Lithuanian prosecutor appeals acquittal of MEP Gražulis over LGBTQ remarks

Lithuania’s General Prosecutor’s Office has filed a cassation appeal with the Supreme Court of Lithuania (LAT) against the acquittal of Member of the European Parliament Petras Gražulis on charges of inciting hatred against LGBTQ individuals, LRT reports.

The prosecution seeks to overturn the appellate court’s decision and reinstate a lower court’s guilty verdict, which had imposed a €10,000 fine on Gražulis for violating Article 170(2) of the Criminal Code—incitement against a group based on sexual orientation, race, religion, or other characteristics.

In April, the Lithuanian Court of Appeals acquitted Gražulis, ruling that while his public statements were offensive and degrading, they did not meet the threshold for criminal liability. Judge Justas Namavičius stated that insulting or derogatory remarks alone do not constitute a criminal offence unless they directly or indirectly incite hatred or discrimination, posing a clear threat.

The original conviction stemmed from remarks Gražulis made in May 2022 in the Seimas (parliament), following a session on civil union registration. Filmed and broadcast by television cameras, he allegedly used phrases such as “a man stands on a pedestal and shouts that he is a pederast,” “where did these pederasts come from? This is degeneracy,” and “you spread venereal diseases.” Gražulis denied wrongdoing, claiming he was merely quoting the Bible.

The Supreme Court of Lithuania will now decide whether to accept the cassation appeal for review.