Rainbow Digest February 2024

Greece adopts marriage equality, EU agrees on first ever rules on combatting domestic violence…

 

Help transform realities for LGBTI communities across Europe and Central Asia.With your support we can do more. Make change happen here.

No. 341. February 2024. In this issue…

ILGA-Europe

Bias-motivated violence

Equality and non-discrimination

Family

Freedom of association

Freedom of expression

Health

Human rights defenders

Intersectionality

Legal gender recognition

Rule of law

Notice board

 

ILGA-Europe

Annual Review 2024 reports alarming surge in transphobic speech across Europe

Published today, our 13th Annual Review of the Human Rights Situation of LGBTI People in Europe and Central Asia alarmingly shows a stark rise in anti-LGBTI, and in particular, transphobic statements from politicians across Europe, sparking concern for the EU Elections next June. The vast majority of anti-trans statements instrumentalise children, using scare tactics to create opposition to trans minors’ access to healthcare and restrictions on education.
Read more and download your own copy of the report.
 

Get ready for crisis communications with our learning event

On 3-6 May, we will organise a learning event to support LGBTI organisations in Europe and Central Asia in preparing for specific challenges or potential disruptions related to the activities planned or foreseen this year. The participants will gain more understanding on what is a communications crisis and how their team can prepare for one through a solidarity scenario-based exercise and peer-learning from activists all across the region.
Read more and apply by 10 March.
 

Apply for the programme for racialised LGBTI communities

We have an open call under our programme focused on work done by and for racialised LGBTI communities. LGBTI organisations in Europe that are led by racialised LGBTI people and work with and for racialised LGBTI communities are welcome to apply with their project proposals. The programme includes financial support and regular partner meetings.
Read more and apply before 2 April.
Join our Q&A session on 21 March.
 

Join our team as our new Strategic Litigation Officer

We are looking for a dynamic team player to lead on key activities aimed at strengthening strategic litigation on LGBTI rights in the EU, in a position linked to a project that runs until September 2025. The post is an integral part of our advocacy work for a strong legal and policy framework and implementation, protecting LGBTI human rights across Europe.
Read more and apply before 13 March.

Bias-motivated violence

First ever EU rules on combating violence against women

On 6 February, the European Parliament and Council negotiators reached an agreement on combating violence against women and domestic violence which includes the specific recognition of intersectional discrimination and LGBTI people as vulnerable groups. However, the agreement missed an opportunity to ban “intersex genital mutilation” and forced sterilisation of women and girls.
 

Interior Minister of Tajikistan denies the existence of a list of LGBTI individuals

On 15 February, the Interior Minister of Tajikistan, Ramazon Rahimzoda, denied the existence of a list of LGBTI individuals, refuting previous reports. In 2016, law enforcement, in collaboration with the Prosecutor General’s Office, claimed to have identified over 300 LGBTI individuals at “high risk of HIV infection.” A 2017-dated article in the official journal of the Prosecutor General’s Office, authored by Rahimzoda, contradicts the Interior Minister’s recent statement, mentioning the identification of LGBTI individuals during police operations. The issue remains sensitive in Tajikistan, where societal taboos persist despite decriminalising same-sex relationships in 1998.
Read more.

Equality and non-discrimination

Surge in anti-LGBTI attacks in Kazakhstan

On 1 February, the Kazakh Senate approved a law prohibiting LGBTI individuals from mentoring orphans. This legislation also introduced changes to education, mentoring, and child safety laws. Subsequently, on 12 February, the Ministry of Culture and Information of Kazakhstan blocked a newly established website aimed at informing LGBTI teenagers, citing violation of the law on protecting children from harmful information. On 13 February, an anti-LGBTI manifestation took place in Almaty. Zheltoqsan 86 activists performed a cleansing ritual near the statue commemorating victims of the December 1986 protests. This event occurred in response to an earlier protest by a Feminita activist urging Almaty authorities to approve the women’s march scheduled for 8 March, which had previously been blocked by Almaty Mayor’s office. Anti-LGBTI calls and manifestations go unprosecuted by the authorities.
 

Turkmenistan received a question on the human rights of LBTI women at the UN review session

During the 87th Session of the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) on 2 February, the Turkmen Delegation was questioned about the human rights situation of LBTI women and their access to public services. Selvi Sysoyeva, Head of the International Relations Department of the Interior Ministry of Turkmenistan, asserted that all citizens, irrespective of sexual orientation, receive state protection, including LBTI women. However, LGBTI individuals in Turkmenistan still face criminal repercussions for their sexual orientation under Article 135 of the Criminal Code, which imposes a jail term of up to 2 years for consensual same-sex relations between men.
 

