ILGA-Europe

Are you taking full advantage of our easily accessible resources to enhance your communications and campaigning skills? Our latest blog highlights ILGA-Europe's Skills Boost sessions, offering free training for LGBTI activists from a range of dedicated experts. Connect with a community of passionate activists and learn some great new things! Read more here: https://bit.ly/4diqpBM

Alongside FIDH, NELFA and ECSOL, we welcome the European Court of Human Rights’ judgement in the case of Formela v Poland. The Court found that same-s*x couples married abroad should be recognised in Poland, marking a significant step forward for equality and family rights. This ruling highlights the need for Polish authorities to respect and protect the family life of all couples, regardless of their s*xual orientation. Read our joint statement here https://bit.ly/3XS6PH5
FIDH - International Federation for Human Rights
NELFA

We call on the President of Georgia, Salome Zourabichvili not to sign the draconian new anti-LGBTI legislative package into law, and on all our international allies to support this call.

Opposition to this bill has been significant among Georgian society, which supports democracy, EU accession and a thriving civic space, and is opposed to Russian-style anti-democratic laws.

Read our statement 👇

President of Georgia must not sign draconian anti-LGBTI legislative package ILGA-Europe call on President of Georgia, Salome Zourabichvili not to sign into law an anti-LGBTI package that will have far-reaching negative impacts on lives and human rights, and on Georgian society as a whole

We welcome the EU’s renewed commitment to an LGBTIQ Equality Strategy for post-2025, as indicated in the mission letter for Commissioner-designate for Preparedness and Crisis Management and Equality, Hadja Lahbib.

As recent years have shown, marginalised populations, including LGBTI people, have been too often invisible and left behind in crises, with their lives and rights put further at risk. We hope this new mandate will make meaningful changes to the EU’s preparedness and crisis management, as well as advance the protections of the fundamental rights of LGBTI people, within the EU and outside.

We also expect Commissioners-designate Lahbib and Michael McGrath TD, the Commissioner-designate for Justice and Rule of Law, if confirmed, to work closely together to ensure that the Commission takes appropriate and timely action against Member States who legislate against the human rights of LGBTI people and to advance EU policy and legislation toward fulfilment of these same rights.

Are you looking to refine your organisation’s communications strategy? Not sure where to start or how to tackle different areas of your work?

Join our Skills Boost session on 25 September to learn from Ljubljana Pride’s experience in crafting effective communications strategies across various aspects of their organisation.

Don’t miss out—register now: ilga-europe-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEpceqgpjwsGNN_Q4j13xohXtHH-mRe-nQ9

We strongly condemn the latest legislative package introduced by the ruling Georgian Dream party, which threatens the fundamental rights and freedoms of the LGBTI community in Georgia.

The "Family Values and Protection of Minors" package aims to ban same-s*x marriage and legal gender recognition, censor the media and the arts, and severely limit freedom of assembly. These regressive measures not only target the LGBTI community but also erode democratic freedoms across Georgian society and contravene many of Georgia’s own domestic laws, as well as international human rights standards.

We stand in solidarity with Georgian civil society, which has faced increasing threats and violence under a government that is drawing from the Russian playbook of authoritarianism. With parliamentary elections scheduled for 26 October 2024, there is a critical need to protect democratic rights and prevent the adoption of laws that violate international standards on fundamental rights, rule of law and democracy.

We call on the international community, including EU institutions, the Council of Europe, and their Member States to apply diplomatic pressure, including the use of targeted sanctions against Georgian leaders responsible for human rights violations, and we urge continued financial support for Georgian civil society groups, particularly those defending LGBTI rights, to ensure their resilience in this challenging period.

Photo: TEMIDA

We welcome the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights’s letter to the Chairman of the Parliament of Georgia highlighting how the proposed anti-LGBTI law, soon to be voted into law, greatly restricts the rights and freedoms of LGBTI people in Georgia.

The proposed law will amend 18 laws, placing bans on LGBTI people’s right to freedom of assembly and expression, banning recognition of same-s*x partnerships and parenthood, banning LGR, banning portrayal of LGBTI people in media, advertising and education, and banning gender affirming healthcare with prison sentences for healthcare professionals. These changes will also impact foreign nationals residing in Georgia.

The Commissioner highlights how these legislative changes breach the European Convention on Human Rights and the jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights and calls on the Parliament to refrain from adopting the law.

Georgian Parliament should not adopt anti-LGBTI law and should refrain from using stigmatising rhetoric Letter The Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Michael O’Flaherty, published today a letter sent to the Chairman of the Parliament of Georgia in which he asks members of the...

We welcome the opinion from the Advocate General of the Court of Justice of the European Union, which calls on Hungary to correct the gender marker of a trans refugee in its national immigration records.

The Advocate General stated that Hungarian authorities must rectify gender markers in the immigration registry upon request, ensuring that the rights of trans people are respected. Importantly, the opinion highlighted that proof of surgical intervention should not be a requirement for making these changes.

If the Court agrees with this opinion in its judgment, the Hungarian government will hopefully revise its legal gender recognition procedures and align them with international human rights standards.

