Czech Republic IDAHO Report 2013

The Czech Republic saw various events organised in Brno and Prague around May 17, including a rainbowflash balloon release, rainbow picnic, book launch, club night and creative workshop. It was also a day, however, for a high profile case of alleged discrimination as President Milos Zeman rejected the nomination of an openly gay scholar, Martin C. Putna, as professor – a decision greeted with significant contestation.

Brno

In Brno, activists organised a balloon release, walk through the city centre, and rainbow picnic. Participants gathered at 6pm on Friday May 17, at Malinovského square. They walked then to Moravské square, where they released rainbow balloons. A selection of photos follows (more can be found also from the facebook event page here).

Prague

In Prague, the ‘Queer Noise – 4th Anniversary Party’ was held to coincide with IDAHO; “Electro/NewWave/Pop/House/WaveRock/ColdWave/Dubstep till morning♫” !
For more information see the Queer Noise facebook event and site.

Book Launch of ‘Prince and Prince’

A celebration of the release of the Czech translation of the childrens book ‘Prince and Prince’ (a children’s book about two kings getting married), also marked the Day in Prague. The Embassy of the Netherlands in the Czech Republic supported and organised the event, including for the authors (Linda de Haan and Stern Nijland and Czech translator Adela Elbel) to attend and to organise a collage workshop especially for children. The event was held on Saturday May 18 2013, at 10.30-12.30 in Café Už jste doma, Uralská 6, Praha 6.

For more information see the facebook event page (in Czech)

Reports of Discrimination

May 17 was also a date for a high profile case of alleged discrimination as the new president Milos Zeman rejected to approve Martin C. Putna’s nomination for professor from the Charles University. Putna is openly living as gay and known for his public support for gay rights and for his outspoken posture on various political issues.
A local activist advised, ‘The final nomination of professors proposed by academic field after fulfilling the strict criteria is up to the president, but generally it is very formal act with high respect to academic freedoms. The rejection is probably the first in the long new history.’ A conflicting picture emerged as to whether the rejection was due to Putna’s sexual orientation, his outspoken behavior at a recent pride march, or his political posture generally.
The rejection was widely criticised as an infringement of academic freedom, by the Prime minister, Minister of finance, Green Party, for example. On Thursday, May 23th, students held a manifestation in support of Putna. For more information see: http://sg.news.yahoo.com/czech-president-university-row-over-gay-rights-activist-194443338.html