To mark the International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union organised the conference ‘Pride Alliances and Policy: Towards a Union of Equality’.
The meeting, chaired by the Belgian Secretary of State for Gender Equality, Marie-Colline Leroy, brought together key players such as the European Commissioner for Equality, Helena Dalli, the Vice-President of the European Parliament and Co-Chair of the LGBTI Intergroup, Marc Angel, the Director of the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA), Sirpa Rautio, several European ministers responsible for equality and civil society representatives from the non-governmental organisations EL*C, IGLYO, ILGA-Europe, OII Europe and TGEU. The event was an opportunity for 18 Member States to sign a joint declaration in support of the rights of LGBTIQ persons.
Fighting against violence. On 14 May, the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) announced the publication of a new survey on the LGBTIQ community (see EUROPE 13410/29). The situation of young people, trans and intersex people, who are among those most affected by discrimination and violence, was particularly raised. The data presented by the FRA revealed an alarming increase in harassment and violence, and reaffirmed the urgent need to consolidate protection mechanisms.
The discussions provided an opportunity to take stock of the implementation of the LGBTIQ Equality Strategy 2020-2025 (see EUROPE 13346/14). Participants also discussed the importance of cooperation between the Member States and the Commission to close the gaps in anti-discrimination legislation, particularly in areas other than the labour market and for the most vulnerable members of the LGBTIQ community. This issue was already discussed at the last Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council (EPSCO) on 7 May (see EUROPE 13406/8), on the potential implementation of a directive proposed by the Commission in July 2008.
Stakeholders also called for continued support for civil society organisations and human rights defenders working tirelessly for the rights of LGBTIQ persons.
At the end of the day’s debates, at a press conference, Marie-Colline Leroy stressed the need to continue the fight against discrimination and for the safety of LGBTIQ persons in Europe, pointing out that “safety and serenity are fundamental rights”. She also referred to progressive legislation as a source of inspiration for strengthening the rights and protection of LGBTIQ persons.
The commitment of 18 Member States. One of the highlights of the day was the signing of a declaration by 18 Member States (Belgium, Malta, France, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Austria, Cyprus, Spain, Greece, Ireland, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia and Estonia) pledging to continue promoting the human rights of LGBTIQ persons. This document reaffirms the principles of equality and non-discrimination as essential pillars of the EU, enshrined in its founding treaties and the Charter of Fundamental Rights.
The signatories undertake to improve national legislation to better protect and recognise LGBTIQ rights, stressing the importance of improving the collection and use of data to meet the specific needs of this community. The appointment of a new Commissioner for Equality for the next Commission is also a priority to ensure a dedicated and continuous focus on equality issues.
Renewing the European strategy. The declaration urges the European Commission to step up its commitment to the rights of LGBTIQ persons and to actively combat discrimination. It proposes the creation of a new LGBTIQ equality strategy for the coming mandate, including specific initiatives, determined actions and clear criteria for monitoring and evaluating progress. An intersectional approach is also supported to recognise discrimination based on various criteria.
The protection of LGBTIQ persons from violence and discrimination, both online and in public spaces, is another central pillar of this declaration. It sets out the need to improve social acceptance and build strategic alliances to counter anti-LGBTIQ movements. There is also a call for equitable access to appropriate health services and support for civil society organisations and human rights defenders.
This conference follows on from the IDAHOT+ forum organised by the Netherlands from 14 to 16 May in The Hague (see EUROPE 13410/28), which also contributed to these discussions, reinforcing the message of extensive collaboration to make progress on LGBTIQ equality issues within the European Union and in Europe.
To see the declaration: https://aeur.eu/f/c9c (Original version in French by Nithya Paquiry)