The homophobic graffiti that appeared on the shop windows of the Babele bookshop in Milan against gays and insulting towards Imma Battaglia, leader of the Italian homosexual movement, are 'further episodes in a very serious campaign against the gay and lesbian citizens of this country.
In addition to expressing my personal solidarity and closeness to Imma, I strongly ask that The Government and Parliament should finally implement all the repressive and legislative tools, present in all European states, to protect homosexual people..
I appeal to all political forces to firmly reject this hate campaign, for which the Catholic hierarchy is also responsible.
'' also now that Italian neo-Nazi and neo-fascist organizations should be declared illegal, something that for years, as Arcigay, we have been asking the Italian government for in vain!
Aurelio Mancuso
National Secretary of Arcigay
PRESS RELEASE ARCIGAY MILANO – 06.04.07
Homophobic graffiti on the gay bookshop
GAY PEDOPHILIS – GAYS ON THE WALL – IMMA BATTAGLIA TROIA
These are the writings that appeared on the windows of the GLBT-themed bookshop "Babele" in Milan.
Once again, "the usual unknowns" wanted to demonstrate that homophobia in Italy is anything but a non-existent problem, as many politicians often repeat.
Repeating phrases similar to those that appeared some time ago on the walls of the Milanese headquarters of Arcigay, These cowards wanted to offend the entire gay population, which has been shaken by the terrible news of the Turin boy who committed suicide due to such behavior.
""Homophobic statements are increasingly being made, such as those made by the regional councillor Prosperini, and offensive ones like those made by Cardinal Bagnasco" he declares. Paul Ferigo President of Arcigay Milan, "and the latter, a few days ago, once again equated homosexuality with pedophilia, and even incest. Whoever posted those graffiti on the windows of the Babele bookshop was dictating!""
We extend our full solidarity to the friends of Babele and to Imma Battaglia, the historic leader of the Roman movement. We ask that the authorities express themselves clearly, that law enforcement investigate to find those responsible, and that they increase security to prevent similar acts.
""In just over a month the city will be held 12th National Congress of Arcigay, We are worried and we do not want to have to barricade ourselves to defend ourselves from violence or be escorted by the police. We need a clear and convincing cultural message about respect for differences and against marginalization and homophobia! He concludes. Amedeo Patrizi, vice president of Arcigay Milan.