From: International Gay Lesbian Human Rights Commission Newsgroups: iglhrc.ern Date: 11 May 94 22:22 PDT Sports Facility in Athens Expels Lesbian A sports facility in Athens is moving to expel a prominent lesbian member after she appeared on two television shows in which she discussed homosexuality. Letters protesting this move should be sent to the club in question as well as to the Greek Ministry of Sports and the Ministry of Justice. According to a communication received from the Greek Homosexual Community, Isabel Aktypi had been a member of the Panhellenic Sports Club (PSC) since 1987. In early February of 1994 she appeared on television shows where she spoke frankly about homosexuality. She immediately began to suffer harassment from staff at the club. On the 22nd of March the Board of the PSC voted to expel Aktypi. The Director of the PSC cited a storm of protest from the mothers of other gymnasts though no letters or other evidence of protest were made public. The Greek Homosexual Community has filed a lawsuit against the PSC. The group is asking for letters from around the world to aide them in their domestic campaign. A model letter follows: Dear ___________: We are outraged that on the 22nd of March 1994 gymnast Isabel Aktypi was expelled from the Panhellenic Sports Club (Panhellenios Gymastikos Syllogos) because she admitted to being a lesbian on a television show. Ms. Aktypi had been a member of Panhellenios for six years. Expelling her now because of the mistaken notion that her sexual orientation makes her a threat to fellow young gymnasts is nothing short of discriminatory. As a member of the Council of Europe, Greece should abide by several recommendations passed by the Parliamnetary Assembly of that body urging an end to discrimination based on a person's sexual orientation. By shamelessly repeating that Ms. Aktypi was expelled because of her public admission that she is a lesbian, the Panhelleios has demonstrated a blatant disregard for the principles of free speech and tolerance of diversity, principles basic to democratic society. Sincerely, Letters should be sent to : Panhellenios Gymnastikos Syllogos Evelpidon 2 113 62 Athens GREECE fax: 30-1-821-5601 Mr. George Liania, v. Minister Vice Minister of Sports Matters Panepistimiou 25 101 10 Athens GREECE fax: 30-1-325-1533 Mr. George Kouvelakis, Minister Mesogeion 96 115 27 Athens GREECE fax: 30-1-775-5835