13/09/2024 Equality and Non-Discrimination | LGBTI
PACE’s Equality Committee has called for a series of measures to combat violence and discrimination against lesbian, bisexual and queer (LBQ) women in Europe, pointing out that these women are now “especially targeted by anti-gender movements” which attempt to silence them or deny them their legitimate place in public spaces.
Unanimously approving a draft resolution on the basis of a report by Béatrice Fresko-Rolfo (Monaco, ALDE), the committee deplored the actions taken by state structures to undermine LGBTI persons including LBQ women, such as “support for anti-equality demonstrations and the adoption of decrees or laws seeking to restrict the rights of LGBTI persons or prevent the dissemination of information”.
The committee said that lesbian transgender women and racialised LBQ women are subject to “particularly violent attacks”, and that sexism, racism, biphobia, transphobia and lesbophobia can result in intersecting forms of discrimination. “Everyone has their place in society and attempts to impose heteronormativity and self-effacement must end,” the parliamentarians said.
Among other things, the committee called for robust legislation against discrimination, “zero tolerance” of hate crimes and hate speech against LGBTI persons, the repeal of laws restricting the rights of LGBTI persons, including “anti-LGBTI propaganda” laws, and bans on conversion therapy and forced sterilisation.
It also urged recognition of the right of same-sex couples to marry or at least contract a civil union with the same rights, recognition of the parental rights of the second parent in same-sex couples, and support for asylum requests by LGBTI persons forced to flee their country.
Council of Europe member, observer and partner states should support pride marches, support sexuality and relationships programmes in schools which are inclusive of diversities, and fight stereotyping.
The report is due to be debated by the plenary Assembly on Wednesday 2 October, during its autumn plenary session in Strasbourg.