On June 9, 2012, Bratislava celebrated its third annual Dúhový (Rainbow) Pride parade. Members of the international community expressed their moral and practical support for the parade organizers and participants. The event aimed to raise awareness of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community in the Slovak Republic and promote their human rights.
As citizens of the European Union, the LGBT community in Slovakia enjoys legal guarantees under the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, which prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation. Furthermore, everyone, including LGBT individuals, should have the freedom to exercise their rights and liberties as stated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
The international community, represented by ambassadors from various countries, highlighted the social, economic, and political contributions made by LGBT communities in their respective nations. They acknowledged the efforts of the Slovak authorities in safeguarding LGBT rights throughout the country. While acknowledging that public debate is an essential component of a democratic society, the ambassadors emphasized that all individuals should be free to express their perspectives without fearing retribution or reprisal.
Supporting human rights is a fundamental aspect of the work and mission of the international community everywhere. The aim is to expand universal human rights, rather than promote any particular ideology. The statement of support for the Rainbow Pride parade was signed by ambassadors from Albania, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America, as well as the Head of the European Commission Representation in Slovakia.
