Islanders from Lesbos sue gay group over use of term ‘Lesbian’
ATHENS, Greece - Three islanders from Lesbos told a court Tuesday that gay women insult their home’s identity by calling themselves lesbians.
The plaintiffs — two women and a man — are seeking to ban a Greek gay rights group from using the word “lesbian” in its name.
Also known as Mytilini, Lesbos was the home of the ancient poet Sappho, who praised love among women. It is a major travel destination for gay women.
The Homosexual and Lesbian Community of Greece “causes confusion by using a geographic term in connection with (the group’s) special character and social action,” said Dimitris Papadelis, a lawyer representing the plaintiffs.
A spokeswoman for the group accused the plaintiffs of homophobia.