EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

Anna KARAMANOU

Member of the European Parliament

Chairperson of the Committee of Women´s Rights and Equal Opportunities

Statement by Anna KARAMANOU

January 20, 2003

With regard to the adoption by the European Parliament of the Swiebel Report on the Human Rights´ situation in the European Union, which makes reference to the lifting of the ban on women entering Mount Athos in Greece (a geographical area of 400 km², where women's access is prohibited in accordance with a decision taken in 1045 by monks living in the twenty monasteries of the area), I wish to make the following statement:

1. The Report is of considerable significance, because it presents the situation of human rights in the European Union and it calls all European countries –with specific references- for omissions and violations of human rights. The adoption of the Report, even with a slight majority (274 in favour, 269 against) is of great importance. Among the 25 Greek MEPs only three have voted in favour of the Report: Anna Karamanou (PES), Michalis Papayiannakis and Dimitris Koulourianos (GUE).

2. This resolution of the European Parliament is not binding, but of a consultative nature. Nevertheless, it reflects the views, the position of a European, democratic institution that represents European citizens and carries prestige and credibility.

3. The paragraph that refers to Mount Athos was adopted with 277 votes in favour, and 255 against. On previous occasions, I have advocated the lifting of the ban, which has been decided by Athos monks and denies access to women. This decision was taken a thousand years ago, during the dark Medieval Ages in Europe and reflects the social conditions of that era, when women did not have access neither to education, nor to the arts and public life. Today, gender equality and women´s rights have been universally accepted and recognized. Therefore, this decision can no longer be operative, since it clashes not only with the currently prevailing perception of human rights, but also with Christian religion and faith itself. It is important to remember the amazing Christian message that condemns all discrimination on the basis of national or social origin as well as of gender: «There can be neither Jew nor Greek, neither slave nor free, neither male nor female». I wonder, on which Gospel, or dogma is this decision based banning half the human species from Mount Athos?

4. The above mentioned European Parliament resolution can form the basis for an open, dispassionate, public dialogue. In democratic societies there can be no taboos. Respect for tradition cannot be used as an alibi for restraining human rights and imposing discriminations based on gender. Mount Athos monks should perhaps reconsider this decision which attributes to one of the sexes a privilege denied to the other, actually treating the latter (their own mothers) as children of a lesser God. No tradition, no custom can rise above our respect for human rights and human dignity.

5. It is hereby worth noting that the European Union has been generously financing the Monastic region of Mount Athos for restoring and renovating monasteries and preserving cultural treasures which belong to both, men and women. It goes without saying that women tax payers in Europe have also contributed to these funds. The European Union has recognized the autonomous and self-governing status of Mount Athos. This reality does not contradict human rights and, of course, does not dictate any discrimination based on gender.

For more information on previous statements on the issue, you can visit my website:

www.karamanou.gr

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