This development marks a significant step forward in the ongoing fight for trans rights, not just in Hungary, but across the EU. It reinforces the need for fair and accessible legal gender recognition procedures for all trans people.

ILGA-Europe and TGEU - Trans Europe and Central Asia are providing support to Háttér Society in this case. Háttér Társaság

Read more here: https://www.ilga-europe.org/news/joint-statement-eu-court-of-justice-advocate-general-calls-on-hungary-to-correct-trans-refugees-gender-marker-in-national-registries/

As Pride season 2024 wraps up, we’re celebrating the incredible support from our allies in advancing LGBTI equality. From drag bingo to donation matching, these initiatives highlight the diverse ways companies can stand with our community.

Read more about these impactful efforts in our latest blog!

Creative ways allies supported us in Pride 2024 | ILGA-Europe Some of the most innovative and impactful initiatives by our allies that have stepped up to support the LGBTI community this Pride season.

We condemn the UK Statutory Guidance for Schools & Colleges and their failure to include trans and non-binary students in an affirming, supportive way.

Trans and non-binary children, as all people, have the right to privacy and to non-discrimination.

We urge the Government of the UK to make significant changes during the review process for LGBT section of these Guidelines and ultimately finalise a text that ensures that all LGBTI students, including trans and non-binary students, are protected.

This statement was drafted by IGLYO with input from UK inclusive education experts and Members, and was endorsed by ILGA-Europe and TGEU.

IGLYO Statement on the UK’s Updated Statutory Education Guidance IGLYO, ILGA-Europe and TGEU condemn the draft UK Statutory Guidance for Schools and Colleges and urge the Government to make changes and finalise a text that ensures that all LGBTQI students, including trans and non-binary students, are protected.

Are you ready to take your communications strategy to the next level? On 25 September, join our Skills Boost session where we'll hear from Ljubljana Pride about their approach to creating tailored comms strategies. Perfect for LGBTI activists looking to deepen their strategic impact.

Register here: ilga-europe.org/news/skills-boost-useful-communications-strategies-for-lgbti-groups-take-it-to-the-next-level/

Bulgaria's recent enactment of a law prohibiting "LGBTI propaganda" has plunged the community into a state of fear and uncertainty, echoing troubling patterns seen in Russia and Hungary.

In an interview with ILGA-Europe, Denitsa Lyubenova from LGBTI organization Deystvie highlights the importance of international solidarity, urging European organisations to take action and support the Bulgarian fight for rights.

Read about it here: ilga-europe.org/blog/interview-with-denitsa-ivanova-bulgarias-lgbti-crisis-and-what-the-international-community-can-do-to-help/

Single Step GLAS Foundation

Join us on September 4* for our LGBTI activist’s security on data protection to discuss robust digital hygiene practices to safeguard sensitive data.

Gillo Cutrupi will be covering:
✅ Protecting visual data
✅ Secure data storage and management
✅ Protecting speakers and visible persons
✅ Working with vulnerable and marginalised groups

Groups and organisations in Europe and Central Asia at the beginning of their path or with limited resources for security expertise can apply for this learning event.

Make your activism safer and more effective.

Register now here:
https://ilga-europe-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMpd-2srTMiHdFg_jdHThdnLoBm4qvHjO24

*We had to postpone the webinar from July to 4th September. Those who registered before have received a link with the new date (please check your spam folder if you haven’t received it, or contact us) and do not need to re-register.

Greece and Finland have both secured sixth place on ILGA-Europe's 2024 Rainbow Map, but the story behind their shared ranking is anything but simple. Finland remains steady with progress in legal gender recognition and LGBTI health protections, while Greece surged from 13th place due to major reforms like marriage equality and adoption rights for same-s*x couples. Learn more about their unique approaches and the ongoing challenges they face:

How did Finland and Greece end up in the same place on the Rainbow Map? | ILGA-Europe Greece and Finland are sharing sixth place on ILGA-Europe’s Rainbow Map, and that tells us a lot about how LGBTI rights are changing across Europe.

Today the Bulgarian President signed into law the anti-LGBTI propaganda law banning portrayal of LGBTI people in schools. This law runs contrary to international and European human rights standards and should be assessed for infringement of these standards by international institutions, including the EU. You can read the text of the law here: https://bit.ly/46QQc2z

At ILGA-Europe, one of our goals is to equip activists with new skills and knowledge to help them amplify their voices and make a meaningful impact in their communities. One of the ways we do this is through our regular online Skills Boosts.

Our latest one was all about maximising the potential of digital advertising.

Digital advertising for LGBTI activists: What we learned at the latest ILGA-Europe Skills Boost | ILGA-Europe Our latest Skill Boost all about maximising the potential of digital advertising.

We condemn today's fast-tracked law in Bulgaria, banning any portrayal of LGBTI identities in schools. It is an attack on children’s rights and borrows from Russia’s toolkit of anti-human rights and anti-democratic legislation

Bulgaria passes anti-LGBTI propaganda law | ILGA-Europe ILGA-Europe have condemned a fast-tracked law banning the portrayal of LGBTI identities in Bulgarian educational institutions, warning that it is an attack on children’s rights and a distraction to secure votes for far-right and Russia-aligned parties in forthcoming elections. Today the Bulgarian ...

