Open letter to the Government and the Speaker of the Saeima of Latvia: concerns on the dismissal of a petition for Cohabitation legislation
April 12th, 2018
In March 2018, the Latvian Parliament dismissed a petition for introduction of partnership legislation which would recognise all unmarried couples, including same-sex couples. This is the second time the Saeima rejected such an initiative.
Members of the LGBTI Intergroup write to the Members of the Government of Latvia, and the Speaker of the Saeima to express their disconcertment, and enquire about what Latvia will do in the future to give the protection and recognition that all families deserve in Latvia, including same-sex couples.
To: Raimonds Vējonis, President of the Republic of Latvia; Māris Kučinskis, Prime Minister of the Republic of Latvia; Dzintars Rasnačs, Minister of Justice of the Republic of Latvia; Edgars Rinkēvičs, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia; Jānis Reirs, Minister of Welfare of the Republic of Latvia; Ināra Mūrniece, Speaker of The Saeima of the Republic of Latvia
Concerns: dismissal of a petition for Cohabitation legislation
Brussels, 28 March 2018
Honourable Members of the Government of Latvia,
Honourable Speaker of the Saeima of Latvia,
We were disconcerted to learn the dismissal of a petition for Cohabitation legislation by the Saeima of Latvia on 7 March 2018.
Currently in Latvia, thousands of families are not recognised under the law. Unmarried couples are denied the same rights as married couples. They do not have state protection, are excluded from inheritance rights and cannot benefit from tax incentives – unlike their married fellow citizens. Allowing civil partnership or cohabitation is a matter of fundamental rights and equality.
Beyond discrimination, the lack of legal protection for unmarried couples is making their everyday lives extremely difficult. When something happens to their partner, they cannot for example make medical decisions on behalf of their partners or benefit from official visiting rights
To this date, 22 Members States of the European Union have recognised equal rights in the form of civil partnership, cohabitation or marriage. Over 10,000 citizens have signed the petition for Cohabitation Legislation for all families. By dismissing it, Latvia is missing an opportunity to bring its legislation in line with the reality of families in its territory.
In light of the above, we would like to enquire about what Latvia will do in the future to give the protection and recognition that all families deserve in Latvia, including same-sex couples.
On behalf of the European Parliament’s Intergroup on LGBTI Rights,
Terry Reintke MEP, Co-President of the LGBTI Intergroup
Daniele Viotti MEP, Co-President of the LGBTI Intergroup
Sophie in ‘t Veld MEP, Vice-President of the LGBTI Intergroup
Malin Bjork MEP, Vice-President of the LGBTI Intergroup
Tanja Fajon MEP, Vice-President of the LGBTI Intergroup
Sirpa Piettikainen MEP, Vice-President of the LGBTI Intergroup
Tags: civil partnership, cohabitation, latvia, LGBTI families
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Open letter to Turkish Ambassador: Revoke Ankara’s indefinite ban on LGBTI events
December 18th, 2017
In November the Governorship of Ankara called an indefinite ban on LGBTI activities in the city, which has received sharp international criticism, including by Council of Europe Human Rights Commissioner Nils Muiznieks issued a statement regarding the ban
Members of the LGBTI Intergroup write to the Ambassador of Turkey to the EU, urging to revoke the ban, and protect the right of assembly and of freedom of speech.
To: Faruk Kaymakci, Ambassador Permanent Representation of Turkey to the EU
Concerns: Revoke Ankara’s indefinite ban on LGBTI events
Brussels, 18th December 2017
Ambassador,
We are deeply disturbed by the statement by the Ankara Governor’s Office of 19 November regarding the decision to ban indefinitely any event organised by LGBTI organisations, such as the projection of films, staging of theatre plays, panels, discussions and exhibitions, citing “social sensitivities and sensibilities”, “public security”, “protection of public health and morality” and “protection of others’ rights and liberties” as grounds for the ban.
As Members of the European Parliament, we call on Turkish authorities to immediately revoke this ban and restore the right to freedom of assembly as guaranteed in the Turkish constitution.
