17/04/2024 Session
The Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly (PACE) today reaffirmed its support for the protection of the fundamental rights to freedom of expression and assembly for LGBTI people across member States. “These are fundamental human rights possessed by every person, which they should be able to enjoy on an equal footing and in safety, as guaranteed by the European Convention on Human Rights,” the Assembly said.
Adopting a resolution based on the report prepared by Christophe Lacroix (Belgium, SOC), the parliamentarians condemned the attacks on the freedom of expression and of assembly of LGBTI people in member States, highlighting instances of cancelled or unauthorised LGBTI events in violation of European Court of Human Rights rulings. These actions included crackdowns by law enforcement authorities, inadequate protection against attacks, and the adoption and implementation of "anti-LGBTI propaganda" laws. “Attacks or obstacles intended to deny LGBTI people these rights contribute to their stigmatisation and invisibilisation and make them more vulnerable to human rights violations,” parliamentarians added.
The adopted text calls on member and Observer States to implement European Court of Human Rights judgments on LGBTI rights, refrain from discriminatory constitutional amendments, and enforce laws against discrimination. It also urges authorities to repeal "anti-LGBTI propaganda" laws, to condemn interference with LGBTI rights and to investigate and prosecute bias-motivated violence. Better LGBTI visibility should also be ensured.
Addressing violence, prejudice, and discrimination against LGBTI people, the Assembly called on member States to outlaw conversion practices, invest in gender equality education and support sexual and emotional education inclusive of LGBTI identities in schools. It stressed the importance of training law enforcement authorities to protect specific groups, of organising LGBTI rights campaigns and of ensuring legal recognition of gender identity.
Finally, the parliamentarians urged member States to recognise fears of persecution on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity as grounds for granting asylum and to support the work of the Council of Europe’s Committee of experts on sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression and sex characteristics.