17 May - International Day against Homophobia - Former editions

Statement by Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić ahead of the International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOT)

European states must do more to address the specific challenges faced by young LGBTI persons, especially in times of crisis, said Council of Europe Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić in a statement ahead of the International Day against Homophobia on 17 May.

“The COVID-19 pandemic crisis has exacerbated the inequalities already faced by disadvantaged groups of society. LGBTI youngsters who have traditionally been stigmatised and marginalised are now exposed to an even greater risk of hate speech and violence, at home and in public".

“Social distancing and lockdown can be particularly difficult for those young people who have been rejected by their family or have not come out, who have mental health issues, or who suffer from physical or psychological violence. In addition, restrictive measures in the context of the pandemic have limited the support young LGBTI persons receive from friends, LGBTI centres, NGOs and educational establishments”.

“Governments and civil society should maintain efforts to protect young LGBTI persons by providing psycho-social and mental health support and setting up phone helplines”.

“Homelessness is also a serious problem. I encourage authorities to provide better protection for young homeless LGBTI persons, including through the provision of shelters,” the Secretary General said. According to estimates, every third young homeless person in Europe identifies as LGBTI.

The Council of Europe Recommendation on measures to combat discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation or gender identity adopted 10 years ago provides guidance for European states on tackling homophobia, transphobia, biphobia and inter phobia.

 Article on our actions to protect and promote LGBTI rights

 Congress statement - Harald Bergmann: "Guaranteeing the rights of LGBTI people in our cities and regions"

Press release
Young LGBTI persons must be protected against violence at home and in public, during this crisis and always

Ahead of the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia marked on the 17th of May, Council of Europe Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland urged for justice and full protection against discrimination for all persons, irrespective of their sexual orientation, gender identity and sex characteristics, in all the Council of Europe member states.

“There must be no discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity, and this prohibition must be clearly spelled out in the law and implemented in practice in all our member States,” Thorbjørn Jagland said.

He added that the future discussions in the Committee of Ministers on the review of the 2010 Recommendation on combatting discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation or gender identity will allow member states to show political will and further the progress in protecting everyone from discrimination.

The majority of the Council of Europe member states have expressly prohibited discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation in their anti-discrimination legislation, or in specific laws regulating employment, education, health, goods and services. A smaller number of states have expressly banned discrimination on the gender identity basis.

Secretary General also raised the issue of medical operations required for legal gender recognition (the process of changing name and gender of transgender persons in official documents and registries).

“European states must bring their legislation and practices in line with the case law of the European Court of Human Rights in this area,” he said.

• Infographic comparing respect for LGBTI rights country-by-country
• Read full press release - All lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex persons must be protected from discrimination in law and practice, says Secretary General
• Statement by Human Rights Commissioner Dunja Mijatović
• Statement by Parliamentary Assembly General Rapporteur on the rights of LGBTI Violeta Tomić
• Statement: Harald Bergmann, the Congress’s thematic spokesperson on human rights

"As we celebrate the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, I would like to pay tribute to all those in Europe and beyond who are promoting the rights of LGBTI people and fighting discrimination and prejudices", said Eva Kjer Hansen, Minister for Equal Opportunities of Denmark. "In this fight for equal opportunities regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, everyone can play a role, at their level of responsibility. "

"Alliances for solidarity is the theme chosen this year. It reminds us of the need to adopt a comprehensive approach to the defense and promotion of rights for all people belonging to disadvantaged groups or in vulnerable situations, as well as the importance of joining forces to achieve equal rights for all. "

• Special page 17 May, International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia
• Challenge yourself with our IDAHOT quiz!

Ahead of the International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOT) marked on 17 May, the Secretary General of the 47-nation Council of Europe has made the following statement:

“Homophobic and transphobic hatred is spreading on the internet and in public discourse, and attacks against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) people are widespread. In France, an NGO has recently reported a 20% increase in homophobic insults and violence in 2016. There are worrying reports of homophobic and transphobic trends elsewhere in Europe.

“I am particularly concerned about the recent allegations of mass persecutions of LGBTI people in the Chechen Republic of the Russian Federation. Discrimination and violence against LGBTI people is the worst kind of populism. Using minorities as scapegoats is unfortunately a growing trend. It is dangerous to democracy and governments must do all they can to stop it.

“Societies based on human rights, democracy and the rule of law need strong anti-discrimination laws, which are properly applied, and policies to integrate minorities and protect their rights. We also need to tackle irresponsible political dialogue inciting people to hatred and prejudice.”

“LGBTI people have the same rights as everyone else under the European Convention on Human Rights, and we cannot and will not tolerate violence and discrimination against them”.

• Speech of the Secretary General at an event in the Council of Europe on the occasion of IDAHOT
• Press release - The Council of Europe member states have an obligation to protect LGBTI people

17 May - International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOT)

In 1990, the World Health Organisation decided to remove homosexuality from the list of mental disorders. The Council of Europe has consistently voiced its commitment to end homophobia and transphobia in its member states. Consult the Human Rights Channel web page "Come out for Human Rights"

Without smart policies to foster equality and promote mutual understanding and respect in Europe, parallel societies emerge: people living alongside one another, rather than living together. Supporting its member States to build truly inclusive societies is the goal of the Council of Europe, said Director General for Democracy Snežana Samardžić-Marković in her opening address at the IDAHO Forum 2016 that opened in Copenhagen today.

LGBTI (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex) people’s access to their human rights is frequently hindered by discriminatory treatment, stereotyping and intolerant attitudes.

In order to tackle these problems and build a genuinely inclusive society, European states must put more effort into fighting multiple discrimination, educating young people, combating hate speech and hate crime. Building inclusive societies should be a shared endeavour including all levels of government, civil society, religious institutions, media, arts and sports organisations, and the private sector.

Besides, governments should not shy away from addressing politically sensitive issues of access to family rights for LGBTI people, heavily medicalised legal gender recognition processes, the treatment of intersex children, and, the treatment of LGBTI prisoners or asylum seekers.

Speech by Snežana Samardžić-Marković

IDAHO Forum 2016