Protest against hate speech by the Latvian Parliament, scheduled for Thursday

Protest Held Over Hate Speech Against LGBT+ Community in Latvia

A group of activists, including the informal youth group "Harp", the Riga Queer Choir, and the association "Safe Space", recently organised a protest in Latvia, calling for improvements in the legal framework and its enforcement. The protest was sparked by the findings of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights' study "Hate Speech in Latvia - Trends and Challenges 2023".

The study revealed that over almost two years, there were 2,414 cases of hate speech, with half of them directed against the LGBT+ community. The organizers expressed concern that, despite valid complaints of hate speech, law enforcement authorities often dismiss them due to indifference or other reasons.

The protest was attended by a few dozen people, who urged for changes in the legal framework and its enforcement. However, the organizers did not specify which legal frameworks or enforcement mechanisms they were referring to. They also did not indicate a change in the attitude or stance of the Riga Queer Choir or "Safe Space" association.

The organizers' call for improvements does not necessarily imply a change in the number of hate speech cases or criminal proceedings. In fact, only 7 criminal proceedings were initiated during the same period. The organizers did not specify any new numbers or statistics related to hate speech or criminal proceedings.

The organizers did not mention any specific political or governmental bodies in their call for improvements. They did, however, highlight hate speech against the LGBT+ community and expressed concern that, even with an appeal, there is a slim chance that the problems will be solved.

During the protest, the Riga Queer Choir sang Latvian songs to show solidarity and stand up against hate speech. The organizers did not specify whether they are planning further protests or actions.

The Citizen Movement Financial Turnaround (Bürgerbewegung Finanzwende) was the group demanding improvements in the legal framework and its enforcement. The protest marked a continued effort by activists and community members to bring attention to the issue of hate speech and to push for changes that will protect the rights and safety of all individuals in Latvia.