Date: Wed, 28 Dec 1994 15:47:42 +0200 (EET)
From: Eva Isaksson <eisaksso@cc.helsinki.fi>

Hannele Lehtikuusi
Chairperson, SETA
Welcoming speech at the opening plenary
28th December, 1994

It is a historical moment for SETA to have ILGA conference held here:
it is 10 years since last conference of ILGA took place in Helsinki 
- that time ILGA only was called IGA. We are also very pleased to have 
you here since this year - 1994 - is an anniversary year for us. 
SETA was founded 20 years ago.

This is also a historical moment since Finland is joining European
Union in January. And as Lesbian and Gay rights activists, we are -
here in Helsinki - strengthening old and creating new forms of
co-operation in Europe.

Finland is a strange country: during this passed year the discussion
of lesbian and gay marriages and on lesbian and gay parenthood has 
been very much alive. Still it seems that even catholic Spain will have
a law on lesbian and gay partnership before Finland. We are also here
on the verge to have anti-discrimination law. Finland has also
granted refugee status on the basis of homosexuality. State of
Finland granted money to SETA to produce information on the situation 
of lesbians and gays in European Community.

On the other hand the Mayor of Helsinki has not seen important to
honour ILGA's work on human rights, but has refused the traditional 
City reception from ILGA conference. Dismissal on this country is
very subtle. We are often facing the problems how to combat and point
out this.

This is also a historical conference since so many friends and fellow
gay and lesbian activists from the former Soviet Union and Eastern
European area are here with us. Things are changing on the map - 
during this conference we will hear how the reality in these
countries is changing. ILGA's conferences have always been vital
forum for information exchange, co-operation and lobbying, actions
and projects. So be it also this time!

Further information:

Hannele Lehtikuusi 
Chairperson
tel. (90) 7089 644