Our Statement on the Attack of Ukrainian LGBTIQ Organization, Insight, in Lutsk, Ukraine

Outright International is deeply concerned about the attack on June 13, 2023, on a community center for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people in Lutsk, Ukraine, managed by the Ukrainian NGO, Insight. This attack resulted in damage to the premises and equipment as well as causing trauma to residents and staff. LGBTQ people and civil society organizations are full-fledged members of Ukrainian society. They are defending and supporting the country in these challenging times, both on the frontlines and in humanitarian spaces. They provide urgent assistance to all citizens, regardless of their sexual orientation and gender identity or expression, and should be equally protected by the laws of Ukraine from violence and manifestations of hatred.

We call on the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine and the National Police of Ukraine to conduct a comprehensive investigation to identify and punish those responsible for this crime. Further, we call for the passage of the pending hate crimes bill 5488 as soon as possible.