On the occasion of the gathering organized on Friday evening by the LGBT center and the associations that comprise it to protest against the rise of homophobia in France in recent weeks, Christian Estrosi, Deputy Mayor of Nice and President of the Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolis, expresses his support for this protest and strongly condemns all homophobic violence. Through his presence at the demonstration and through the content of his statement, the Mayor of Nice is more than clear and precise.
This deserves to be highlighted when considering the recent comments of some of his colleagues and the official political line of the party, both in parliament and in public debate, which is a masterpiece of pharisaism and irresponsibility far beyond the legitimate right to have one’s opinion and oppose a law.
To conclude, this story that suggests those who are pro-gay are left-wing and those who are anti-gay are right-wing has become tiresome. Social issues do not belong to ideology, much less to political divides, but rather to the conscience and free choice of each and every one of us.
Let’s leave the Boutins and other men and women to their psychic turmoils with a single piece of advice: it can be treated!
Statement from Christian Estrosi
“The constant increase in the number of reports of homophobic acts received by SOS Homophobie is particularly worrying. I would like to remind you that all pressures, threats, vandalism, assaults, and incitaments against homosexuals are unacceptable.
Whatever our opinion in the current debate on marriage for all, nothing can justify homophobic violence.
In June 2012, I ensured that no provocation would disrupt the smooth running of the Pink Parade. Today, I will make every effort to ensure that the city of Nice is not the scene of threats of segregation and unfounded prejudices.
These actions are in total contradiction with the republican values of tolerance and respect for the dignity of the human person that I have defended and applied in Nice since my election in 2008.”
