News
Urgent need to address intersex human rights violations, says European Parliament
On 14 February 2019, the European Parliament adopted its first-ever resolution dedicated to intersex human rights. “Intersex people are exposed to multiple instances of violence and discrimination in the European Union and these human rights violations remain widely unknown to …
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Posted in News stories, Press releases, Recent news on February 14th, 2019
European Parliament alerts to backlash against gender equality & LGBTI rights
On 12 February, the European Parliament adopted a resolution on the backlash in women’s rights and gender equality in the EU. The resolution addresses the current “visible and organised effort at the global and at the European level against gender …
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Posted in News stories, Press releases, Recent news on February 13th, 2019
Singapore must protect the rights of LGBTI people, says European Parliament
On 13 February 2019, the European Parliament adopted a resolution on the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the European Union and Singapore. With this Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, the EU will work to support the democratic and economic development of …
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Lift the ban on LGBTI events: MEPs write to Ankara governor
In November 2017, the Governor of Ankara imposed a ban on all LGBTI-related events. Members of the LGBTI Intergroup and the EP-Turkey Forum write to the newly appointed governor in October 2018 to remind him that it is time to revoke …
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Posted in News stories, Press releases, Recent news on February 6th, 2019
LGBTI activists from the Western Balkans and Turkey visit European Parliament
On 16 and 17 January, the LGBTI Intergroup welcomed 6 LGBTI activists from the Western Balkans and Turkey in the European Parliament in Strasbourg, as part of a study visit of various European institutions organised by ERA-LGBTI. Biljana Ginova from …
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Posted in Press releases, Recent news on January 26th, 2019
Open letter to Tunisian government: stop torture & arrests of homosexual men
In November 2018, the human rights NGO Human Rights Watch published multiple accounts of men who were arrested, prosecuted and detained for homosexuality. Several men report being subjected to forced anal examinations, having their phones and social media searched. One …
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Posted in News stories, Press releases, Recent news on January 18th, 2019
LGBTI rights still at risk in the EU, says EP report on fundamental rights
On 16 January, the European Parliament adopted its yearly report on Fundamental Rights in the EU, assessing the implementation of fundamental rights in the EU in 2017 according to the Charter of Fundamental Rights standards. It contains strong language on …
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Posted in News stories, Press releases, Recent news on January 17th, 2019
New detentions of LGBTI people in Chechnya: Russia needs to take action
A new wave of arrests, persecution and torture against (perceived) LGBTI people in Chechnya has started in Chechnya since December 2018. 40 people, both men and women, have been detained – and at least two were killed, according the Russian LGBT …
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Posted in News stories, Press releases, Recent news on January 15th, 2019
European Parliament calls for respect of LGBTI rights worldwide
Last week the European Parliament adopted its Annual report on human rights and democracy in the world 2017 and the EU policy on the matter. The report assess the situation of human rights around the world in 2017 and what the …
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Posted in Press releases, Recent news on December 17th, 2018
MEPs unite for Human Rights on 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights
For the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, co-chairs of several human rights Intergroups of the European Parliament get together with a simple message: in 2018, universal human rights still need to be fought for. 2018 …
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European Parliament takes a stand on the rights of LGBTI women with disabilities
In a resolution on the situation of women with disabilities of 29 November 2018, the European Parliament took a stand on the rights of LGBTI women with disabilities. The text reiterates that while « all persons with disabilities should be able …
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Posted in Recent news on November 30th, 2018
LGBTI rights are still key to EU integration, says European Parliament
The European Parliament adopted on 29 November 2018 its annual reports on five candidate and potential candidate countries. The reports call on Northern Macedonia, Montenegro, Albania, Kosovo and Albania to strengten their efforts to address discrimination, violence and hate speech …
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Posted in Press releases, Recent news on November 29th, 2018
HIV and hepatitis in Europe: no time for complacency, says MEP
To mark European Testing Week (23-30 November) and World Aids Day (1 December), Daniele Viotti MEP, co-chair of the LGBTI Intergroup, got a rapid HIV test inside the European Parliament in partnership with the Belgian NGO Ex Aequo. “As the …
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Presidency conclusions on human rights in the EU – MEPs write to Austrian Presidency
In October 2018, a disagreement among the Council on a wording on LGBTI rights led the Austrian Presidency to publish “Presidency conclusions” instead of the customary “Council conclusions” on the state of human rights in the EU. Members of the …
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MEPs write to Polish Minister of Education about Rainbow Friday
On 26 October 2018, Rainbow Friday, a day dedicated to raising awareness about LGBTI rights in schools in Poland, took place for the 3rd consecutive year. Schools who were organising events on this day across the country were subjectf the …
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MEPs write to Romanian Prime Minister: protect all families
In light of the upcoming constitutional referendum in Romania, aiming to change the definition of family as marriage between a man and a woman, Members of the European Parliament write to Prime Minister Viorica Dăncilă. TO: Honorable Viorica Dăncilă Prime …
