For the first time in European history, all 28 member states of the EU have reached a consensus on LGBTI rights. The agreement that the Council of the European Union have reached consensus on, concerns women’s rights, gender equality and the protection of LGBTI people in the EU and urges governments “to consider working together with the European Commission with regard to its List of actions to advance LGBTI equality”, and “to take action to combat discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity”. An annual progress report of each European nation will be prepared by the European Commission and will evaluate the progress of LGBTI rights in the nation and propose recommendations for reform. Pinknews reports that Dutch equalities minister Jet Bussemaker says of the Netherlands-backed agreement: “European cooperation is essential to efforts to fight global homophobia and strengthen women’s rights. With the dreadful attack in Orlando still fresh in our memories, I don’t need to explain why it’s so important for the EU to take a clear stand. “LGBTI rights and women’s rights are human rights that transcend borders. Everyone has the right to be who they want to be, regardless of their background or origin. “It’s very important that we act together against countries and organisations that violate the rights of women, gay men, lesbian women and bisexual, transgender and intersex people.”
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Wednesday, 22nd June 2016 - 9:04am