Gay/Lesbian life in different views
On December 16, 2005, a new Registered Partnership Bill was passed by the Czech House of Representatives. It was also adopted by the Senate on January 26, 2006; but later, it was vetoed by the President. On March 15, 2006, the President’s veto was overturned by the House of Representatives, and the law went into effect on July 1, 2006.
The Czech Republic is one of the most gay-friendly countries in the European Union. This increasing tolerance is probably helped by the low levels of religious belief in the country, particularly when compared to its neighbours Poland, Austria and Slovakia. There is a comparatively large gay community in Prague, but less so in the rest of the country. The capital acts as a magnet for the country’s gay youth. The city has a large, well-developed gay nightlife scene. It is particularly centred around the district of Vinohrady and has at least 20 bars, clubs and 4 saunas.
Of course, there are still people who refuse to believe this style should exist. Most of them are from smaller villages and are believers of the Christian faith. It seems to be a paradox when believers want to broaden their outreach and get more people to come to church but won’t allow a gay believer to enter their midst. Have they read their Bible? There are no mentions of gays in the Bible. Is there anything written in the Bible against these people? The Bible was written by mortal men, and each person can interpret it in many different ways. I have lots of gay and lesbian friends here in my country. They are friendly and sensible people. I am glad that my country is “gay-friendly”.
Unfortunately, there are countries where it would be impossible to find a gay club or LGBT meeting. Being a gay or a lesbian in these countries is strictly prohibited. In Russia, for example, you are not even allowed to kiss a same-sex partner in public. If you break this law, you can be thrown in jail. There are no clubs or official meetings for these people; so, they must hide what they are really like. It is not a rumour that many of them, especially young ones, commit suicide because they want to be loved for who they really are. Unfortunately, they aren’t.
In countries where homosexuality is prohibited, gays or lesbians find each other through Internet only; so, they must remain vigilant. Then, they have to pretend to be „just friends“. In Pakistan, where the situation is maybe the worst, I read an article about two 18-year-old boys who had been stoned to death two days after they were caught with gay pictures.
The more developed a country is, the more friendly it is to LGBT people, regardless of the Bible or any other religion. I am not going to write whether I agree or disagree with same-sex marriage, adoption or the right to change legal gender. It is a polarizing topic because everyone has their own opinion.