The basic aim of the International Lesbian and Gay Association (ILGA) and of its 400 member associations is to work for the liberation of lesbians and gays from legal, social, cultural and economic discrimination. This aim was reconfirmed in the ILGA-Europe constitution adopted at the December 1996 Madrid Conference. The assumptions underlying this aim are the equality of all citizens, one of the fundamental principles of Community law, and the right not to be discriminated against on the basis of sexual orientation, a basic right of all human beings.

The European Parliament 1994 report and resolution on equality of rights for gays and lesbians in the European Community and the European Commission-sponsored study “Homosexuality, a European Community issue” set out unequivocal evidence as to how strong and deep-rooted discrimination against lesbians and gays and against same-sex relationships still is at various levels of European society and in certain countries and certain regions more than others, and accordingly call for actions, in particular by the Commission, in this field.

The need for action to eliminate sexual orientation-based discrimination was strongly reaffirmed by Parliament in its resolution on human rights in the European Union countries of September 1996, which states that “All discriminations and/or unequal treatment concerning homosexuals must be abolished and in particular persisting differences as to the age of sexual consent and discriminations concerning labour, criminal, civil, contractual, social and economic legislation”.

The draft text of the new Treaty under discussion at the IGC must retain its provision prohibiting discrimination on various basis including sexual orientation. Once the new Treaty comes into force, then, the fundamental right not to be discriminated against on the grounds of sexual orientation, already a part of Community law by virtue of Article F of the Treaty and its referral to the European Human Rights Convention and case law, will be clearly and unambiguously enshrined in the Treaty.

The European Commission has affirmed that, as part of its powers under the various Community policies, it implements measures to eliminate all discrimination between individuals on the grounds of (…) sexual orientation (Answer given by the Commission to written question from Parliament E 2040/96, September 1996).

Against this background, this Action Plan sets out an indicative list of initiatives, all with a European dimension and falling within the scope of various EU policies and programmes, which should be undertaken by the Commission without delay. 

2. European Awareness and Information campaign on lesbian and gay issues/rights

What is the objective?

Among the general public, to increase awareness and visibility of homosexuality issues, as an indispensable precondition for the effective integration of lesbians and gays in society, and to increase recognition of the need for the dignity and rights of the 5-10% of the European citizens who are homosexuals to be fully respected.

Among gays and lesbians, to make them more conscious of their - actual and potential - economic, social, and cultural contribution to society, and of the importance for them that public actions and initiatives should also address their specific needs.

The lack of information on homosexuality in some European countries was painfully evident recently in the identification of homosexuality with paedophilia by certain sections of the public and of the media.

How to proceed?

Through the media and other appropriate channels, to make clear and positive information on lesbians and gays and on homosexuality issues available at various levels of society, with supervision and financial support by the Commission.

Through cooperation with national governments and other organisations dealing with gender and/or human rights issues.

Combat effectively discrimination and violence against homosexuals by including gays and lesbians in Community programmes to fight all forms of racist phenomena (in the wider sense) and of social exclusion.

Specifically in schools: organisation of seminars - on request by individual schools, having informed all schools that technical and financial assistance for such seminars is available from the Commission and from national governments under education and anti-discrimination policies and initiatives. 

4. Gays and lesbians in the INFORMATION SOCIETY, in particular under actions for “social users”

What is the objective?

To include among Commission initiatives to promote the Information Society, especially those relating to social users, projects addressing specific needs of gays and lesbians.

An example: a Global INVENTORY of existing projects on lesbian and gay issues, Internet-based, aimed at:

• establishing an interface for the exchange of information on national and international initiatives on L&G issues
• stimulating the exchange of relevant expertise and knowledge between countries with high L&G visibility and integration and those where discrimination is still widespread and which therefore have low visibility and integration.

How to proceed?

Pilot projects to be launched with the financial support of the Commission. 

6. Initiative for cooperation on gay and lesbian issues in the MEDITERRANEAN Basin

What is the objective?

In the context of cooperation between the EU and Mediterranean third countries (Algeria, Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Malta, Morocco, the Palestinian Authority, Syria, Tunisia and Turkey), and ahead of the progressive establishment of a free trade area with the EU, the general objective of this initiative it to encourage the development of civil and democratic societies based on human rights, with specific initiatives being undertaken to eliminate discrimination against homosexuals, both in legislation and in practice.