This suppression of the freedom of assembly for LGBTI people and their allies, is completely unacceptable and is a blatant violation of international law, to which Turkey is bound. This right was upheld several times by the European Court of Human Rights (notably in Bączkowski and others v. Poland (2007) and Alexeyev v. Russia (2010)). Further the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights protects sexual orientation from discriminatory laws and practices under its Articles 2 and 26, including when it comes to freedom of expression and assembly (Art. 19 and 21).
The ban is the latest in a series of crackdowns on the LGBTI community and those who speak out in favour of their rights, and the consequences are felt beyond Ankara, as LGBTI events in other cities have been banned too. In Bursa the screening of the film “Gaci Gibi” was banned; in Istanbul the screening of “Queer Shorts” was banned by the District Governorship of Beyoğlu; also the German LGBTI Film Days Festival in Ankara was banned prior to the statement.
Furthermore, we are worried that the ban increased hate speech against the LGBTI community. Following an attack in the media, a workshop on “Gender Based Journalism” in Mardin, which was planned for November 18, had to be cancelled.
In light of the above we urge Turkish authorities first and foremost to revoke this ban and work to ensure full respect for the right to peaceful assembly of all, including LGBTI people, in line with international law and the Turkish constitution.
On behalf of the European Parliament’s Intergroup on LGBTI Rights,
Terry Reintke MEP, Co-President of the LGBTI Intergroup
Daniele Viotti MEP, Co-President of the LGBTI Intergroup
Sophie in ‘t Veld MEP, Vice-President of the LGBTI Intergroup
Malin Bjork MEP, Vice-President of the LGBTI Intergroup
Kati Piri MEP, European Parliament rapporteur for relations with Turkey
Brando Benifei MEP
Beatriz Becerra MEP
Seb Dance MEP
Dennis de Jong MEP
Ana Maria Gomes MEP
Jean Lambert MEP
Maria Noichl MEP
Christine Revault d’Allonnes-Bonnefoy MEP
Elly Schlein MEP
Birgit Sippel MEP
Bart Staes MEP
Josep-Maria Terricabras MEP
Claude Turmes MEP
Monika Vana MEP
Julie Ward MEP
Tags: freedom of assembly, turkey
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Job opening: Secretary
November 24th, 2017
The Intergroup on LGBTI Rights is looking for a motivated and resourceful secretary to the Intergroup.
Founded in 1999, the LGBTI Intergroup promotes the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex people throughout the work of the European Parliament and the European Union.
It currently gathers over 150 elected Members of the European Parliament from 25 Member States and 7 political groups, and acts as a hub between MEPs, civil society and other European institutions. It is run by seven Presidents and a full-time secretary.
The Secretary is responsible for the day-to-day running of the secretariat, and reports to Presidents of the Intergroup. Main responsibilities will include:
- Follow parliamentary work in committees and plenary
- Draft press releases, letters or newspaper columns
- Draft briefings, summaries and parliamentary questions
- Organise seminars in the European Parliament
- Maintain the Intergroup’s online presence (website and social media)
- Coordinate work with the Intergroup’s seven Presidents and their staff
A full professional profile and details of employment are included in the job description.
Deadline for applications is 4 December. All candidates will be informed of the outcome of their application.
Read more:
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Open letter to Sofia Mayor: Act against hate group targeting Pride
June 9th, 2017
Tomorrow the annual Pride march will take place in Sofia, Bulgaria. However, a counter-demonstration organised by neo-nazi organisation National Resistance, has called for violence to be used against the march. calling on people to bring “brooms and shovels with wooden handles” in order for them to “cleanse Sofia from garbage”.
Members of the LGBTI Intergroup write to the Mayor of Sofia, urging her to protect the Pride March, and to withdraw any authorisation granted to any groups planning to use hate speech or violence against LGBTI people.
