Yesterday, the European Parliament adopted a new comprehensive report on fundamental rights in the EU. The report assesses how fundamental rights are implemented in the EU, and what must still be done to reach standards laid down in the Charter of Fundamental Rights.
The document includes an extensive snapshot of the situation for LGBTI people.
The report calls for action in the field of homophobic and transphobic hate crime (par. 123); non-discrimination (par. 55); free movement between Member States, including for same-sex couples and their children (par. 127); and access to employment, goods and services (par. 124).
Furthermore, important parts concerning the rights of transgender people were added through amendments tabled by the Greens/EFA.
It stresses that transgender people must not be considered mentally ill, and encourages the Commission to continue its work in the World Health Organisation to ensure that the upcoming International Classification of Diseases (ICD) will no longer consider trans people mentally ill.
An amendment by the same group encouraging Member States to prohibit unnecessary medical treatment on intersex children was rejected.
Ulrike Lunacek MEP, Co-President of the LGBTI Intergroup in the European Parliament and rapporteur on the Horizontal Equal Treatment Directive, reacted “This report shows the EU plays a fundamental role in safeguarding human rights. A key file would be for the European Council to finally unblock the Horizontal Equal Treatment Directive, and thereby guaranteeing that discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation is outlawed in all areas of life.”
“It’s essential that President Juncker, Vice-President Timmermans and Commissioner Jourová keep pressing for the anti-discrimination Directive, as promised at the beginning of their mandate.”
Daniele Viotti MEP, also Co-President of the LGBTI Intergroup in the European Parliament, added: “Despite the Commission’s List of Actions on LGBTI Rights, the Commission has been far too hesitant at times, and failed to show leadership in particular when there is no consensus of EU member states, affecting negatively on LGBTI people.”
“We call on the Commission to be firmer and quicker when reacting to injustice, both legally and politically.”
Originally posted at The European Parliament’s Intergroup on LGBTI Rights, on Dec 14, 2016. Available here.