Lesbos residents sue gay group over “lesbian” term

Three residents of the Greek island of Lesbos have told a court in Athens that gay women insult their homeland’s identity by calling themselves lesbians. The plaintiffs want to ban a Greek gay rights group from using the word “lesbian” in its name.

Also known as Mytilini, in ancient times Lesbos was the home of the poet Sappho, a proponent of love between women. It is a major holiday destination for gay women.

“If something has been used for many centuries..does that automatically make it right? It is still wrong, regardless.” said one of the complainants.

However, a spokeswoman for the group accused the group of homophobia: “We believe this term can be used both for someone from Lesbos and as a sexual connotation. There is nothing wrong about either. To us, their behaviour amounts to an infringement of human rights.”

Written arguments from both sides will be submitted later today and a verdict is due in the next six months.

Copyright © 2012 euronews