LGBTI fears over new Polish member at EU institution

The MEPs are part of a cross-party coalition that seeks to defend LGBTi people, co-chaired by Luxembourg’s centre-left Marc Angel and Germany’s Green Terry Reintke.

They are upset that Poland has sent an individual with a dubious CV on LGBTI-rights to the EESC, who was then assigned to a group dealing on diversity.

The EESC diversity group handles issues like gender equality and gay rights.

But the Polish member, Tymoteusz Adam Zych, appears to have a history that goes against such issues, say the MEPs.

In a letter addressed to the EESC leadership, they question Zych’s role in the diversity group.

“The recent appointment of Mr Zych undoubtedly raises questions over the legitimacy of his work in the field and the intentions behind his appointment,” they say.

Zych is the vice-president of Board of Ordo Iuris Institute for Legal Culture.

The institute is known for promoting anti-LGBTI, anti-women’s rights, anti-choice and anti-gender rhetoric in Poland.

The MEPs say Ordo Iuris is “a driving force behind campaigns aiming to undermine human rights and gender equality in Poland.”

It is also close to the governing coalition in Warsaw, sparking fears that Zych may be taking cues from the country’s conservative leadership.

Poland has been embroiled with the European Commission, as well as rights defenders, for its wider efforts to delegitimise the gay community.

It made international headlines after towns through the country declared themselves so-called ‘LGBTi-free zones’.

Earlier this year, the conservative Law and Justice government also announced the enforcement of a near total abortion ban.

The call sparked widespread protests.

Zych has been contacted by EUobserver for comment.