Homophobia must be stamped out across Europe, east as well as west

By VIVIANE REDING

17.07.2010 @ 12:27 CET

People are always talking about what divides Europeans, but I find it more constructive to focus on what unites us. We are united in a European Union by common values.

In 1989, we witnessed the power of these values to transform lives and break down barriers. Basic freedoms such as the right to free assembly allowed what Vaclav Havel called the "power of the powerless" to make their mark on history and society.
Twenty years later, these values are still breaking down barriers.

The holding of pride events has become a front-line in the struggle against the discrimination that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people still face in everyday life.

The fact that the Europride will take place in Warsaw today shows the importance of pursuing a determined effort in fighting against homophobia and in promoting equality for LGBT people.

It shows what Europe can do if it stands firmly by its values: against discrimination and for the respect of fundamental rights, irrespective of sexual orientation. I will continue to do my utmost to uphold the fundamental values on which the EU is founded.

Earlier this year, on the International Day against Homophobia, I issued a strong message condemning homophobia along with European Parliament President Jerzy Buzek and European Council President Herman Van Rompuy.

Homophobia is a blatant violation of human dignity and is incompatible with the principles on which the EU is founded. It is unacceptable that people anywhere in the EU should be excluded, be discriminated against or fall victim to violence or hateful abuse because of their sexual orientation.

So the European Commission has made it clear that is determined to do all it can with the powers conferred by the EU Treaty to fight homophobia and discrimination. It will make sure that all Europeans benefit from the fundamental rights that must be respected across Europe.

That same month, the commission also wrote a letter to the Lithuanian authorities expressing concern about the event's last-minute suspension. We recalled that freedom of assembly is a right in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights and is one of the principles upon which the EU is founded.

This is only the latest chapter in a long history of EU support for LGBT equality. Our efforts build on the World Health Organisation's decision to remove homosexuality from the International Classification of Diseases on 17 May 1992, which led to that day being chosen to commemorate the fight against homophobia.

In 2000, the commission adopted legislation to ban discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation in employment. A homosexual discriminated against at work or in applying for a job is now protected by law and entitled to seek redress.

Whenever member states implement EU law, they must respect the non-discrimination principle. I will remain vigilant to ensure this principle, and I will not hesitate to launch infringement procedures, if necessary.

To fight homophobia, we need to challenge stereotypes and change attitudes. This is why the commission financially supports actions across the EU to raise awareness of discrimination and promote diversity and equality.

I am fully committed to this fight, which will be won with our values: by standing up for basic human rights and freedoms, such as the right to march, but also by standing up to demand that the rule of law in our modern society be respected.

(Read the article on the website of EU Observer here)

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ILGA-Europe participated in the pride parade in Warsaw (watch pictures here) to support the historic event. Moreover ILGA-Europe displayed its exhibition on diversity of families at the National Library in Warsaw from the 8 June to 18 June. Read more about the exhibition in Warsaw here.