In schools across Europe young persons are being harassed because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. It is time to react – especially in view of several national studies and reports warning that there have been a number of suicides among young LGBT persons feeling rejected by their peers and families, says Commissioner for Human Rights. His recent report “Discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity in Europe” contains numerous examples of how factually wrong information about lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) persons is disseminated – sometimes also by schools themselves. This is a serious problem and may contribute to bullying and to cementing homophobic and transphobic attitudes.

There is a strong need to review curricula and teaching materials in all member states of the Council of Europe. This was also emphasised in a Council of Europe Committee of Ministers Recommendation which called on member states to provide “pupils and students with the necessary information, protection and support to enable them to live in accordance with their sexual orientation and gender identity.” (more...)