Lituania
On December 27, 2024, the Lithuanian Constitutional Court declared unconstitutional a provision of the Law on the Protection of Minors against the Detrimental Effect of Public Information. This provision had prohibited the dissemination of public information portraying same-sex relationships as equivalent to opposite-sex relationships.
The court emphasized that the Constitution's concept of family is gender-neutral and that limiting information about diverse family models hinders the development of minors as mature and well-rounded individuals. It ruled that such restrictions are incompatible with the state's duty to ensure the harmonious and comprehensive development of children, based on respect for human rights, dignity, equality, pluralism, and tolerance.
This decision aligns with the European Court of Human Rights' judgment in the case of Macate v. Lithuania, which found a violation of Article 10 of the Convention due to the suspension and labeling of a children's book depicting same-sex relationships as harmful to minors.
The ruling represents a significant advancement in the protection of freedom of expression and the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals in Lithuania, reinforcing the country's commitment to democratic values and human rights.
