04/12/2024 Equality and Non-Discrimination | LGBTI
“The Parliamentary Assembly has long been a leader in the promotion of the rights of LGBTI persons and in calling for their protection,” said PACE Secretary General Despina Chatzivassiliou-Tsovilis at the opening of a conference in Strasbourg on violence and discrimination against LBQ women, recalling “groundbreaking resolutions” adopted by PACE. She underlined the importance of co-operation with civil society organisations bringing critical perspectives from the ground.
“The creation of the Parliamentary Platform for the Rights of LGBTI People in Europe in 2022 exemplifies our commitment to collaboration and collective action, not only with intergovernmental bodies but also with those on the front lines in the fight for equality,” PACE Secretary General emphasised. She also mentioned the PACE’s Vigdís Prize for Women’s Empowerment, launched in 2023, “a recognition of the courage, resilience, and contributions of women, including LBQ women, across Europe and beyond”.
Béatrice Fresko-Rolfo (Monaco, ALDE), PACE General Rapporteur for the rights of LGBTI people, stressed that LBQ women were facing increased stigmatisation and discrimination based on gender and sexual orientation, but also “as women who do not conform to societal expectations”. “Affirming and protecting the rights of LGBTI people, including LBQ women, does not take away the rights of others,” she declared. Recalling the adoption of PACE Resolution 2576 in October 2024, she believes that parliamentarians can play a major role in preventing and combating violence and discrimination against LBQ women.
“It is essential that the relevant civil society be deeply involved in any action by governments in responding to patterns of violence and discrimination against LBQ women,” said Michael O'Flaherty, Council of Europe Commissioner for Human rights. He added that the dimension of intersectionality should be foremost in shaping policies, and that States should “mine the depths of existing international law and standards in the protection of everyone’s identity.” In this respect, M. O'Flaherty deplored actions by anti-gender movements. “They are no more and no less than a repudiation of international human rights law; they are not an alternative point of view, but rather a call to breach international law,” he stressed. The Commissioner for Human rights also outlined the importance of having strong domestic law on combating discrimination, regarding hate crime and violence, and in support of the victims of crime. Finally, he called for a much bigger investment by States in gathering data.
“Us, as women, as allies and supporters, as advocates, as NGOs are not just victims, but survivors, leaders, change makers, and across the globe, women at all of these intersections are building grassroots movements”, said Lady Phyll, Executive Director and Founder UK Black Pride. “These movements are challenging harmful norms in advocating for inclusive policies. They remind us of the strength found in collective action,” she added. “Allyship must be more than just solidarity, it requires action through a multifaceted approach,” she underlined, calling for strong policies that acknowledge intersectionality and advocate for competent services ensuring health care systems, shelters, schools that recognise the needs of women of colour and other marginalised groups.
The event organised by the Parliamentary Platform for the rights of LGBTI people of the Parliamentary Assembly, in collaboration with the SOGIESC Unit of the Council of Europe, aimed to highlight the invisibility of LBQ women, tackle lesbophobia and identify solutions to protect their rights and dignity. It formed part of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (25 November to 10 December) and included the participation of parliamentarians, experts and activists.