Interaction and co-operation of members in the Council of Europe and its Parliamentary Assembly should be based on respect for the rule of law, human rights and fundamental freedoms. It is said in the official documents of this organization and it was realized in practice as far as it can be judged by the activities of the Council of Europe. However, now there is Russian representative, Valeriy Fedorov, in the Committee on Legal Affairs and Human Rights who is well known for his homophobic position and hate speeches. Terms of references of this Committee suggest that the Committee should consider human rights and fundamental freedoms, as well as issues of discrimination based on any ground (with the exception of discrimination on the grounds of gender. The fact that there is a person in the Committee on Legal Affairs and Human Rights known for his intolerance towards homosexuals not only discredits PASE reputation, but also disputes its ability to reach stated goals. PACE has to choose whether it is ready to protect human rights by word and deed or not.

Why did we say that Valeriy Fedorov is a homophobic person? Here are few of his statements, which can help you to judge whether such a person work on human rights issues.

In 2007, Valeriy Fedorov commented on the prohibition of Gay Pride manifestation in Moscow that “in our country with strong traditions of Russian Orthodoxy and strong family values, there will never be able to hold Gay Pride. We stand for the future existence of the human race, the birth of children, so the majority of the population will never give gays to demonstrate their basic needs." (Quotation from publication in Russian press: http://www.regions.ru/news/2078542/) That’s how Valeriy Fedorov sees the struggle for LGBT rights.

Few days ago Valeriy Fedorov again showed his homophobic beliefs. Parliament of Archangelsk region passed the law against “propaganda of homosexuality”, commenting this fact Valeriy Fedorov said “As for the parliamentary deputy of Archangelsk, they did everything right. Today morality is one of the main tasks for the state. We have to protect children from the scum who commit their criminal acts. Unfortunately, there are too many holes in the current legislation that help these monsters. But, thank God, the time has come when using the law we can separate them from the children. Both country leaders and MPs focuses on tougher measures against these people”. (Quotation from publication in Russian press: http://www.regions.ru/news/2379423/)

You have the opportunity to show the world the willingness of the Council of Europe and the Parliamentary Assembly to struggle for human rights and against discrimination. Do that, exclude Valeriy Fedorov from the Committee on Legal Affairs and Human Rights!