European nations condemn LGBT discrimination

Forty-seven European countries agreed on March 31 to the most wide-reaching accord in history preventing discrimination based on sexual orientation, according to ILGA Europe.

The Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe unanimously voted to adopt measures to protect LGBT citizens accross Europe from discrimination from hate crimes and hate speech, freedom of association and expression of free assembly, right for respect for private and family life, employment, education, health, housing, sports, and the right to seek asylum.

The Committee also recommended that Member States should ensure that national human rights structures are clearly mandated to address discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity. They also encouraged Member States to address multiple discrimination experienced by LGBT people. The new measures are to be adopted by the 47 member states over the next three years.

Martin K.I. Christensen, Co-Chair of ILGA-Europe’s Executive Board, said:

“This is a truly historical development! For the first time in history the European continent came together to codify human rights’ applications to LGBT people. As we celebrate this landmark in European human rights history, we also hope that these Recommendations will help to advance the human rights for LGBT people beyond Europe. "

Linda Freimane, Co-Chair of ILGA-Europe’s Executive Board, added:

“These Recommendations go well beyond the current situation in many European countries for LGBT people and will surely serve as a blueprint for our members in working with their national governments. We will also follow closely the three year review mechanism agreed by the Committee of Ministers to ensure the full implementation. Finally, we encourage the Council of Europe to organise a campaign among its Member States to promote these Recommendations.”

To read the entire document, click here.

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