Rainbow Digest April 2024
Freedom of expression under threat across Europe and Central Asia
Solidarity with the LGBTI movement in Kazakhstan
We encourage individuals and organisations to join us in speaking out against discrimination and advocating for the rights of all LGBTI individuals in Kazakhstan. Two concerning anti-LGBTI legislative initiatives that were voiced in April by the members of Kazakhstan’s Parliament threaten the fundamental rights and freedoms of LGBTI individuals in the country.
Russia-style laws in Belarus, Georgia and Kyrgyzstan
The governments in Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan have also stepped up their attacks on LGBTI people’s freedoms. Copied almost exactly from the Russian law, Kyrgyzstan’s president signed the ‘foreign agent’ law on 3 April. The next day, Georgia’s ruling party reintroduced a similar draft bill that would require foreign-funded organisations and media to register as “agents of foreign influence”. On 11 May, the Ministry of Culture in Belarus added “non-traditional sexual relations and/or behavior” to the list of pornography, effectively stigmatising LGBTI community.
European institutions call governments out on civil society restrictions
On 15 April, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe asked the Venice Commission for an opinion on Georgia’s draft law, and adopted a wide-ranging resolution on 17 April calling for the protection of the right to freedom of assembly and expression for LGBTI people in Europe. On 25 April, the European Parliament also adopted a resolution condemning the attempt of the Georgian government to reintroduce the ‘foreign agent’ law and also urging the government to withdraw proposed constitutional legislation curtailing LGBTI rights.
ILGA-Europe news
New resource for lawyers and activists on the cases before the European courts
We created an inventory of the cases on sexual orientation, gender identity, expression and sex characteristics before the European Court of Human Rights and the Court of Justice of the European Union. It can further strengthen and help guide your work and in bringing forward and supporting strategic cases.
Opportunities to work with us
We’re looking for our new Grants and Finance Officer with a love of budgets, an eye for detail, and an ability to interpret and translate financial regulations into practical advice for our grantees. We will also hire a human rights researcher and writer to bring our 2025 Annual Review to the final draft stage.
Read more about the opportunities.
We can stop far-right politicians from seizing the next European Parliament
The Come Out 4 Europe campaign is making big waves. Since it launched last month, it has gathered more than 500 signatures from politicians who promise to fight for LGBTI rights if elected.
Latest news
Asylum
LGBTQI+ organisations in the UK are devastated to witness the passage of the Rwanda bill
On 23 April, the government of the United Kingdom signed the ‘Rwanda bill’ into law. For two years since this government’s plan was first announced, LGBTQI+ organisations have repeatedly warned that Rwanda is a country where LGBTQI+ people are subjected to discrimination, violence and abuse.
BIAS-MOTIVATED VIOLENCE
The EU Parliament approves first ever EU rules on combating violence against women
On 24 April, the European Parliament voted in favour of the EU Directive on violence against women and domestic violence, which includes the specific recognition of intersectional discrimination and LGBTI people as vulnerable groups.
BODILY INTEGRITY
UN Human Rights Council adopted a ground-breaking resolution on the human rights of intersex people
Voted on 4 April, the resolution is an important reference point for the international institutions and countries should follow and act upon it.
EU ENLARGEMENT
New report on the human rights of LGBTI people in the enlargement countries
ILGA-Europe together with ERA – the LGBTI Rights Association for the Western Balkans and Turkey, launched our joint LGBTI Enlargement Review 2024 assessing gaps in legislation and policy for the protection and advancement of the human rights of LGBTI people in the enlargement countries, and identifying priorities.
Ukraine, LGBTI rights and joining the EU
As Ukraine aims for EU accession, its progress hinges on the human rights of LGBTI people. Our latest blog delves into the challenges and opportunities, spotlighting vital draft laws and the role of EU support.
EQUALITY AND NON-DISCRIMINATION
Which equality bodies work on trans and intersex issues?
Equinet published a new paper about Equality Bodies working on the rights and discriminations faced by trans and intersex persons.
FREEDOM FROM TORTURE
Top European Court strikes out case against Azerbaijan for arrest and torture of LGBTI people
A case against Azerbaijan by a large group of applicants who were arrested in a wave of anti-LGBTI police raids and forced to undergo medical examinations has been struck out by the European Court of Human Rights.
LEGAL GENDER RECOGNITION
Germany passes new law on self-determination
On 12 April, the German Parliament passed the Self-Determination Act, which replaces a 40-year-old law and brings Germany in line with human rights standards for legal gender recognition.
Sweden adopts a new act on legal gender recognition
On 17 April, the Swedish parliament voted in favour of the new legislation regulating legal gender recognition which no longer requires a diagnosis but only a certificate from a doctor, it is expected to make the process easier.
EU court held a hearing for a landmark case regarding discrimination against non-binary people
On 29 April, the Court of Justice of the European Union held a hearing for a lawsuit filed by the Mousse Association, representing 64 individuals, against France’s national state-owned railway company’s practice of forcing passengers to choose between the civil titles “Mr” or “Ms” when purchasing train tickets.
Movement spotlight
We celebrate a diversity of voices within the Roma LGBTI community
Through a selection of resources, we are shining a spotlight on the lived experiences, struggles, and triumphs of Roma LGBTI communities, offering insight, understanding, and solidarity.
Notice board
- IGLYO is accepting applications for their Activist Academy in Brussels from 25 August to 1 September. Read more and apply before 20 May.
- TGEU and Access Now are organising webinars on activist safety and digital wellbeing – on 23 May in English and 5 June in Russian. Apply here.
- ESWA – The European Sex Workers’ Rights Alliance is recruiting a Programme Officer. Read more and apply before 1 May.
- GATE – Global Action for Trans Equality is looking for a Finance Officer. Apply before 20 May.
Save the date for the launch of Rainbow Map 2024
On 15 May, we’re launching our Rainbow Map, ranking every country in Europe based on its legal and policy situation for LGBTI human rights.
