News

Government insists President did not target LGBTQI community

07 Nov, 2018

The?Government today insisted that President Maithripala Sirisena did not target the?Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, and Intersex (LGBTQI) community during a speech this week.

Cabinet co-spokesman Mahinda Samarasinghe said that the President had only referred to the people around former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and not a particular community.

At a public rally this week, the President had accused Wickremesinghe of going behind butterflies, which was seen as a?homophobic comment.

However?Samarasinghe said that the term “butterflies” was not used to target any community.

In a joint statement this week, the?LGBTQI community said that?President Sirisena had made a series of homophobic comments at the rally.

The LGBTQI community called upon all Sri Lankans who respect the fundamental rights of each and every Sri Lankan for equality, justice and dignity to join with them in categorically condemning President Sirisena?s homophobia and public incitement of homophobic hatred. (Colombo Gazette)

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