dublin Pride. As the theme of this year's festival says we are "In this Together". Together with the United Nations and other international organisations, we break the silence on violence and discrimination. We commit to continuing our work to promote respect and non-discrimination against LGBT+ persons.
We would like to thank the organisers of Dublin Pride 2020.
