Brussels, 17/05/2013 (Agence Europe) - On 17 May - the International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia - High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton reiterated the EU's commitment to equality and non-discrimination. She said that in many countries, gender identity and sexual orientation continue to be used as a pretext for serious violations of human rights. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex people (LGBTI) are still subject to persecution, discrimination and extreme violence and ill treatment, Ashton said.
Ashton underlined the EU's work in this area - like the campaigns for the respect of human rights, the support for LGBTI rights campaigners through the European instrument for democracy and human rights, discussions on the subject at human rights dialogues, public statements and the delegations' work behind the scenes.
Hailing the support of the United Nations for the principle of non-discrimination on sexual orientation or gender identity, Ashton encouraged efforts to be continued and strengthened in this area.
Homosexuality is punishable with imprisonment in around 60 countries and with the death penalty in seven countries (Afghanistan, Iran, North Nigeria, Mauritania, Saudi Arabia, Sudan and Yemen). The WHO only withdrew homosexuality from its list of mental illnesses in 1990. (CG/transl.fl)