Lithuania has become one of the first countries to issue visas to gay men in Chechnya seeking refuge from torture and kidnapping.
Lithuania has become one of the first countries to issue visas to gay men in Chechnya seeking refuge from torture and kidnapping.
Lithuanian Foreign Minister Linas Linkevicius told Baltic News Service Wednesday that Lithuania granted visas to “two natives of Chechnya who suffered persecution because of their sexual orientation.” He called on other European Union countries to follow suit.
Lithuania made the announcement on International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia, an annual observance to raise awareness of violence and discrimination against LGBTI people.
The United States has continued to keep its doors closed to gays in Chechnya seeking protection.