Amid a climate where political forces across Europe are attacking the rights of LGBTI people, candidates in the upcoming European elections are urged to commit to safeguarding and promoting the human rights of LGBTI individuals.
On March 6, Europe’s premier LGBTI organisation, ILGA-Europe, launched the «Come out 4 Europe» pledge. This initiative allows candidates vying for seats in the upcoming EU elections to demonstrate their commitment to upholding and safeguarding the human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and intersex (LGBTI) individuals as representatives in the European Parliament.
The «Come out 4 Europe» campaign emerges following a recent report from ILGA-Europe, illustrating a sharp increase in anti-LGBTI rhetoric throughout EU member states. This surge has resulted in heightened violent demonstrations outside educational institutions and libraries, as well as the deliberate disruption of Pride parades, leading to a further surge in assaults against LGBTI individuals.
ILGA-Europe urges candidates to stand firm against increasing attacks on LGBTI rights, and collaborate with LGBTI groups and activists to combat the polarisation and scapegoating of LGBTI individuals in political rifts.
According to ILGA-Europe’s Advocacy Director, Katrin Hugendubel: «The public debate is growing more polarised and aggressive, leading to the highest levels of violence against the LGBTI community in Europe in decades. The fundamental values and principles on which the EU was established – such as respect for human dignity and rights, freedom, democracy, equality, and the rule of law – are being challenged, with human rights, particularly those of LGBTI individuals, facing significant opposition from extreme right-wing factions»
The «Come out 4 Europe» pledge, which can be signed at a dedicated website, comeout.eu, will provide candidates with the chance to demonstrate their commitment to safeguarding and promoting LGBTI human rights in the upcoming term.
ILGA-Europe’s Executive Director, Chaber, emphasises, «Safeguarding the human rights of LGBTI individuals is closely linked to democracy and the protection of human rights within our societies more broadly. Therefore, it is crucial that in the forthcoming European Parliament term 2024-2029, there is a robust mandate for both the Parliament and the Commission to uphold and promote LGBTI equality».
«With the emergence of political movements that challenge fundamental rights and freedoms, it is a critical juncture for the EU to uphold the foundational values on which it was established».
.
