What the European Parliament has done for LGBT rights?
The European Parliament has been a principal driving force in bringing LGB rights onto the European political agenda.
Unfortunately, this is only partially true for transgender rights where much still remains to be done to increase awareness. With the exception of the Parliament’s 12 September 1989 resolution on discrimination against transsexuals and the inclusion of gender identity as grounds of asylum, transgender issues continue to be under-represented. The most groundbreaking advances for trans people in recent years have come through case-law at the European Courts, not from the Parliament or the other European institutions.
A cornerstone in the Parliament’s work for LGB rights was undoubtedly the Roth report and the subsequently adopted a resolution on equal rights for homosexuals and lesbians in the European Union (8 February 1994, text provided below). Since then, the European Parliament’s work for gays, lesbians and bisexuals has steadily increased. Basically, MEPs influenced the agenda on three different levels:
- By amending Commission legislation to reflect the interests of gays, lesbians and bisexuals (i.e. via directives etc.)
- By drafting reports or resolutions; though not legally binding they are important tools in the EU’s political context
- By monitoring the work of Council and Commission; one way to do so is through written questions
- By organising Public Hearings at the European Parliament to raise awareness and foster discussion.
MEPs call for comprehensive legislation to combat discrimination
The European Parliament adopted a report calling on the Commission to adhere to its commitment to propose a "comprehensive directive" to combat any discrimination in access to goods and services on grounds of sex, race, religion, disability, age or sexual orientation. The own-initiative report adopted with 362 votes in favour, 262 against and 56 abstentions, also demands effective sanctions and support for victims.
European Parliament adopts new resolution on Combating the rise of extremism in Europe
On 13 December 2007, the European Parliament adopted resolution on Combating the rise of extremism in Europe.
European Parliament adopts new resolution on racism & homophobia
On 15 June 2006, the European Parliamentarians adopted a new resolution on the increase in racist and homophobic violence in Europe.
ILGA-Europe welcomes Europarliament's resolution on homophobia in Europe
On 18 January 2005, the European Parliament adopted a resolution on homophobia in Europe with significant majority - 468 in favour, 149 against and 41 abstentions. This constitutes a larger majority in years on similar projects in the European Parliament.
