MP of African descent became the target of racial slur

Alert DateFebruary 7, 2013 Country: Poland Address: Warszawa General Type: Racist discourse Racism and discrimination phenomena: Afrophobia, Homophobia
Groups affected / Interested in: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender, Africans/black people Key socio-economic/institutional areas: Political discourse -parties - orgs Hate speech/Racist Discourse Medium: Internet, Political Discourse
Victims Data
Victims Nationality/Ethnic Origin Nigerian
Victims Gender Male
Victims Age N/A
Victims Number 1
Fatalities - deaths N/A
Perpetrators Data
Perpetrators Nationality/Ethnic Origin N/A
Perpetrator Gender N/A
Perpetrator Age N/A
Perpetrators Number N/A
Extremist/Organised Group Violence No

MP John Godson, the first Polish parliamentarian of African descent, became the target of racial slur when he voted against the draft laws legalizing civil unions, including same-sex partnerships. One of the bills was prepared by the Civic Platform, i.e. the party of which Mr. Godson is a member. Justifying his decision, the MP explained that he believes homosexuality is a sin, because it is written so in the Bible. A very popular meme also appeared on the Internet presenting a photo of the MP and an inscription stating “Mr. Godson didn’t vote in support of civil unions, because he's afraid that this could trigger an avalanche effect of liberal changes, which would not be good. If it was not for an avalanche of liberal changes, Mr. Godson would be picking cotton for the suits of other MPs.” The case sparked a lively social debate, and finally Robert Biedron, a parliamentarian openly admitting his homosexuality, and in the past the president of the Campaign Against Homophobia, stepped up in defense of Mr. Godson. As a result, both MPs called for mutual respect in public discourse.

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