Attitudes to gay rights in the European Union have come a long way, with more legislation guaranteeing that equal rights are introduced across the bloc each year. In some European countries, however, gay pride events continue to cause controversy, and opposition to gay marriage and adoption can be strong.

Recent research suggests mixed opinions towards gay rights. According to a 2006 Eurobarometer poll into attitudes towards gay marriage, there was strong support in a number of countries, most notably the Netherlands with 82 percent and Sweden with 71 percent supporting equal rights for same-sex couples. At the other end of the scale, Romania counted just 11 percent and Latvia 12 percent in support. An Observer survey carried out in 2008 confirmed that 55 percent of Britons support gay marriage.

All EU member states have legislation in place to protect people from discrimination on the grounds of sexuality, but other rights and legal restrictions vary around the union. Same-sex marriage is only legal in five member states, first introduced in the Netherlands in 2001 with Belgium, Spain, Sweden and Norway following suit. Recognition of same-sex relationships in a form similar to the UK’s civil partnership legislation is much more widespread, although many countries in Eastern and Southern Europe have yet to introduce this.

Sweden is one the EU’s most gay-friendly countries, and often leads the way in recognizing gay rights. It was the first country in the world to de-classify homosexuality as an illness in 1979 and also declassified transvestism as an illness last year. Following the country’s introduction of legal rights for homosexual couples introduced in 1995, gay marriage was legalized in May this year and the High Council of the Church of Sweden has even approved blessing same-sex marriages in the church, although there is still a degree of support for using the term marriage to refer only to heterosexual couples.

It’s a very different story in a number of other EU countries. In Latvia public opinion is largely homophobic and the gay community are often subjected to open hostility, even from the local police who conduct unauthorised raids on gay bars and cafes, humiliating patrons and often closing down the establishment. In 2007, 82 percent of LGBT respondents polled were against holding a pride event in Latvia’s capital Riga. The event went ahead, with 500 attendees outnumbering the 100 protestors, but around 1000 at a rival anti-pride event.

Poland is another country which has struggled to introduce legislation which would give homosexual couples the same rights as their heterosexual counterparts. Gay pride was banned in the capital Warsaw in 2004 and 2005 under right-wing then mayor Lech Kaczynski. Other cities, including Krakow also blocked events, citing various reasons, such as the possiblity of counter-demonstrations, a cash with religious or national holidays or a lack of permits. Among those who marched in Warsaw in 2005 anyway, ten were arrested but released soon afterwards.

Poland, along with Malta, was bottom of the 2006 Eurobarometer poll with only seven percent in favour of same-sex adoption. Public opinion is a major barrier to progress, with the country’s overwhelming Catholic majority opposed to increasing homosexual rights in defence of traditional family values.

Things are improving though, with the election of a more liberal government two years ago and a Warsaw mayor who is showing no signs of blocking plans for gay pride events in the future. Although protestors can still be found along the route, they are far outnumbered by supporters, and taking part is a fun and safe experience. Next year Warsaw is set to host Europride, which many hope will finally banish the demons of the past and establish the city’s reputation as a place where homosexuals are welcome and can celebrate their sexuality in safety.