Way to go, Lithuania!

Last year, it was Ireland who stood up to the EU bloc and said ‘no’ to their ‘progressive’ agenda. I was proud of them. Irish for life.

Now, it’s Lithuania, my people through marriage. They won’t budge to the EU pressure, either.

Lawmakers in the Baltic nation’s 141-member chamber on July 14 voted 89-6 to adopt a Law on the Protection of Minors, which limits the propagation of information that could be harmful to young people. Alongside examples like graphic violence, instructions on how to make explosives, presentation of drug use in a positive light and pornography, the law also restricts information “which promotes homosexual, bisexual, and polygamous relations.”

The pressure is considerable.

In fact, to pass the law the ruling coalition had to override a veto by the outgoing president, and the new one signed it reluctantly, noting the constitution gave her no choice. Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius insists the law does not violate anyone’s rights. To make that clearer, he proposes banning the promotion of any type of sexual relations among minors. While the local media has echoed outcries by gay rights groups, the Lithuanian public largely sides with Kubilius and his government on this matter. They resent the international pressures that go against their common sense.

Yes, how refreshing to see the people speak and act with common sense. World leaders should take note.

Many in the nation of 3.3 million people, the majority of whom are Catholic, find the restrictions reasonable and balanced. After all, they also prohibit degrading or ridiculing people on the basis of their sexual orientation. As one witty blogger put it: “We’re more tolerant than most – we even tolerate those who don’t want to promote gays.”

Labai sveikinam uz puiku darba!