We are under attack! Demand Ukrainian LGBTQ+ people receive protection against hate crimes, now!
On December 8, NGO “KYIVPRIDE”, one of the most important LGBT+ organisations in Ukraine, hosted a peaceful and charitable event featuring lectures, film screenings, and musical performances to support LGBTQ+ causes, including fundraising for the "Birds" Foundation and the NGO "LGBT Military for Equal Rights."
But radical groups known for their hate-fuelled ideologies violently attacked the event.
Around 30 right wing hooligans, affiliated with ultranationalist groups such as "Prava Molod" ("Right Sector"), "Ukrainian Blood Unity," and "Brotherhood of Dmytro Korchynskyi," used firecrackers and smoke grenades to disrupt the gathering. These groups famously spread homophobia and extremism, creating an unsafe environment for LGBTQ+ people in Ukraine.
What’s more disturbing is that these attackers used Nazi symbols alongside Ukrainian national emblems—an alarming and illegal display of hate. Such actions not only endanger lives but also tarnish Ukraine’s commitment to democratic and European values.
But the Ukrainian police investigate this case as hooliganism, but not as a hate crime!
The violent disruption of KYIVPRIDE’s event is not just an attack on the LGBTQ+ community but a threat to Ukraine’s democratic values. It highlights the urgent need for stronger legal protections, as hate crimes and homophobia continue to undermine human rights and social progress.
But there is hope!
Draft Law (No. 5488) could be a critical step toward combating discrimination and hate crimes in Ukraine. By adopting this law, the Verkhovna Rada (The unicameral parliament of Ukraine) can combat homophobia and hate and send a clear message that equality and safety are fundamental rights for all citizens.
Additionally, an investigation by the Security Service of Ukraine into the funding, activities, and illegal use of Nazi symbols by the attackers is crucial to prevent further hate crimes and ensure justice. Without such measures, Ukraine risks backsliding on its path toward European integration and democratic development.
Your voice matters! Sign our petition now and urge the Verkhovna Rada to adopt Draft Law No. 5488, ensuring stronger protections against hate crimes. You’ll also call for international leaders to pressure Ukraine to uphold human rights and defend its LGBTQ+ community.
Together, we can demand justice, equality, and safety for everyone in Ukraine. Sign the petition now to make a difference!
This petition was started in cooperation between: NGO “KYIVPRIDE”, NGO “SPHERE”, Ukrainian LGBTIQ+ Military and Veterans for Equal Rights NGO