To: Yordanka Fandakova, Mayor of Sofia
Concerns: Sofia Pride and counter-demonstration
Brussels, 9th June 2017
Dear Madam Mayor,
The lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) community of Bulgaria is currently preparing for the annual Pride march in Sofia this Saturday (10th June). We would like to reiterate in the strongest possible terms our support for the march to take place again this year and we trust that you will do all in your power to ensure that the Pride march takes place in a safe, peaceful and legal manner, in line with European values.
However, we are gravely concerned that a permit has been delivered for an event by the National Resistance, known for its hostility towards LGBTI people. The organisation has registered a counter-demonstration at the same location where Sofia Pride intends to gather on Saturday. In a video message promoting the event, National Resistance leader Blagovest Asenov calls on people to bring “brooms and shovels with wooden handles” in order for them to “cleanse Sofia from garbage”.
It is likely that if these two crowds would meet LGBTI pride marchers would be subjected to verbal and physical violence.
This is why we call on you to publicly reaffirm the authorities’ commitment to protecting marchers in advance of Saturday’s event. Furthermore, we respectfully call on you to withdraw any authorisation granted to any groups planning to use hate speech or violence against LGBTI people this Saturday.
On behalf of the European Parliament’s Intergroup on LGBTI Rights,
Yours sincerely,
Ulrike Lunacek MEP
Daniele Viotti MEP
Sophie in ‘t Veld MEP
Sirpa Pietikäinen MEP
Malin Björk MEP
Tanja Fajon MEP
Tags: bulgaria, freedom of assembly
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Open letter to Romanian Parliamentarians: Do not support the proposed referendum on the definition of the family
May 17th, 2017
Parliamentarians in Romania will soon be asked whether or not to support the organisation of a referendum to constitutionally define family as being based solely upon the marriage between a man and a woman
On the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia, Members of the LGBTI Intergroup write to Romanian Parliamentarians, urging them not to support the referendum (click here for a Romanian translation).
To: Calin Popescu-Tariceanu, President of the Senate of Romania; Liviu Dragnea, President of the Chamber of Deputies of Romania; Traian Băsescu, Leader of Partidul Mișcarea Populară; Raluca Turcan, Leader of Partidul Național Liberal; Kelemen Hunor, Leader of Uniunea Democrată Maghiară din România; Nicusor Dan, Leader of Uniunea Salvaţi România
Concerns: Referendum on the definition of the family
Strasbourg, 17th May 2017
Honourable President Tăriceanu and Honourable President Dragnea,
Honourable Mr Băsescu, Honourable Ms Turcan, Honourable Mr Hunor, Honourable Mr Dan,
Esteemed Members of the Parliament of Romania,
As Members of the European Parliament from various political groups and different EU member states, we want to call on you to support equal treatment and non-discrimination for everyone in Romania, including same-sex couples. In particular, we want to respectfully urge you to not support the proposed referendum on the definition of the family.
Indeed, since last year a campaign has been conducted in Romania to hold a referendum on redefining family within the Constitution as being based solely upon the marriage between a man and a woman. This proposal is most surprising, as same-sex couples are already forbidden to marry through the provisions of the standing Civil Code, which also prohibits the recognition of same-sex civil marriages or partnerships legally entered into abroad.
While we do not wish to intervene directly in Romanian family law, we do regret that this referendum would further incite discrimination against families in their various forms which already exist in Romanian society. By allowing the referendum to take place, without providing for any alternative form of legal recognition for non-married couples, you would appear to condone the ongoing human rights violations of same-sex couples and of children living in families where the partners are not married or children living in single parent families.
Indeed, this debate touches on real people and families who are being excluded from basic rights and duties today, with grave consequences. Without any recognition, people are not entitled to the protection of the family home and are not allowed to take care of their partner’s children when it is the most necessary, e.g. when he or she passes away. They can be refused to visit their partner at the hospital, they have no right to inheritance, they do not have access to basic social rights as partners, etc. And most often, their children – from previous relationships – are the first victims of this lack of recognition.
