Source: Guardian, New York Times, Associated Press
An attempt to stop a Greek advocacy group from using the term "lesbian" begins in Athens today with a court hearing that comes amid growing national debate over gay rights in one of Europe's most socially conservative countries.

The hearing has been initiated by plaintiffs on the Aegean island of Lesbos, who say they are unhappy that gay women have "usurped" a term that locals claim should have only geographical connotations.

The suit is specifically directed at Greek LGBT rights group OLKE, and seeks to force the group to drop "lesbian" from its name, which translates as "Lesbian and Gay Community of Greece".

OLKE's name "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, Associated Press reports.

Lawyers from both sides are to submit written arguments on Wednesday, and the court is expected to issue its decision in the next six months.

The litigants claim they are being defamed by the use of the word. "My sister can’t say she is a Lesbian," laments Dimitris Lambrou, a activist and magazine publisher who is one of those bringing the complaint with other islanders.

Lesbos was made famous by its ancient resident Sappho, a poet who celebrated love between women. Today, it is a popular tourist destination for gay women.

"We are very upset that, worldwide, women who like women have appropriated the name of our island," said Lambrou.

The hearing coincides with a highly charged national debate over gay rights. Lambrou insists he has "nothing against lesbians" who flock to Eressos - a resort on the island that is famed as the birthplace of the 5th century BC poet Sappho - and whose contribution to the local economy has been considerable.

But human rights campaigners say the court action has been motivated by barely disguised homophobia in a nation that remains reluctant to accept gay people.

The increased visibility of gay people -- including the first marriages between two lesbians and two gay men last week -- has been met with consternation by some, with the ruling conservatives holding emergency talks to deal with the issue.

A spokeswoman for OLKE accused the plaintiffs of homophobia.

"I believe ... the other party's intentions were purely racist," Evangelia Vlami said. "They showed that what bothers them is a specific sexual orientation."

"What will they do next, sue the United Nations? They, too, use the term lesbian," Vlami said.

Vlami and her partner were one of the two couples married last week on the island of Tilos.

"The [Orthodox] church is literally out of control in its approach towards us, the media full of hate speech and the conservative government both hypocritical and indifferent," said Grigoris Valianatos, a long-time gay rights advocate.. "This trial is a reflection of the homophobia that prevails in Greece."

On Saturday police intervened when members of the far-right Golden Dawn group attacked gay pride marchers in the biggest-ever Gay Pride parade in Athens. Thousands of supporters marched through the capital chanting "it is our right", but were pelted with eggs, flour and yoghurt by the group.

Full article: Gay rights: Lesbos islanders go to court in bid to reclaim the word lesbian  | Guardian
Who Are You Calling a Lesbian? | New York Times (editorial board blog)
3 from Lesbos sue gay group over 'Lesbian' name | Associated Press