ATHENS – On the occasion of the International Day against Homophobia, we condemn discrimination on the basis of gender identity, sexual orientation or any other reason, the President of the Republic, Katerina Sakellaropoulou, said on Sunday in a post on her personal Facebook page.

The President pointed out, "persecution, discrimination, social marginalization against LGBT people in many parts of the world is a harsh, persistent reality. A reality that concerns us all, as it affects human dignity and limits human rights."

She also noted that "especially in the current conditions of dealing with the coronavirus, these individuals often face even greater discrimination against them and restrictions on access to health services."

Sakellaropoulou underlined that "today, on the occasion of the International Day against Homophobia, Amphiphobia and Transphobia, Athens is also sending its message. We condemn discrimination, hate speech, violence against individuals over gender identity, sexual orientation or any other cause, and support the right of everyone to freedom of expression, security, self-determination and equal treatment."