New report takes stock of fundamental rights in the EU, including LGBT rights

Today the European Parliament adopted a new comprehensive report on fundamental rights in the EU. The document includes an extensive snapshot of the situation for LGBT people.

Two years in the making, this new 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.

A comprehensive section on sexual orientation and gender identity lists the areas where equality isn’t yet effective.

The report calls for action in the field of homophobic and transphobic hate crime; non-discrimination; free movement between Member States, including for same-sex couples and their children; freedom of assembly at Pride events; access to employment, goods and services; and asylum.

The report also stresses that transgender people shouldn’t be considered mentally ill.

Finally, the European Parliament recalls that LGBT people’s fundamental rights are more likely to be protected if they have access to a form of legal union, including cohabitation, civil partnerships or marriage. It calls on Member States to consider such reforms.

The Rapporteur, Monika Flašíková-Beňová, commented after the vote: “I’m delighted that my report went through the same week the EU was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. The European project is founded on the ideals of equal rights and non-discrimination, including for LGBT people.”

“We should be proud to be as demanding as we are with ourselves, and get to work for a genuine equal society.”

Sophie in ‘t Veld MEP, Vice-President of the Committee on Civil Liberties and of the LGBT Intergroup, added: “I was shocked that the EPP submitted an alternative text which deleted all 14 paragraphs on LGBT equality. This shows how out of touch their group has become with modern times. Good sense prevailed, thankfully.”

Read more:

• Read the report on fundamental rights as adopted (available soon)

Updated on 13 December 2012 at 11:35