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Posted in Press releases, Recent news on October 2nd, 2018
#ChechnyaOneYearOn: MEPs ask Commission about torture of (perceived) LGBTI people in Chechnya
In April 2017, the Russian newspaper Novaya Gazeta reported that at least 100 men were detained in unofficial prisons on suspicion of being LGBTI in Chechnya, Russia, and suffered severe torture and humiliation. One year later, no transparent and independent …
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MEPs and NGOs join open mic on anniversary of the Horizontal Directive
On 5 September 2018, MEPs, NGOs and citizens joined together for an open mic in ‘celebration’ of the 10th year Anniversary of the Horizotal Directive. Organised jointly by the LGBTI Intergroup, the ARDI Intergroup, the Youth Intergroup and the Children …
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Posted in News stories, Press releases, Recent news on September 6th, 2018
MEPs to Federica Mogherini: Russia must protect its LGBTI citizens
On 7 August 2018, 16 year old Maxim Nederov was condemned for “homosexual propaganda” in Russia. LGBTI Intergroup co-chair Daniele Viotti and vice-president Sophie in’t Veld write to Federica Mogherini to enquire about EU’s follow-up on Russia’s commitment to protect …
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Posted in Press releases on August 8th, 2018
Trans identities no longer considered a mental disorder in WHO’s ICD-11
In the new International Classification of Diseases released on 18 June 2018, trans identities are not considered are mental disorders anymore. « Gender incongruence »was removed out of the chapter on mental disorders, and inserted into a chapter on sexual …
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Posted in Press releases, Recent news on June 19th, 2018
MEPs send Rainbow Laces to football teams ahead of World Cup 2018
Ahead of the men’s football World Cup, MEPs from the LGBTI Intergroup shipped dozens of rainbow shoelaces to football teams across Europe today. “Wear the enclosed rainbow shoelaces during training, on the street, in the stands or at home while …
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European Court of Justice recognises freedom of movement for same-sex couples
In a ground-breaking judgement, today the Court of Justice of the European Union recognised freedom of movement for same-sex couples. “The term ‘spouse’ within the meaning of the provisions of EU law on freedom of residence for EU citizens and …
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Posted in Press releases, Recent news on June 5th, 2018
Open letter to the Presidents of the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies of Romania: recognise and protect same-sex couples
In Romania, a draft bill on civil partnership is about to be tabled. This would extend legal recognition and protection to same-sex couples. Members of the LGBTI Intergroup write to the President of the Senate and the President of the …
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European Parliament says stereotypical depiction of LGBTI people in media needs to be addressed
In a report adopted on 17 April 2018, the European Parliament calls for further measures to foster gender equality, including equality for LGBTI people, in media content and in the media sector. The report on gender equality in the media …
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Posted in Press releases, Recent news on April 17th, 2018
Open letter to the Government and the Speaker of the Saeima of Latvia: concerns on the dismissal of a petition for Cohabitation legislation
In March 2018, the Latvian Parliament dismissed a petition for introduction of partnership legislation which would recognise all unmarried couples, including same-sex couples. This is the second time the Saeima rejected such an initiative. Members of the LGBTI Intergroup write …
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Posted in Intergroup documents, Recent news on April 12th, 2018
European Parliament takes a stance against LGBTI conversion therapies for the first time
Today the European Parliament adopted its Annual report on the situation of fundamental rights in the EU. The report assesses how fundamental rights were implemented in the EU in 2016, and what must still be done to reach the standards …
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Posted in Press releases, Recent news on March 1st, 2018
European Parliament: Russia must address LGBTI persecution in Chechnya
In a resolution adopted today, the European Parliament has called on Russian authorities to end the campaign of persecution targeted at people perceived to be LGBTI in Chechnya. The resolution highlights that this persecution campaign is “part of a worrying trend …
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Posted in Press releases, Recent news on February 8th, 2018
European Parliament condemns crackdown on LGBTI rights in Turkey
In a resolution adopted today, the European Parliament raised its concerns on the worsening situation for human rights in Turkey, including the human rights of LGBTI people. The resolution calls on Turkish authorities to revoke the indefinite ban on events …
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Posted in Press releases, Recent news on February 8th, 2018
Parliament urges Commission and Member States to guarantee freedom of movement LGBTI families
Today, the European Parliament adopted a non-binding resolution on protection and non-discrimination with regard to minorities in the EU Member States. The resolution contains strong wording on the free movement of LGBTI families. In the resolution, the European Parliament urges …
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Posted in Press releases, Recent news on February 7th, 2018
Open letter to Turkish Ambassador: Revoke Ankara’s indefinite ban on LGBTI events
In November the Governorship of Ankara called an indefinite ban on LGBTI activities in the city, which has received sharp international criticism, including by Council of Europe Human Rights Commissioner Nils Muiznieks issued a statement regarding the ban Members of …
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Posted in Intergroup documents, Recent news on December 18th, 2017
MEP gets HIV test, calls for focus on key populations, including MSM and trans people
This morning, Co-President of the LGBTI Intergroup Daniele Viotti MEP got an HIV test in the framework of the European HIV/hepatitis testing week. The week has officially been endorsed by the European Commission and the European Parliament intergroup on LGBTI …
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Posted in News stories, Press releases, Recent news on November 22nd, 2017
