Response to the parliamentary question on promoting equality for transgender people

Viviane Reding, Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of justice, fundamental rights and citizenship, answered a written question on funding transgender organisations working in the EU.

Commissioner Viviane RedingAnswer given by Viviane Reding:

The Commission recognises the importance of supporting the promotion of equality for transgender people. The Strategy on Equality between Women and Men 2010-2015 foresees to study the specific issues pertaining to sex discrimination in relation to gender identity.

Through the programme PROGRESS, the Commission has allocated funding for the running and operational costs of the European Region of the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA).  This has allowed ILGA to develop some activities in support of the rights of transgender people, and to contribute to strengthening the capacity of civil society organisations who are promoting their rights.

The Commission has also recently launched a study on “Discrimination against trans and intersex people on the grounds of sex, gender identity and gender expression”. When the results of this study are available, the Commission will look at the appropriate follow up.

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