The Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU) hosted a high-level conference in Brussels on Friday, May 17, coinciding with the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Transphobia, and Intersexophobia (IDAHOT). The event convened the European Commissioner for Equality, relevant Ministers and Secretaries of State from several EU Member States, members of the European Parliament, experts, and civil society organizations to discuss the progress and obstacles to implementing the current EU LGBTIQ Equality Strategy, as well as the way forward for the next Commission.
Belgian Secretary of State for Gender Equality, Equal Opportunities, and Diversity, Marie-Colline Leroy, emphasized the significance of the conference. “The Belgian Presidency of the Council of the EU has decided to put the issue concerning the rights of LGBTIQ people at the heart of the European agenda by bringing together in Brussels EU Member States’ Ministers in charge of Equality, the European Commissioner for Equality, and civil society. The various figures and barometers presented this week on the situation of LGBTIQ people call for constant vigilance. I am particularly concerned about growing backlash against human rights – including the right to live in safety and peace – and against fundamental freedoms,” she stated. “This high-level conference ends with a joint declaration and a strong political message to continue the work towards the real Union of Equality during the next EU legislative term. A Union where everyone is respected as they are, or as they want to be.”
The meeting resulted in 18 Member States signing a joint declaration on the continued promotion of the human rights of LGBTIQ persons. The signatories committed to implementing national LGBTIQ strategies and supporting the appointment of a new Commissioner for Equality when the next Commission is formed. They also urged the Commission to pursue and implement a new strategy to improve the rights of LGBTIQ people during the next legislature by allocating sufficient resources and working with civil society.
European Commissioner for Equality, Helena Dalli, highlighted the role of politicians in combating hatred and discrimination. “As politicians, we have a duty to strengthen legal protection against hatred and discrimination. This is why we adopted a law to reinforce the powers and independence of equality bodies in all Member States. We ensured that the law protects individuals from aggression including hate speech and hate crime. We have called for the mutual recognition of parenthood in cross-border situations and expect unanimous agreement on the long-awaited equal treatment directive. I encourage Member States to maintain the momentum created under the #UnionOfEquality going,” she said.
The conference took place at a pivotal moment, just before the end of the current mandate of the European Parliament and the current College of Commissioners of the European Commission, which for the first time includes a Commissioner specifically in charge of Equality. The discussions at the conference underscored the progress and remaining challenges in implementing the EU LGBTIQ Equality Strategy 2020-2025. According to the 2023 progress report, all key actions of the strategy have been launched, including major legislative proposals like the Victims’ Rights Directive.
Sirpa Rautio, Director of the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights, presented findings from the third survey on LGBTIQ people, highlighting a paradoxical situation. “The findings of our survey present a paradox. On the one hand, we see that years of efforts, policy, and legislation combined with campaigning finally show some positive developments in the fight for equality. On the other hand, LGBTIQ+ people face more harassment, bullying, and violence than before. Governments have a responsibility to protect all groups in our societies. They must act decisively to ensure that LGBTIQ+ people feel safe and live with dignity and respect,” Rautio explained.
The conference “Pride Alliances and Policy: Towards a Union of Equality” coincided with the 10th IDAHOT+ forum, organized by the Netherlands in The Hague from May 14 to 16, reinforcing Europe’s commitment to advancing equality for LGBTIQ people amidst rising violence and discrimination.
