Across Europe, rainbow families continue to face unequal treatment, legal uncertainty and, in some cases, open discrimination. While important progress has been made in affirming the right to private and family life, significant disparities remain in how such families are recognised and protected under national laws. These gaps can have serious consequences for the stability, security and dignity of both parents and children.
The conference, organised by the Parliamentary Platform for the rights of LGBTI persons in Europe, the Committee on Equality and Non-Discrimination of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) and the Maltese Delegation to PACE, under the auspices of the Maltese Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, will provide a timely forum to address these pressing challenges.
The conference will explore ways to strengthen legal protection, ensure mutual recognition of family status across borders and promote social inclusion. Held in the context of Malta Pride, the event will aim to build momentum for concrete legislative and policy reforms - ensuring that all families, regardless of their composition, are treated with equal respect, protection and recognition across the member States of the Council of Europe.
Resolution 2543 (2024) on "Freedom of expression and assembly of LGBTI people in Europe"