European Parliament calls for a second LGBTIQ Equality Strategy

On 8 February, the European Parliament voted on the Implementation report on the EU LGBTIQ Equality Strategy for the 2020–2025 period. The MEPs called for the European Commission to adopt a second LGBTIQ Equality Strategy and to establish an LGBTIQ Coordinator in the Commission. All EU institutions must remain strongly committed to LGBTIQ human rights in this time of increased attacks, commented ILGA-Europe.
 

New report on Equality Bodies protecting the rights of rainbow families on the move

On 14 February, Equinet – European Network of Equality Bodies published a new report on Equality Bodies protecting the rights of rainbow families on the move. The report gives an overview of the legal framework ensuring the protection of rights and freedoms of same-sex couples and their children on the move, particularly their fundamental right to non-discrimination and equality, with a focus on the role that Equality Bodies can play.

Family

Greece adopts historic bill introducing marriage equality

On 15 February, the Greek Parliament adopted a bill introducing marriage equality. The new marriage equality law will grant marriage and adoption rights to same-sex couples, as well as fully recognise all marriages and family ties of children who were born abroad to same-sex parents, and comes as a result of clear political leadership from the current Greek government.(Photo by Stavrialena Gontzou on Unsplash)

Freedom of association

‘Foreign representation’ bill passed another reading at the Kyrgyz Parliament

On 22 February, Kyrgyz lawmakers approved a bill in the second reading amending the law on NGOs by introducing provisions related to “foreign representation,” akin to Russia’s “foreign agent” law. However, during the second reading, lawmakers removed the provisions on criminal liability. Nonetheless, upon final adoption, the law will designate all NGOs receiving funds from abroad as “foreign representatives,” adding scrutiny and control to their operations. This bill faces strong opposition from human rights defenders, NGOs, and the international community. The debates surrounding the legislation are marked by the instrumentalisation of LGBTI people by the initiators.

Freedom of expression

Belarus plans to adopt an anti-LGBTQ+ law

On 19 February, the Prosecutor General of the Republic of Belarus announced that a draft law prohibiting “propaganda of non-traditional relations, including pedophilia, sex change, and voluntary refusal of childbirth” has been prepared by their office and is going through the process of approval. According to ILGA-Europe members in the country, the law is targeting LGBTQI+ activists and community members, as well as sexual and reproductive rights (SRHR) activists. If adopted, the law will include administrative penalties and will open grounds for political persecutions of those involved in the topics of SOGIE and SRHR.
Read more about the proposed law.
 

Hungarian anti-LGBT propaganda law has created cloud of fear

On 27 February, Amnesty International published their new report on the implementation and chilling effect of the Hungarian anti-LGBT propaganda law. The 2021-dated law which curtails discussions and portrayals of LGBTI people in schools and in the media and has had a far-reaching impact on LGBTI individuals and groups in Hungary, entrenching negative stereotypes and discriminatory attitudes and restricting the right to freedom of expression, said Amnesty International. (Illustration: Amnesty)

Health

European Commission includes LGBTI people as risk group for vaccine-preventable cancers

On 31 January, the European Commission published their proposal for a recommendation on vaccine-preventable cancers and included LGBTI people, men who have sex with men, and trans people as risk groups needing targeted action. The proposal is part of the initiatives in the Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan to support EU Member State efforts to extend routine vaccination against viruses that can cause cancers later in life.
Read more.
 

Take part in the largest survey for MSM and trans people in Europe and Central Asia

The European MSM Internet Survey (EMIS) has been launched to collect data to inform sexual health interventions in Europe and Central Asia. You can take part in the survey if you’re a man (cis or trans), a trans woman or a non-binary person who has sex with men, who is attracted to other men or who thinks they might have sex with men in the future. The survey is available in 35 different languages.

Human rights defenders

New EU directive sets standards for protecting public watchdogs against abusive litigation

On 27 February, the European Parliament adopted a directive about strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs) which would protect journalists and human rights defenders (including LGBTI) from manifestly unfounded or abusive court proceedings. The Coalition Against SLAPPs in Europe (CASE) says that the directive sets the minimum standards and the EU Member States should now go further for protecting public watchdogs against abusive litigation in the form of SLAPPs.
 

