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Europe's bullies condemned

LESBIANS, gays, bisexuals and transsexuals face widespread harassment, bullying and discrimination across Europe, according to an EU report released yesterday.

That harassment and discrimination occurs "in all areas of social life," from schools to the workplace to health care centers, the report by the EU's Fundamental Rights Agency said.

Agency Director Morten Kjaerum said the investigation found gays and lesbians continue to face assault and other physical attacks due to their sexual orientation despite EU rules meant to guarantee equality in the 27-nation bloc.

"These are alarming signals in an EU that prides itself on its principles of equal treatment and nondiscrimination," he said.

The study showed acceptance was good in France, Austria, Sweden and Spain, where politicians and public figures took part in pride demonstrations to raise awareness.

But open-mindedness tended to fade when people were asked if they think homosexuals should be allowed to adopt children.

Kjaerum appealed to EU nations to improve equality legislation, to better record hate crimes "and to train police accordingly."





 

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