Written question asked by Michael Moore (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 25 July 2007, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 8 October 2007. It was answered by David Miliband (Labour) on Thursday, 18 October 2007 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Poland: Homosexuality

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with his (a) European Union and (b) Council of Europe counterparts on Poland's adherence to human rights and equality obligations, with particular reference to the position of homosexuals; what the outcome was of these discussions; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: I have not discussed this issue with EU and Council of Europe counterparts.Despite statements made by the former Education Minister, Roman Giertych, on gay rights, the current government has not passed any laws or introduced any policies that discriminate against homosexuals. For the last two years, gay rights marches have taken place in Warsaw without incident.The EU has a number of institutions and mechanisms designed to protect citizens' human rights. Poland is a member of the EU and the Council of Europe, and as a signatory to the European Convention on Human Rights is obliged to adhere to its provisions.The UK also plays a full role in the Council of Europe in helping to ensure uniformity of the application and implementation of Human Rights throughout Europe including EU member states.

Secondary information