Ahead of International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia (17 May), Gudrun Mosler-Törnström (Austria, SOC/G/PD), Standing Rapporteur for Human Rights of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, has made the following statement:

“Protecting and promoting human rights means creating communities that are free from hate, and where everyone can thrive. There is much we can do to make our cities and regions LGBTI-friendly by fostering equality, inclusion, and dignity for all.

“Local and regional authorities should recognise that the LGBTI community is an inherent part of the greater community they serve. Cities which implement LGBTI-inclusive policies benefit from a higher degree of trust and better relationships between communities – this is an approach that benefits everyone.

“Yet the LGBTI people continue to face discrimination and hate that create division. Recent years have seen an intolerable rise in anti-LGBTI rhetoric and violence, as well as anti-LGBTI legislation, with a severe impact on their human rights.  As local and regional elected representatives, we have the duty to protect the right to life, the right to liberty and security, the right to respect for private and family life, the freedom of assembly and expression, and other basic rights.

“We also have the duty to prevent violence, especially when it is hate-motivated. We must condemn and prohibit discrimination wherever and whenever we see it. Silence is not neutral: we must stand united and speak up against homophobia, biphobia and transphobia. The time to act is now.” 

Power of Communities - the 2025 theme of the “IDAHOBIT” day: IDAHOBIT – A Worldwide Celebration of Sexual and Gender Diversities

Contact: Congress Communication Unit, tel: +33 (0)3 88 41 38 90