The decision by Ursula von der Leyen to not have a dedicated Equality Commissioner in her second mandate has sparked outrage, particularly among MEPs, NGOs, and civil society organizations. Concerns are rising about the weakening of rights for women and LGBTIQ+ individuals, as well as other minorities. The appointment of Belgian liberal Hadja Lahbib to oversee both the equality brief and crisis management has been met with criticism, with many calling it a downgrade and a step back from the progress made in the last mandate. Some have expressed confusion and perplexity over the decision to remove the Equality Commission post, which specifically focused on functional rights, equality, and anti-racism.
MEPs, such as Mélissa Camara and Abir Al-Sahlani, have voiced their concerns about the sidelining of equality issues and the potential setbacks that could occur. The unconventional portfolio given to Lahbib has raised alarm bells, as it combines crisis management with gender equality, racism, and LGTBIQ rights. This has led to worries that equality issues will not receive the necessary attention and focus in the new Commission. The European Women’s Lobby has described the treatment of equality as an afterthought while women’s rights and equality are experiencing setbacks across the EU. Lahbib herself has emphasized the importance of fighting discrimination based on gender, origin, beliefs, disability, and social status.
One of the challenges for the next Equality Commissioner will be considering the outlawing of conversion therapy, which aims to change or suppress sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression among gay, transgender, or queer individuals. Several countries, including Malta, France, Germany, Greece, and Ireland, have already introduced bans on conversion therapy. There is a petition calling for a legally binding EU-wide ban, and activists are hopeful that the European Commission will take steps to ban these practices. Organizations like Against Conversion Therapy (ACT) and ILGA-Europe have welcomed the commitment of the new Commission to protecting the rights of LGBTI individuals in the face of increasing anti-LGBTI instrumentalization in politics.
The decision to not have a dedicated Equality Commissioner has sparked criticism and concern among various stakeholders, who fear that equality issues may be sidelined in the new Commission. The merging of the equality brief with crisis management has raised alarms and led to calls for a stronger focus on equality rights for women, migrants, people with disabilities, and other minorities. There is a sense of disappointment and outrage over what is perceived as a step back from the progress made in the last mandate, with accusations that equality is being relegated to the background. The need to ensure that every European can live freely and be free from discrimination is emphasized by those calling for stronger action on equality issues.
In the face of increasing challenges to equality rights, particularly for women and LGBTIQ+ individuals, the decision not to have a dedicated Equality Commissioner has raised concerns about the prioritization of equality issues in the new Commission. Activists and organizations are urging the Commission to take steps to protect the rights of minorities and to consider outlawing harmful practices like conversion therapy. The commitment to fighting discrimination and promoting equality remains a key priority for many, despite the setbacks and challenges that may arise. The need for a clear and strong focus on equality rights is emphasized as essential for ensuring that all individuals in the EU can live freely and without fear of discrimination.