How to proceed?

The MED Democracy Program should support activities including the creation/strengthening of non-governmental bodies and associations which by their vocation and specific activities aim to guarantee full and equal participation of lesbians and gays in society.

It should also promote participation of local lesbian and gay organizations from the Mediterranean region in the EU lesbian and gay events. 

8. Initiative for cooperation with Latin America, Asia and the African, Caribbean, Pacific (ACP) countries on lesbian and gay issues

What is the objective?

In the context of the cooperation programmes with Latin America, Asia and the African, Caribbean, Pacific (ACP) countries, the aim here is to ensure in the countries concerned the respect of fundamental rights including the right for lesbians and gays not to be discriminated against on account of their sexual orientation (more specifically the right to privacy, to freedom of expression , freedom of association and the right to family life).

Account must be taken of the widely divergent circumstances obtaining in different countries.

How to proceed?

The Commission should support activities including the creation/strengthening of non-governmental bodies and associations which by their vocation and specific activities aim to guarantee full and equal participation of lesbians and gays in society.

It should also promote:

• the participation of local lesbian and gay organizations from the countries concerned in European Union lesbian and gay events.
• the development of networks linking local gay and lesbian organisations with EU organisations.

10. International lesbian and gay CULTURAL network in Europe

What is the objective?

Commission cultural support should also include support for international European gay cinema or theater festivals, etc. and for innovatory gay-friendly cultural events generally.

How to proceed?

Establish contacts and develop specific projects in cooperation with the responsible Commission officials, in particular under the Kaleidoscope programme.

Information also available from: International Lesbian & Gay Cultural Network (ILGCN), which was founded in Paris in 1992 with the intention of using culture to assist the fight the emancipation and break the barriers of silence.

• c/o Tupilak,
  P.O. Box 2315
  S 10317 Stockolm, Sweden
  Fax +46 8 182272, Tel. 849419
  
• c/oMann-O-Meter,
  Motzstrasse 5
  D-10777 Berlin, Germany
  Fax. +49 30 2965795
  E-mail: ilgcn.culturenet@pride.de
  

12. European Network of Higher Education Lesbian and Gay Student Associations

What is the objective?

To create a European network of lesbian and gay higher education/university student associations in order to exchange knowledge and experiences between the different European realities, so that the achievements in certain EU countries may benefit those countries and regions where lesbian and gay student organisations are least developed.

To build up on existing experiences, in particular through cooperation with the International Lesbian and Gay Youth Organisation - IGLYO.

How to proceed?

Establish contacts with Commission officials responsible for initiatives in the field of education and youth in order to formalise the initiative, whose focus should be on student exchanges, exchange of information , development of joint specific projects.

Information also available from:
IGLYO
P.O. Box 542 - NL 1000 AM Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Fax/Tel. +31 20 6188172 

14. EUROPRIDE

What is the objective?

To provide sponsorship and support to “Pride” events (which celebrate yearly the birth of the gay and lesbian liberation movement) having a European dimension.

How to proceed?

The Commission should provide support for these initiatives through appropriate contacts with the organisers’ committees. In particular, adequate information should be provided during these events on various EU initiatives to promote non discrimination for gays and lesbians.

Information available also from:
European Pride Organisers Associations (EPOA)
EPOA Secretary/Office, c/o Hartmut Schoenknecht
Eberfelder Str. 23, D-10555 Berlin, Germany
Fax +49 30 3924319; Tel. 3925311 

16. Lesbians and gays with disability

What is the objective?

To help the creation and strengthening of associations of gays and lesbians with disabilities and foster the building of links between these associations in Europe.

The United Nations Standard Rules on the Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities state, in relation to family life and personal integrity, “that States should promote the full participation of persons with disabilities in family life. They should promote their right to personal integrity and ensure that laws do not discriminate against persons with disabilities with respect to sexual relationships, marriage and parenthood..” Within the boundaries of Community initiatives and programmes for disabled persons, the above principles should be fully applied to gays and lesbians with disabilities.

A forum study group to provide an overview of the special situation of disabled lesbians and gays should be set up.

