European Council urges action against anti-LGBTI+ discrimination

The Council of Europe's Equality, Minorities & Inclusion (ECRI) has issued the General Policy Recommendation No. 17 today, calling on policymakers to combat intolerance and discrimination against LGBTI+s: Let's embrace diversity, protect everyone's rights, and create a more inclusive society.

In its Recommendation, the Commission stated:

LGBTI+s still face high levels of discrimination, abuse, and violence due to their sexual orientations, gender identities, and real or perceived sexual characteristics.

Intolerance and discrimination against LGBTI+s manifest in complex and diverse ways, negatively affecting the human rights of LGBTI people and impacting their legal, social, and political rights, thus hindering their ability to enjoy the same rights as everyone else.

ECRI calls upon European policymakers at national, regional, and local levels to develop measures to prevent such discrimination and intolerance against LGBTI+s, taking into account the diversity of sexual orientations, gender identities, and sexual characteristics. Therefore, they must recognize the rights and needs of individuals falling into multiple LGBTI+ subcategories.

Recommendations include giving high priority to promoting and achieving equality for LGBTI+s and taking all positive measures, including laws, administrative policies, and national strategies or action plans, to prevent intolerance and discrimination. This ensures that LGBTI individuals are safe, legally protected, and able to enjoy the same rights and freedoms as other members of society.

It is essential to ensure that laws and policies aimed at combating intolerance and discrimination have an effective protective effect on LGBTI individuals, while avoiding adopting laws or policies that legitimize hatred, promote discrimination, or victimize them.

All LGBTI+s and groups must have the ability to express their views and information about their rights and positions in society safely and without fear of attack or harassment, while being fully protected by the police and other relevant authorities. (EMK/VK)