We extend our solidarity to inters*x people, inters*x organisations, and especially inters*x athletes, in a context of intense public scrutiny and hateful commentary.

Everyone – including athletes – has the right to bodily autonomy, the right to participate in sport, and the right to be safe from incitement to hatred against them, including hate speech.

We extend our solidarity to people, inters*x organisations, and especially inters*x athletes, in a context of intense public scrutiny and hateful commentary.

Everyone – including athletes – has the right to bodily autonomy, the right to participate in sport, and the right to be safe from incitement to hatred against them, including hate speech.

In our blog today, LGBTI activists in the Balkans, Greece, Italy and Poland talk about the shared challenges across Europe as the far-right continues to gain ground 👉 ilga-europe.org/blog/lgbti-activism-in-the-new-far-right-era/

(Photo by Leonardo Basso on Unsplash)

Alongside TGEU, we welcome a judgement of the Italian Constitutional Court finding that non-binary peoples’ rights are protected under the Italian Constitution. To find out more, read our joint statement 👉 ilga-europe.org/news/joint-statement-on-italian-constitutional-court-ruling-on-non-binary-trans-persons-rights/

In our latest podcast two-parter, we're diving into a super important topic for LGBTI activist organisations: collective wellbeing. Our panel of experts bring some great understanding and advice 👉 ilga-europe.org/podcast/the-frontline-navigating-team-wellbeing/

We welcome the judgment from the European Court of Human Rights in the case of Hanovs v Latvia, in which the court says the authorities failure to prosecute an anti-LGBTI attack as a hate motivated offence was in breach of the applicant’s human rights.

European court finds Latvia failed to protect victim of homophobic attack court finds The European Court of Human rights has made a judgement in a case where the Latvian authorities declined to prosecute an anti-LGBTI attack as a hate-motivated offence Earlier this month, in a case taken by the victim of a homophobic assault in Latvia, the European Court found a violation of Article....

Amid increased repression from the government, the Turkish LGBTI+ community courageously and creatively resists bans on Pride events again this year. Read our Turkey Pride monitoring blog to find out more 👇

The Turkish LGBTI+ community resists bans on Pride events again this year, amid increased repression from the Turkish government | ILGA-Europe Pride season in Turkey saw continued bans on LGBTI+ themed events, as well as police repression, marking Turkey’s disregard for the fundamental right to freedom.

Alongside nine other human rights organisations, we deeply regret the European Court of Human Rights’ ruling that France has not violated the European Convention on Human Rights with its criminalisation legislation in relation to s*x work.

Collectively, we express our deep solidarity with the 261 s*x workers, most of them migrants of different genders, who, despite their precarious situation, had the courage to unite and challenge the French state to oppose a law that puts their safety and health at risk. Our organisations will continue to strongly advocate for the full decriminalisation of s*x work and the human rights of s*x workers.

Joint Statement: Human rights groups regret outcome of European Court ruling on France’s criminalisation policies in relation to s*x work | ILGA-Europe On 25 July, the ECtHR ruled in M.A. and Others v. France that there has been no violation of Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights.

We’re looking for consultants to map and analyse recent developments in Europe on artificial intelligence and its impact on the rights of LGBTI people.

✍️ The consultant or team of consultants will draft a comprehensive report with policy analysis, case studies and recommendations for the EU and CoE, summarise key findings and recommendations for policymakers and stakeholders, and create a stakeholder engagement summary.

🗓️ A maximum budget of €4.000 (inclusive of VAT) will be available for these tasks, which will take place between 1 September and 30 November.

Read more and apply by 12 August: ilga-europe.org/job-opportunities/consultant-europe-ai-lgbti-people/

Our latest blog offers a sneak peek into our ILGA-Europe's Equality Fundraiser 2024, representing the diverse supporters and allies who attended.

Learn how key partners from various sectors are contributing to advancing LGBTI human rights 👉 ilga-europe.org/blog/who-was-at-the-ilga-europe-equality-fundraiser/

We welcome newly re-elected Ursula Von der Leyen’s commitment to a Commissioner for Equality who will oversee a renewed LGBTIQ Equality Strategy, as well as a renewed Gender Equality Strategy and Anti-Racism Strategy.

Congratulations on your re-election President von der Leyen. We look forward to working with you on achieving your goal of true equality for everyone.

President von der Leyen’s commitments for the next five years can be found here:https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/e6cd4328-673c-4e7a-8683-f63ffb2cf648_en?filename=Political%20Guidelines%202024-2029_EN.pdf

Join us on July 25 for our LGBTI activist’s security on data protection to discuss robust digital hygiene practices to safeguard sensitive data.

Gillo Cutrupi will be covering:
✅ Protecting visual data
✅ Secure data storage and management
✅ Protecting speakers and visible persons
✅ Working with vulnerable and marginalised groups

Groups and organisations in Europe and Central Asia at the beginning of their path or with limited resources for security expertise can apply for this learning event.

Make your activism safer and more effective.

Register now here: https://ilga-europe-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMpd-2srTMiHdFg_jdHThdnLoBm4qvHjO24 #/registration