28th European ILGA Conference

Sofia, 26 October 2006

Welcoming Address

Ambassador of the Netherlands

Willem van Ee

·       Congratulate Bulgaria, Gemini in particular, for hosting this conference. It is important for Bulgaria.

·       At a very special moment in Bulgaria’s history: Bulgaria will become a full fledged member of the European Union on 1 January 2007.

·       Important in Europe’s history too: nothing less than the further Reunification of Europe!

·       Yes, Bulgaria belongs to the European family of nations: history, culture, values.

·       And, we need Bulgaria as well, to make the European Union stronger. We all need a strong and enlarged European Union to cope with the future: to guarantee our citizens peace, security and prosperity.

·       Enormous changes have taken place in Bulgaria: fundamental reorientation and rebuilding of society based on the principles of a pluriform democracy, free market economy and respect for human rights.

·      The European slogan is: Unity in Diversity. Each and every country in the European family is different and adds in its own way to the strength of the European Union.

·       People are different too! And I am happy they are. That is what makes life so exciting.

·       We should be proud of our differences. These differences make every human being special.

·       But while we are different, we are equal at the same time. Men and women, just like anyone else. Regardless of our sexual orientation or other differences.

·       Equal rights, equal opportunities, respect for diversity…those are universal basic human rights, basic European values. Europe is a community of values.

·       Europe is about people, is about values, respect for one another.

·       Equal rights for gays and lesbians in every aspect of life, is what should be our common goal. Nothing less. There is no such thing as a little bit equal.

·       The struggle for equal rights for gays and lesbians is not easy. Has always been. Will always be. Not in Bulgaria, nor in any other country. It needs courage, it needs perseverance.

·       Civil society plays a crucial role in this. Organizations like Gemini help gays and lesbians in standing up for their rights and also in raising awareness: ignorance is the enemy!

·       Acceptance of gays and lesbians will not happen just with statutory rights alone. It must become part of society.

·       International cooperation is important. Also in the European context. Your organization matters. Your participation matters.

·       This conference is important…just as the coming European Year of Equal Opportunities.

       The fight for equal rights for gays and lesbians is not a just a cause for gays and lesbians. It is about basic human rights. Therefore it is something we all have to fight for. A cause that deserves and is entitled to political commitment. Also in Bulgaria…also beyond EU accession. More than words written.

·        It is simply the right thing to do. This is part of the European project too!