23/10/2026 Equality and Non-Discrimination | LGBTI
Kate Osborne (United Kingdom, SOC), PACE General Rapporteur on the rights of LGBTI persons, made the following statement today, on the eve of Intersex Awareness Day 2026 (Monday 26 October 2026):
“The Parliamentary Assembly’s 2017 resolution on the rights of intersex persons and the Committee of Ministers’ 2025 recommendation to the 46 Council of Europe member states on the same topic are landmark initiatives that have placed the rights of intersex persons firmly on the European human rights agenda. They reflect a clear commitment: intersex persons must not be subjected to medically unnecessary and irreversible interventions on their sex characteristics simply to make their bodies conform to stereotypical expectations of male or female anatomy.
Yet intersex persons continue to face discrimination, stigma and harmful practices with long-term effects in Council of Europe member states. Too often, they have been told that they had to change. That must end. Intersex persons should be respected and protected.
Protection from discrimination, hate speech and violence on grounds of sex characteristics must be guaranteed. In its resolution the Assembly called on member states to protect the human rights of intersex persons. This requires safeguarding bodily autonomy, informed consent, access to appropriate healthcare and legal recognition, and ensuring that intersex-led organisations are heard.
The Committee of Ministers’ recommendation is the first comprehensive international standard-setting instrument on equal rights for intersex persons. It is high time Council of Europe member states translated it into national law and policy to end discrimination, stigmatisation and violence against intersex persons. Awareness-raising must be matched by concrete legal action and protection.”