CARNAL NATION

A major report released by the European Union's Fundamental Rights Agency has found that discrimination and violence against gays, lesbians, bisexuals, transsexuals, and transgendered people remain a significant problem despite the Union's progressive and expansive anti-discrimination laws. The report was ordered by the European Parliament in 2007.

The report indicates that homophobia is particularly strong in Eastern Europe, where harrassment and attacks are often ignored by politicians. However, it also concludes that even in countries with more tolerant attitudes and more comprehensive anti-discrimination laws, homophobia can be prevalent in certain areas or segments of these societies, such as high schools and sports culture. The report includes a survey of European attitudes toward same-sex marriage. Statistics ranged from 82% of Dutch respondents being in favor of same-sex marriage to 14% and 12% in Cyprus and Latvia, respectively. [United Press International]