In a letter sent to the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada, Volodymyr Lytvyn, Council of Europe Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland expressed deep concern over a bill which proposes to ban the so-called "promotion" of homosexuality.

The Secretary General urged the Ukrainian authorities to guarantee the principles of freedom of expression and non-discrimination, which are set out in the European Convention on Human Rights, before submitting this bill to a second reading.

The Ukrainian Parliament needs to protect sexual minorities and reject "initiatives which are likely to increase intolerance and prejucides in society at large," he said, adding that the Council of Europe was ready to offer all necessary assistance.

Letter to Volodymr Lytvyn, Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada