Union of Equality: LGBTIQ Equality Strategy 2020-2025

Summary:

Communication published by the European Commission on 12 November 2020, setting out the first-ever EU Strategy for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, non-binary, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ) equality.

Further information:

Over the years, legislative developments, case-law and policy initiatives have addressed some of the inequality affecting lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, non-binary, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ) individuals. In 2015, the Commission presented a List of Actions to Advance LGBTI Equality, the first policy framework specifically tackling discrimination against LGBTI people. However, there the understanding remained that work is still required when it comes to discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation, gender identity/expression and sex characteristics. There have also been increasing reports of anti-LGBTIQ incidents.

The Commission's first-ever LGBTIQ Equality Strategy aims to address the inequalities and challenges affecting LGBTIQ people, in order to move towards a Union of Equality. The intention to put forward such strategy was announced by the President of the European Commission during her State of the Union address. The strategy follows calls for action by the Council of the European Union and the European Parliament, with the support from the Intergroup for LGBTI Rights, and civil society. It sets out a series of targeted action across four pillars:

• Tackling discrimination against LGBTIQ people;
• Ensuring LGBTIQ people’s safety;
• Building LGBTIQ inclusive societies; and
• Leading the call for LGBTIQ equality around the world.

These targeted actions were to be combined with attention to specific LGBTIQ concerns in enhanced equality mainstreaming into all EU policies, legislation and funding programmes.

• Primary Source

• Alternative Source
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News

Reuters, 12/11/2020: EU launches LGBT protection strategy as homophobia rises in east https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSKBN27S1MW

Euronews, 12/11/2020: Brussels on course for struggle with Hungary and Poland as first-ever LGBTIQ strategy is unveiled https://www.euronews.com/2020/11/12/brussels-on-course-for-struggle-with-hungary-and-poland-as-first-ever-lgbtiq-strategy-is-u

France24, 12/11/2020: EU launches LGBT rights plan to counter rising homophobia in eastern member states https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20201112-eu-launches-lgbt-rights-plan-to-counter-rising-homophobia-in-eastern-member-states

Deutsche Welle, 12/11/2020: European Commission presents strategy on LGBT+ rights https://p.dw.com/p/3lCaC

Delano, 12/11/2020: EU presents first LGBTIQ equality strategy https://delano.lu/d/detail/news/eu-presents-first-lgbtiq-equality-strategy/212387

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Official

European Commission: Press Release, 12/11/2020: Union of Equality: The Commission presents its first-ever strategy on LGBTIQ equality in the EU https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_20_2068

European Commission: Speech by Vice-President Jourová: Union of Equality: LGBTIQ Equality Strategy 2020-2025 (12 November 2020) https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/speech_20_2124

Europan Commission: Speech by Commissioner Dalli: Union of Equality: LGBTIQ Equality Strategy 2020-2025 (12 November 2020) https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/speech_20_2126

Party of European Socialists (PES): News, 12/11/2020: Progressives welcome new European Commission LGBTIQ Equality Strategy https://www.pes.eu/fr/news-events/news/detail/Progressives-welcome-new-European-Commission-LGBTIQ-Equality-Strategy/

Greens/EFA Group: Press Release, 12/11/2020: Crucial need to support LGBTI communities and fight discrimination https://www.greens-efa.eu/en/article/press/crucial-need-to-support-lgbti-communities-and-fight-discrimination/

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ESO Records

The rights of LGBTI people in the European Union [EPRS Briefing] https://www.europeansources.info/record/the-rights-of-lgbti-people-in-the-european-union-3/

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