2009-2014: 4 political groups led the way for LGBT rights
Between 2009 and 2014, the European Parliament constantly promoted the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. Centre and left groups S&D, ALDE, Greens/EFA and GUE/NGL led the way.
Over the last week, the LGBT Intergroup analysed 5 key LGBT votes on freedom of expression in Lithuania; LGBT rights at the UN; EU-wide recognition of marriages; homophobia in Russia; and a EU LGBT Roadmap.
Our infographic shows average scores for each political group. The Greens/EFA was the only group to fully support LGBT rights in every vote analysed.
The S&D (99%), GUE/NGL (97%) and ALDE (96%) came in as close second supporters.
A stable minority in the EPP and ECR supported these LGBT votes a little over a third of the time (36% and 35% respectively). Meanwhile, one in ten EFD Members supported equality measures (13%).
Ulrike Lunacek MEP, Co-President of the LGBT Intergroup, reacted: “I’m incredibly proud of this Parliament’s work in the field of LGBT rights.”
“Over the last five years, we’ve adopted over 100 reports containing positive wording on LGBT issues. MEPs from all groups and countries accepted that sexual orientation and gender identity were integral to the human rights we work to protect.”
“We will continue this work in the next legislature and are optimistic that LGBT voters and others who support equality will vote for those candidates and parties that have shown broad support for LGBT issues.”
Sophie in ‘t Veld MEP, Vice-President of the LGBT Intergroup, added: “There is a lot of unfinished business, however. Equality and non-discrimination are still not a reality for everyone.”
“Voters do have a choice in next week’s election. I’m confident we will gather enough support to succesfully continue our fight for LGBTI equality over the next 5 years, but we need our voters to turn out. I’m confident they will.”
In their 5-year term, Members of the European Parliament took part in over 250 votes linked to sexual orientation and gender identity.
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