Lead by example on gay rights

The government came under sever pressure as EU parliamentarians moved for an emergency debate on the rising tide of racist and homophobic attacks in Europe. Had this debate taken place, Poland would no doubt have been center stage, and for all the wrong reasons.

Racism and homophobia are rife in Poland, as illustrated last week by the attack on the Chief Rabbi of Poland, Michael Schudrich. Poland must root out its xenophobia, anti-Semitism and homophobia and the best place to start is at the top.

Radio Maryja has long been a principle offender when it comes to anti-Semitism, though it appears to have toned down its rhetoric of late. Homophobia, on the other hand, is apparent at the very top tier of government, with President Lech Kaczyński and Prime Minister Kazimierz Marcinkiewicz having both made public statements that have enraged gay-rights campaigners in recent months.

This month's march will not be without incident; on the same day, the city of Warsaw has given permission for a second march to take place, by members of Młodzież Wszechpolska, a nationalist youth group. A clash is inevitable, as is a costly police operation. It would have been eminently more sensible, and safer to the public, to schedule the marches on different dates. Unfortunately, common sense rarely enters the equation when it comes to gay rights in Poland.