MEPs call on European Commission to continue efforts towards a Union of Equality

On Tuesday, 23 January, members of the European Parliament’s Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) approved—with 46 votes in favour and 8 against—the draft report on the implementation of the European Union’s LGBTIQ Equality Strategy for the 2020–2025 period, in which MEPs call for a new LGBTIQ strategy 2026-2031 to be presented by the Commission.

The report calls on the Commission and Member States to further the work done on Rainbow families as well as starting the work on samegender marriage recognition, as required by the Court of Justice of the European Union.

MEPs also expect  work on harmful practices, calling for a ban on conversion therapy, intersex genital mutilation and demanding all member states to put forward accessible legal gender recognition procedures.

MEP Kim van Sparrentak (Greens-EFA), Co-Chair of the LGBTI Intergroup, comments:

“The LIBE Committee’s endorsement of the Implementation Report and the call for a continuation signals the Parliaments commitment towards a union of equality  We are calling once again on Commission and Member states to show their commitment to ensuring every individual in Europe can live in dignity, with full freedom, no matter  sexual orientation, gender identity, or sex characteristics.”

MEP Marc Angel (S&D Group), Co-Chair of the LGBTI Intergroup, concludes:

“As we celebrate the positive outcome of the LIBE Committee vote, we recognize that our work is far from complete. The advocacy for a ban on conversion practices, recognition of samegender marriage and legal gender recognition legislation are essential steps towards a more inclusive Europe. We remain committed to continue collaborating with our colleagues, the Commission, Member States and civil society to turn these aspirations into tangible realities.”