Drachma, a Catholic group for gays, is calling on religious leaders and authorities to seriously consider the evils of homophobia and prejudice.

The group is also stressing the authorities' duty to take concrete steps to protect lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender (LGBT) people, both locally and internationally.

Drachma made the appeal as it prepared to celebrate International Day Against Homophobia with a special prayer meeting on Friday at 8 p.m. at the Millennium chapel, Paceville.

The group also called on LGBT people who are, or have been, victims of homophobia to attend and extended its invitation to their parents, family and friends.

"We would also like to invite in a particular manner parents, family and friends of LGBT who have committed suicide," Drachma said.

The group hopes the meeting will be a healing encounter with Jesus, which will bring reconciliation, forgiveness, hope and life to all those who experienced or are experiencing prejudice, violence or even death in some way or another.

On May 17, 1990, the General Assembly of the World Health Organisation removed homosexuality from the list of mental disorders. However, the fight for the recognition of equal rights for lesbian gay, bisexual and transgender people did not end there, the group recalled. In 75 countries being gay is still a crime and French activist Louis-Georges Tin, founder of the International Day Against Homophobia, is hoping to change this by pushing the United Nations to adopt a resolution calling for the decriminalisation of homosexuality worldwide.

Those who want more information about the local event can call Mario Gerada on 7934 2328 or send an e-mail to drachmalgbt@gmail.com.