Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that society should openly discuss various topics and that all citizens should have equal rights. He made the comment in response to a question about the role of cultural products in promoting tolerance and inclusion regarding LGBTQ+ people.
This was reported by Suspilne.
During a meeting with experts of the “Tyсячovesna” initiative, Oleksandr Demenko, head of the public organization “LGBT Military for Equal Rights” and a defender of Azovstal, asked whether cultural products are needed today to normalize the phenomenon of LGBTQ+ in Ukraine and to increase the level of tolerance and inclusion among the population.
He raised the issue in the context of the Verkhovna Rada’s consideration of a draft new Civil Code, which, according to critics of the document, could narrow the interests of the LGBTQ+ community.
Responding to the question, Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of openly discussing socially significant issues.
“I believe that everything should be discussed openly with society, and this is absolutely normal. We are all here together, we are defending the state, we are the same and have absolutely equal rights — despite any prejudices of people from the 15th century. We are modern people,” the president said.
The head of state also noted during the meeting that next year the list of categories within the initiative may be expanded to include the book industry.
The “Tyсячovesna” program is an initiative of the President of Ukraine. Within its framework, 4 billion hryvnias will be allocated to support Ukrainian culture. The first stage — the selection of applications for participation in the program — will last until June 12. During the second stage, from June 17 to July 28, experts will evaluate projects and select those that will receive an opportunity for state funding.
