Ukraine Adds LGBT Protection Clause to Labor Code

Gay rights activists attend a rally outside the parliament building in Kiev, Ukraine. The banners read, "LGBT rights are human rights" (2nd L) and "Lawmakers don't be indifferent" (2nd R).



Today, MPs in the Ukrainian parliament passed a bill that that would ban discrimination in the workplace based on sexuality, which is included in a package of laws to liberalise Ukraine's visa regime with the EU.



In 2010, The European Union said that a clause banning all forms of discrimination against homosexual people needed to be added to Ukraine's Soviet-era labor law.



Throughout the Soviet era and up until today, homosexuality had been a criminal offense punishable with jail time. Anti-gay prejudice remains prevalent throughout the religious and conservative country.



LGBT-activists warn today's victory is temporary as the current labor code will soon expire and there is no protection for LGBT Ukrainians in the new one heading for approval.

The banner reads: "Human rights always".

The banner reads: "Human rights always".