The report by ILGA-Europe highlights a concerning trend of increasing attacks against LGBTIQ people across Europe, indicating a growing acceptance of discrimination and more restrictive laws in various countries. Civil society organisations and politicians are raising alarm over the normalization and political mainstreaming of anti-LGBTIQ narratives in Europe. The report warns that ongoing homophobic and transphobic hate campaigns have led to the introduction of restrictive legislation such as anti-propaganda and foreign agent laws, which not only target LGBTIQ rights but also lead to censorship and persecution of human rights defenders and opposition figures. For example, Hungary’s controversial “Child Protection Law” and Bulgaria’s anti-propaganda laws have faced criticism from the EU for allegedly violating treaties.
The rise in discriminatory narratives against LGBTIQ people during election periods in countries like Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Czechia, Moldova, and Romania is also of concern, as politicians are using such rhetoric to gain support. In Belgium, the Vlaams Belang political party actively promoted anti-LGBTIQ rhetoric through hate speech and bias-motivated discourse in the lead-up to national and regional elections. This trend further illustrates the growing acceptance of discrimination and anti-LGBTIQ sentiment in European societies. The report highlights the need for continued efforts to combat discrimination and ensure equal treatment for all individuals regardless of sexual orientation.
The European Commission’s recent decision to withdraw a directive aimed at ensuring equal treatment regardless of age, disability, sexual orientation, or religious belief has been met with criticism from lawmakers and civil society groups. The withdrawal of this horizontal discrimination legislation is seen as weakening the EU’s commitment to equality, with Dutch MEP Kim Van Sparrentak expressing disappointment and emphasizing the need for the Commission to reconsider. Alessandro Zan also called for new and stronger legislative proposals to replace the withdrawn directive, warning that giving it up without a replacement could waste years of political progress in the fight against discrimination.
The report underscores the need for continued efforts to address discrimination and ensure equal rights for all individuals, particularly in the face of increasing attacks and restrictive laws targeting LGBTIQ people in Europe. The spread of anti-LGBTIQ narratives and discriminatory legislation poses a threat to human rights and freedom of expression, leading to censorship and persecution of those advocating for equality. Civil society organizations, politicians, and activists are calling for stronger legislative measures to combat discrimination and promote inclusivity across Europe, emphasizing the importance of upholding equal treatment regardless of sexual orientation.
The European Commission’s withdrawal of the directive aimed at ensuring equal treatment has sparked concerns over the EU’s commitment to equality and the protection of LGBTIQ rights. Lawmakers and civil society groups have condemned the decision, urging the Commission to reconsider and proposing new and stronger legislative initiatives to address discrimination effectively. The withdrawal of this legislation is seen as a setback in the fight against discrimination and may hinder progress in promoting equal rights for all individuals across Europe. There is a collective call for continued advocacy and action to uphold equality and combat discrimination in all its forms.
In conclusion, the report by ILGA-Europe sheds light on the troubling trend of increasing attacks and discrimination against LGBTIQ people in Europe, as well as the rise of restrictive legislation targeting their rights. The normalization of anti-LGBTIQ narratives and the spread of discriminatory rhetoric during election periods highlight the need for continued efforts to combat discrimination and promote inclusivity. The withdrawal of the European Commission’s directive aimed at ensuring equal treatment regardless of sexual orientation has raised concerns over the EU’s commitment to equality and the protection of LGBTIQ rights. Lawmakers, civil society organizations, and activists are calling for new and stronger legislative proposals to address discrimination effectively and ensure equal rights for all individuals in Europe.
