Brussels, 30/11/2010 (Agence Europe) - At the request of the European Parliament, the European Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) (Vienna) has published a report on “combating homophobia, transphobia and discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity”, which shows that there is still progress to be made. The FRA report gives an up-to-date picture of the sociological situation in the 27 EU member states when it comes to equal opportunities for LBGT (Lesbians, Bisexual, Gay and Trans-gender). The report is expected to contribute to the adoption of a directive in this respect and is an update of 2008 data.
Presented to the press in Brussels on Tuesday 30 November by Raül Romeva i Rueda (Greens/EFA, Spain) and FRA Director Morten Kjaerum, the report highlights the main problems facing gays and lesbians. These include: - being forced to live in silence and invisibility, suffering violent attacks, and not being treated equally, for example at work, by landlords or when moving around the EU. Also, bi-sexual and trans-gender persons are largely stigmatised and marginalised in Europe and are often considered mentally ill, as was the case in France until this year.
Positive developments include: (1) Portugal, Sweden, Belgium, the Netherlands and Spain have legislated in favour of homosexual marriage; (2) Luxembourg and Slovenia are preparing legislation authorising gay marriages; (3) Austria, Hungary and Ireland are in favour of same-sex couples living together out of marriage as is already the case in several other states including France. On the negative side, Bulgaria, Estonia and Romania have strengthened their legislation to ban same-sex unions. As far as the right to assemble is concerned, “Gay Pride” freedom of expression is very often compromised or threatened with a ban (Baltic Pride 2010 in Lithuania) or challenged by political leaders (in Latvia with Gay Pride demonstrations). Furthermore, Morten Kjaerum comes to the conclusion that EU countries are moving at different speeds when it comes to the rights of homosexuals. (G.B./transl.jl)