EU Parliament Demands Continuation of LGBTI Work
On 14 February 2019, the European Parliament adopted a resolution requesting a follow-up to the EU LGBTI List of Action in the up-coming legislature.
The Parliament asks the EU Commission to:
- commit to tackle the gender equality backlash targeting LGBTI people
- prioritise LGBTI rights in its work in 2019-2024 and adopt a new LGBTI strategy document
- continue awareness-raising to foster acceptance of LGBTI people
- take concrete measures to secure freedom of movement for LGBTI-Families
- ensure Member adopt legislation protecting LGBTI children
- assess whether the requirements for sterilisation and a mental health diagnosis for legal gender recognition are in line with the Charter of fundamental rights of the EU
- mainstream an intersectional perspective in its work
A right wing amendment to the text suggesting that a rise in homophobia in Europe was due to “massive immigration and ‘islamism’ ” was rejected.
MEP Terry Reintke, co-chair of the LGBTI Intergroup and shadow rapporteur for the resolution (Greens/EFA) commented: “By rejecting this amendment, the European Parliament takes a clear stand: There is no place for racism and islamophobia in the fight for LGBTI rights. In times of increasing attacks on LGBTI rights, women’s rights and migrants rights, we must stay united.”
In January 19 member States expressed their committment to advance LGBTI rights and called upon the EU Commission for a clear committment for the years to come.