1. In reply to the honourable parliamentarian’s
question, the Committee of Ministers recalls that it is strongly attached
to the principle of equal rights of all human beings. The Council
of Europe’s message of tolerance and non-discrimination applies
to all European societies and discrimination on grounds of sexual
orientation is not compatible with this message.
2. The Committee of Ministers was informed by the United Kingdom
that the legislation at issue is currently under review by the Government
of Gibraltar. The United Kingdom reaffirmed its commitment on lesbian,
gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) issues, and indicated that
the Government of Gibraltar is aware of the importance of compliance
with the European Convention on Human Rights, notably the principle
of non-discrimination. The Committee of Ministers welcomes the assurance
that the United Kingdom takes very seriously its full international
responsibility for Gibraltar, and therefore its responsibility for
Gibraltar’s compliance with the Convention, and encourages the United
Kingdom to resolve this matter in the near future. The Committee
will keep the Parliamentary Assembly informed of developments on
this matter.
