On Friday 8 February 2001 at 11.30 am in the Sala Anziani of Palazzo Moroni (via del Municipio 1 – Padova) a meeting will be held press conference During the meeting, an initiative launched by Alleanza Nazionale and Azione Giovani (National Alliance) will be denounced. The initiative aims to limit, regulate, and prevent demonstrations by homosexual associations, thus violating citizens' fundamental freedoms to gather. On this occasion, a parliamentary question by the Honorable Piero Ruzzante will be presented to the Minister of the Interior.
Participants:
- Alessandro Zan (spokesperson for the 2002 Padua Pride Coordination Committee, president of Arcigay Padua)
- Hon. Piero Ruzzante (DS MP)
- Hon. Franco Grillini (DS MP, honorary president of Arcigay)
- Hon. Titti De Simone (PRC MP, president of the National Lesbian Party)
Padua, February 5, 2002
Press release
National Alliance against homosexual demonstrations
Alessandro Zan
Following the statements of Alleanza Nazionale, which calls for legislative instruments to limit and regulate homosexual demonstrations, there will be a decisive response from all of civil and democratic society, which cherishes the principles of equality and individual freedom guaranteed by our Constitution. Words like "limit and regulate" inexorably hark back to dark periods in our history. Not only has the far right chosen to violently oppose a free and peaceful demonstration of citizens, but also a party that is part of the government, Alleanza Nazionale, has returned to using language unworthy of a force that considers itself democratic and liberal.
It cannot be forgotten that the racial laws were enacted as a result of a restriction on the freedom of Jewish citizens.
Now there are attempts to legally limit the freedom of expression of citizens belonging to another minority: homosexuals. This culture of oppression must be forcefully rejected by all of civil society. For this reason, the Padua gay pride takes on an additional meaning: it will be a demonstration for freedom.
Alessandro Zan, President of Arcigay Padova, will present the counter-initiatives undertaken to explain to the public the purpose of an event like Gay Pride, which is not intended to oppose anyone or anything but to reclaim rights and freedoms that have been denied until now.
Piero Ruzzante, As the first signatory, he will present a parliamentary question to the Minister of the Interior to request an investigation into the initiative taken by Alleanza Nazionale.
Franco Grillini, DS MP and honorary president of Arcigay and Titti De Simone, PRC MP and president of the National Lesbian Arch Party will speak to denounce this initiative and to present parliamentary proposals to defend the dignity and freedom of homosexuals.
North-East Pride Coordination