How to proceed?

The Commission should provide all the necessary technical and financial assistance to ensure the above objectives. 

18. LESBIAN VISIBILITY to address the specific situation of lesbian women in Europe

What is the objective?

The aim is to support lesbian women and give them skills to improve their position in society, in particular in those countries and regions where lesbian groups and organizations are least developed. Greater lesbian visibility in society will create role models and promote knowledge and understanding of the lesbian lifestyle. Better self awareness will come through meeting others in a comparable situation, common interests will be identified, and a real choice of lifestyle will emerge.

How to proceed?

Commission support for the development of a network linking lesbian associations throughout Europe, also so that regions where such associations are less developed can benefit from contact with more advanced situations. The objective of this network will be twofold.

A first objective will be to improve access to information including training lesbians in communication and communication skills. A second objective is to improve organisational skills including expertise and know-how in setting up activities and keeping them running.

Activities include:
on training:

• exchange of information and know-how
• assertiveness training
• how to organize (grassroots) actions and activities
• how to set up a telephone help-line
• how to develop educational material
• fundraising
• policy monitoring and lobbying
• running meetings and workshops

on themes:

• lesbian lifestyle
• women's sexuality
• lesbian motherhood

Information also available from:
COC
Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 68-70
012 SE Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Fax +31 20 6267795 

20. Support for SPORT initiatives with a European dimension organised by lesbian and gay organisations

What is the objective?

Sport has proved a very successful vehicle for integration of people of different nationalities, race, sex, age, etc. and also sexual orientation. Sport events such as the yearly gay EUROGAMES and the four-yearly GAY GAMES, as well as various European tournaments in different disciplines, organised by lesbian and gay associations, make a major contribution to enhancing self-esteem in the gay and lesbian community; combating discrimination against lesbians and gays and promoting a positive image of homosexuality in the wider public.

How to proceed?

The Commission should provide support and sponsorship for sports events having a European dimension and organised by and with the participation of lesbian and gay sports organisations

Information also available from:

• European Gay &Lesbian Sport Federation (EGLSF),
  c/o Breedstraat 28,
  NL 2513 TT Den Haag, The Netherlands,
  Tel. +31 70 3642442, e-mail: eglsf@gaysport.org
  
• Gay Games,
  Box 2837,
  NL 1000 CV Amsterdam, The Netherlands,
  Fax + 31 20 6261998, Tel. +31 20 6201998
  

22. European LIST of EMPLOYERS promoting EQUAL OPPORTUNITY policies for employees with a SAME-SEX partner

What is the objective?

A growing number of employers, both in the public and private sectors, grant the same or equivalent benefits as accorded to the spouses of employees to the same-sex partners of employees, on the basis of a declaration of partnership by the couple concerned.

Compiling a list of employers providing equal opportunity for employees in same-sex partnerships, updating it regularly and publicising it through the press and media, will greatly contribute to promoting non-discrimination vis à vis homosexuals.

How to proceed?

The relevant Commission services should draw up this list in collaboration with lesbian and gay associations and with the sections of trade unions dealing with equal rights for homosexuals. 

24. European Gay and Lesbian business association network

What is the objective?

To establish a European network of gay and lesbian professional and business associations operating at national, regional and local level.

To create a data bank on constraints and problems typically encountered by gays and lesbians in business in general or specific sectors or specific geographical areas.

To provide an environment in which gay and lesbian business owners and professionals can gain from each others’ experience. Gay and lesbian businesses are in a unique position within the homosexual community to respond, directly and indirectly, to the social, political and health concerns of the community.

To foster in particular the creation of European thematic networks, i.e. networks encouraging and bringing together national groupings/associations in the different countries of gay and lesbian lawyers, psychologists, managers, etc.

How to proceed?

Commission financial support should be available within the framework of existing Community programmes, in particular for SMEs.

Information also available from:

• S.B.E.G. - Syndicat National des Entreprises Gaies,
  37, rue de Rivoli
  F 75004 Paris, France,
  ph. +33 1 44598101, fax +33 1 44598103
  
• Völklinger Kreis e.V., Bundesverband Gay Manager,
  Leyendeckerstr. 1
  D-50825 Köln, Germany,
  Tel./Fax +49 221 5461979