Pioneering research highlights the importance of meaningful digital inclusion for all

On 20 February, ILGA World launched a new report on how the digital divide impacts LGBTI people in specific ways. The research looks into the complex interplay between disparities in digital access and the unique experiences of individuals and communities of diverse sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, and sex characteristics.

Intersectionality

Commissioner for Human Rights calls for decriminalisation of sex work

On 15 February, Dunja Mijatović, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, published a human rights comment on protecting the human rights of sex workers and called on the human rights-based approach, recognising decriminalisation of sex work.
 

IGLYO is organising a study session on LGBTQI youth living in rural areas

IGLYO — The International LGBTQI Youth & Student Organisation is organising a study session on the inclusion and empowerment of LGBTQI youth living in rural areas. The study session will take place in Budapest on 26 May to 1 June 2024, with all costs (travel, accommodation and food) covered, aside from the €50 registration fee. It is open to LGBTQI young people between 18 and 30 years old at the time of the visit, who reside in one of the countries of the Council of Europe, Belarus, Russian Federation, Holy See, Kosovo and Kazakhstan.

Legal gender recognition

Anti-trans attacks grow in Croatia

On 14 February, U ime obitelji (In the Name of Family), an anti-gender group, submitted a proposal to the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Croatia to initiate a procedure to assess the Rulebook which regulates legal gender recognition (LGR) for compliance with the law and the Constitution of Croatia. A similar application was submitted to the Constitutional Court in 2018 with the Court rejecting the request three years later. On 22 February, kolekTIRV, a trans-led organisation in Croatia, launched a campaign called “I am like you” to inform and raise awareness about the rights of trans and gender-diverse people. (Photo by Constitutional Court)
Read more about the attacks.
Check out kolekTIRV’s campaign.

Rule of law

New report shows how the weakening of the rule of law impacts the lives of LGBTI people

With the expert input of our member organisations, we published our contribution to the European Commission’s rule of law report consultation, in order to show how the weakening of the rule of law and of democratic structures impacts the lives of LGBTI people and the work of LGBTI civil society. Over the past few years it has become increasingly clear that many government-led violations of LGBTI rights in EU Member States go hand-in-hand with an undermining of the rule of law and democracy. This includes in particular the degradation of the independence of judicial systems and the media landscape.
Read the report.

Notice board

ILGA World has two job vacancies

ILGA World is hiring for the position of Junior Professional Consultant on audio-visual communications and Strategic Alliances & Coalitions Senior Officer. The Junior Professional Consultant will provide assistance to ILGA World’s communications team in the production of audio-visual content. The Strategic Alliance & Coalitions Senior Officer will be responsible for the work responding to anti-rights and anti-gender actors and working towards deepening collaboration and coordination with global feminist, SRHR movement actors, and other key stakeholders.
Read more about the jobs and send your application.

European Forum of LGBTI+ Christian Groups is hiring for two positions

The European Forum of LGBTI+ Christian Groups is looking for an Executive Officer and a Research Officer – both part-time and remote positions. The Executive Officer will coordinate the project work and everyday activities of the European Forum, in liaison with its Board, Working Groups and membership. The research officer will work for the second run of the research on the inclusivity of European churches towards LGBTI+ people. Applications are due 27 March.
Read more and apply for the position of Executive Officer.
Read more and apply for the position of Research Officer.

TGEU is looking for an Operations Director

TGEU is seeking an Operations Director who will work on organisational management, including strategic planning, human resources and personnel management, and development and administration of projects and grants. It is a full-time position, 40 hours per week and is based in Berlin, Germany. TGEU will provide support if a work visa is required.
Read more and apply by 16 March.

See also

Newsletter

Rainbow Digest October 2024

Groundbreaking judgement from the EU Court of Justice On 4 October, the CJEU ruled that the refusal of an EU member state to recognise changes […]
read more
Newsletter

Rainbow Digest September 2024

Draconian anti-LGBTI legislative package in Georgia will have far-reaching negative impacts On 17 September, the Georgian Parliament passed a legislative package, which aims to ban […]
read more
Newsletter

Rainbow Digest August 2024

Bulgaria adopts a fast-tracked law banning the portrayal of LGBTI identities ILGA-Europe have condemned a fast-tracked law banning the portrayal of LGBTI identities in Bulgarian […]
read more
Newsletter

Rainbow Digest July 2024

The Turkish LGBTI+ community resists bans on Pride events This year’s Pride season in Turkey saw continued bans on LGBTI+ themed events, as well as […]
read more
Newsletter

Rainbow Digest June 2024

Remarkable and resilient Prides across Europe Today, on the eve of EuroPride in Thessaloniki, we are highlighting a number of significant Pride events on the […]
read more
Newsletter

