Prior to the European Elections which took place on 4-7 June 2009, ILGA-Europe organised the Be Bothered! campaign and asked the candidates to sign 10-point Pledge which highlighted the key issues that ILGA-Europe wants to see advanced at the EU level over the next five years.

In total, 871 candidates from 26 EU Member States have signed the Pledge. This makes it 6% of a total number of 14,933 registered candidates in all 27 Member States. Together with our members and partners, ILGA-Europe made a huge effort in approaching the candidates.

The political affiliation of the MEPs who signed the Pledge is as follows:

• 55% (79) MEPs - the Group of Progressive Alliance of Socialists & Democrats in the European Parliament (S&D);
• 23% (32) MEPs - the Group of the Green/European Free Alliance (Greens/EFA);
• 12% (17) MEPS - the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE);
• 7% (10) MEPs – Confederal Group of the European United left – Nordic Green left (GUEN/EGL)
• 3% (4) MEPs – the group of the European people’s Party (Christian Democrats) and European Democrats (EPP).

Martin K.I. Christensen, Co –Chair of ILGA-Europe’s Executive Board, said:

“We are very pleased with the outcome of our European Elections campaign. The number of MEPs who already fully committed to LGBT equality is impressive! This is definitely a great start which makes us believe the European Parliament will remain a key ally in the European Union in combating discrimination and promoting equality. The Pledge will remain open to other elected MPs and we hope that the number of signatures will continue to grow.”

Linda Freimane, Co-Chair of ILGA-Europe’s Executive Board, added:

“We want to thank all our friends, supporters and allies from the outgoing European Parliament of 2004-2009, and we look forward to continuing the cooperation with those who are coming back to Brussels. We also look forward to building new coalitions and allies across the political spectrum. While a majority of elected MEPs who expressed their commitment to LGBT equality come from political groups which are traditionally supportive of LGBT rights, we do hope to start working jointly with more groups towards eradication of discrimination, prejudice and building equal and respectful future for all.”

Below: summary results of the Pledge signatories.