In his latest blog post, the British Ambassador to Bosnia Matt Field wrote he would be taking part in Bosnia's first Pride in September, in Sarajevo, proudly standing up for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) rights, "which are fundamental human rights."
“…I think it is essential to understand that the LGBT community in this country is not asking for special treatment. They are asking for the same rights as everyone else, to live freely and honestly, without fear of prejudice or persecution,” Field wrote in his blog post titled LGBT rights are human rights.
He argued that the recent use of physical violence against community members, and hostile rhetoric from public officials, only underline the value and need for such a public moment of recognition and inclusion.
“Supporting LGBT rights is not an attack on others, nor does promoting their rights diminish or negatively affect the rights of anyone else. It is about ‘justice and protection for all’. It is about supporting our brothers and sisters in living freely, in expressing their full self, and in helping all our communities to be the best we can be,” he stressed.
Field also mentioned May 17, the International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT), which is marked in 130 countries around the world, adding that the UK takes great pride in joining this year's call of “justice and protection for all’.”
“The rainbow flag will be flying in front of our Embassy in Sarajevo, and we will use this chance to discuss our long-standing support for LGBT rights,” the Ambassador noted in his blog post.
As British Ambassador, Field too believes that it is his responsibility to champion LGBT rights as fundamental rights all over the world
In cooperation with the UN, EU and OSCE, Field wrote that the UK wants to be the leading advocate “for those who so often are denied a voice in political and daily life.”
For this reason, the British Ambassador noted that the UK enacted the Equality Act in 2010 and an LGBT action plan, which aims to address, among other things homophobic, transphobic and biphobic bullying in schools.
Quoting the British Prime Minister, Field wrote: “Nobody should face discrimination or persecution because of who they are or who they love.”