Rainbow Digest May 2024

With elections looming, Rainbow Map shows that LGBTI rights have become a marker for the protection of democracy Published on May 15, our 16th annual […]
read more
Newsletter

Rainbow Digest April 2024

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 […]
read more
Newsletter

Rainbow Digest March 2024

Over 150 candidates for the EU elections have already signed  our pledge It’s been just three weeks since we launched the Come Out 4 Europe […]
read more
Newsletter

Rainbow Digest January 2024

  Help transform realities for LGBTI communities across Europe and Central Asia.With your support we can do more. Make change happen here. No. 340. January […]
read more
Newsletter

Rainbow Digest: December 2023

  Help transform realities for LGBTI communities across Europe and Central Asia.With your support we can do more. Make change happen here. No. 339. December […]
read more
Newsletter

Rainbow Digest November 2023

  Help transform realities for LGBTI communities across Europe and Central Asia.With your support we can do more. Make change happen here. No. 338. November […]
read more
Newsletter

Rainbow Digest: October 2023

  Help transform realities for LGBTI communities across Europe and Central Asia.With your support we can do more. Make change happen here. No. 337. October […]
read more
Newsletter

Rainbow Digest September 2023

  Help transform realities for LGBTI communities across Europe and Central Asia.With your support we can do more. Make change happen here. No. 336. September […]
read more
Newsletter

Rainbow Digest August 2023

  Help transform realities for LGBTI communities across Europe and Central Asia.With your support we can do more. Make change happen here. No. 335. August […]
read more
Newsletter

Rainbow Digest July 2023

  Help transform realities for LGBTI communities across Europe and Central Asia.With your support we can do more. Make change happen here. No. 334. July […]
read more
Newsletter

Rainbow Digest June 2023

  Help transform realities for LGBTI communities across Europe and Central Asia.With your support we can do more. Make change happen here. No. 333. June […]
read more
Newsletter

Rainbow Digest May 2023

  Help transform realities for LGBTI communities across Europe and Central Asia.With your support we can do more. Make change happen here. No. 332. May […]
read more
Newsletter

Rainbow Digest April 2023

  Help transform realities for LGBTI communities across Europe and Central Asia.With your support we can do more. Make change happen here. No. 331. April […]
read more
Newsletter

Rainbow Digest March 2023

  Help transform realities for LGBTI communities across Europe and Central Asia.With your support we can do more. Make change happen here. No. 330. March […]
read more
Newsletter

Rainbow Digest February 2023

  Help transform realities for LGBTI communities across Europe and Central Asia.With your support we can do more. Make change happen here. No. 329. February […]
read more
Newsletter

Rainbow Digest January 2023

  Help transform realities for LGBTI communities across Europe and Central Asia.With your support we can do more. Make change happen here. No. 328. January […]
read more
Newsletter

Rainbow Digest December 2022

  Help transform realities for LGBTI communities across Europe and Central Asia.With your support we can do more. Make change happen here. No. 327. December […]
read more
Newsletter

Rainbow Digest November 2022

  Help transform realities for LGBTI communities across Europe and Central Asia.With your support we can do more. Make change happen here. No. 326. November […]
read more
Newsletter

Rainbow Digest October 2022

  Help transform realities for LGBTI communities across Europe and Central Asia.With your support we can do more. Make change happen here. No. 325. October […]
read more
Newsletter

Rainbow Digest: September 2022

  Help transform realities for LGBTI communities across Europe and Central Asia.With your support we can do more. Make change happen here. No. 324. September […]
read more
Newsletter

Rainbow Digest August 2022

  Help transform realities for LGBTI communities across Europe and Central Asia.With your support we can do more. Make change happen here. No. 323. August […]
read more
Newsletter

Rainbow Digest July 2022

  Help transform realities for LGBTI communities across Europe and Central Asia.With your support we can do more. Make change happen here. No. 322. July […]
read more
Newsletter

Rainbow Digest June 2022

  Help transform realities for LGBTI communities across Europe and Central Asia.With your support we can do more. Make change happen here. No. 321. June […]
read more
Newsletter

Rainbow Digest: May 2022

  Help transform realities for LGBTI communities across Europe and Central Asia.With your support we can do more. Make change happen here. No. 320. May […]
read more
Newsletter

Rainbow Digest April 2022

  Help transform realities for LGBTI communities across Europe and Central Asia.With your support we can do more. Make change happen here. No. 319. April […]
read more