Commissioner Jourová committed to LGBTI action plan in 2015
In a debate with the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) on Tuesday, Justice commissioner Vera Jourová confirmed her commitment to create a roadmap or action plan on LGBTI rights.
In response to oral questions by Sophie in ‘t Veld MEP and Helga Stevens MEP, Vice-President and Member of the LGBTI Intergroup, she indicated that there “should be no problem to prepare the [LGBTI] action plan or roadmap in the course of this year.”
She highlighted the need to tackle discrimination, including by finalising the Horizontal Anti-discrimination directive, which would outlaw discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation in education, access to goods and services and social security.
The demand for a roadmap comes from the European Parliament, which adopted a report last year, specifically asking the Commission to develop such a roadmap.
Sophie in ‘t Veld MEP, Vice-President of the Intergroup on LGBTI Rights, reacted: “It is great that Ms Jourová has LGBTI rights high on the agenda, and commits to the action plan. It is about time that the rights of LGBTI people in the European Union are anchored and strengthened. ”
“Within the European Parliament there is broad support for the action plan, and it is clear that Ms Jourová has the political will to come up with a proposal very soon. I assume Mr Timmermans will no longer put the dossier on hold, and also give his full support.”
Ulrike Lunacek MEP, Co-President of the Intergroup on LGBTI Rights and author of last year’s report on an Roadmap against homophobia, added: “Throughout Europe, LGBTI people still face discrimination, violence and harassment, simply for being who they are. This is unacceptable.”
“I’m very glad that Commissioner Jourová has shown her determination to tackle this issue, and look forward to continue working with the Commission in the fight against homophobia and transphobia.”
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