Two commercial TV networks refused to air a Lithuanian Gay League (LGL) video that sought to change negative societal attitudes toward sexual minorities. This video is part of the Keisk (Change It) campaign that invites people to get to know LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) individuals and see the world through their eyes.

Now that the TV networks have refused to air this social advertisement about sexual minorities, the contents of the video will be assessed by experts. It is claimed that it may violate the provisions of the Law on the Protection of Minors against the Detrimental Effects of Public Information. According to the law, any information "which expresses contempt for family values, encourages the concept of entry into a marriage and creation of a family other than stipulated in the Constitution of the Republic of Lithuania and the Civil Code of the Republic of Lithuania" is harmful to minors and access to it must be restricted. The video lists stereotypes about sexual minorities and showcases moments in the lives of homosexual couples.

Data from a Eurobarometer survey reveals that only 12 percent of Lithuanian residents claim to know at least one gay, lesbian or bisexual person, with only 3 percent claiming the same for transgender individuals. "The remaining 88 percent also know such individuals, they just don't know about it," claim the authors of the video, noting that discrimination against LGBT individuals can affect anybody's friends or family. The viewers are also invited to sign a petition to express support for the protection and strengthening of the rights of LGBT individuals in Lithuania.

In the opinion of V. Simonko, the head of the Lithuanian Gay League, this is tantamount to censorship. It's also not the first time something like this had happened. A similar situation occurred in 2013, when LRT televizija only agreed to broadcast videos informing viewers about Baltic Pride, and LGBT parade, late in the evening, deeming it to be information that was detrimental to minors. In this instance, Zita Zamžickienė, the inspector of journalist ethics, found in favor of the broadcaster.

The Law on the Protection of Minors against the Detrimental Effects of Public Information, adopted in 2010 and applied in a number of cases since, has been criticized by Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and ILGA-Europe (an organization for the protection of the rights of sexual minorities). At some international events, we have heard claims that this specific legal provision is "dead" - however, it seems that it can be applied just the same when the situation calls for it.

You can watch the video here.