Under the current stance of European human rights law, it is still allowed to limit the institution of marriage to different-sex couples. However, the European Court of Human Rights has clearly recognised the right to respect for private and family life (Art. 8 ECHR) for same-sex couples and obliges States to provide for an alternative form of recognition of same-sex couples (Oliari and Others v Italy, App. nos. 18766/11 and 36030/11, 21 July 2015). The Court has also ruled that States shall not discriminate between same-sex and different-sex couples when creating such an alternative form of recognition (Vallianatos and others v Greece, App. nos 29381/09 and 32684/09, 7 November 2013).
We all live in the EU – a union of democratic values guaranteeing European citizens and their family members the right to move freely between members states and reside across the EU. Same-sex couples established in Member States that provide for the legal recognition and protection of their families cannot be treated as complete strangers when they cross the border to Romania. Despite repeated calls by the European Parliament, same-sex couples or different-sex couples in registered partnerships currently lack the protection of the law in a shrinking minority of Member States, including Romania. The situation of same-sex couples enjoying their right to move freely across the EU is also under scrutiny of the Court of Justice of the EU in the Coman case. Indeed, the Romanian Constitutional Court sought the guidance of the CJUE in interpreting European human rights law, European Union law and Romanian constitutional provisions.
For all these reasons, we call upon the Romanian Parliament to not support the organisation of a referendum which would further divide society and enshrine discrimination of same-sex couples and non-married different sex couples in the Constitution, which should be a fundamental text designed among others to protect the family life of all. We rather call on you to create an additional and alternative form of recognition for all couples, including same-sex couples, in order to provide for the most basic level of protection to which they are entitled under European human rights law.
Yours sincerely,
Ulrike Lunacek MEP
Greens/EFA
Daniele Viotti MEP
Socialists & Democrats
Malin Björk MEP
GUE/NGL
Tanja Fajon MEP
Socialists & Democrats
Sophie in ’t Veld MEP
ALDE
Sirpa Pietikäinen MEP
European People’s Party
Brando Benifei MEP
Socialists & Democrats
Sergio Cofferatie MEP
Socialists & Democrats
Seb Dance MEP
Socialists & Democrats
Cornelia Ernst MEP
GUE/NGL
Ana Maria Gomes MEP
Socialists & Democrats
Anna Hedh MEP
Socialists & Democrats
Dennis de Jong MEP
GUE/NGL
Stelios Kouloglou MEP
GUE/NGL
Miapetra Kumpula-Natri MEP
Socialists & Democrats
Merja Kyllönen MEP
GUE/NGL
Edouard Martin MEP
Socialists & Democrats
Péter Niedermüller MEP
Socialists & Democrats
Maria Noichl MEP
Socialists & Democrats
Kati Piri MEP
Socialists & Democrats
Terry Reintke MEP
Greens/EFA
Virginie Rozière MEP
Socialists & Democrats
Lola Sánchez Caldentey MEP
GUE/NGL
Judith Sargentini MEP
Greens/EFA
Alyn Smith MEP
Greens/EFA
Bart Staes MEP
Greens/EFA
Helga Stevens MEP
European Conservatives & Reformists
Keith Taylor MEP
Greens/EFA
Josep-Maria Terricabras MEP
Greens/EFA
Ernest Urtasun MEP
Greens/EFA
Ivo Vajgl MEP
ALDE
Julie Ward MEP
Socialists & Democrats
Glenis Willmott MEP
Socialists & Democrats
Read more:
Tags: referendum, romania
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Upcoming roundtable: Health Inequalities experienced by LGBTI people
April 20th, 2017
On Wednesday 26 April 2017, from 13:00 – 14:30, the Intergroup on LGBTI Rights will host a roundtable on health inequalities experienced by LGBTI people.
Stigma, prejudice and discrimination against LGBTI people remain widespread and affect access to health services. The LGBT survey conducted by the EU’s Fundamental Rights Agency (2013) gives an indication that discrimination experienced in healthcare by LGBT people is widespread (10 %), particularly among transgender people (19%). Furthermore, persisting hurdles, such as continued pathologization of LGBTI people, negatively affect LGBTI health.
At the roundtable MEPs, leading European experts, policy-makers and LGBTI human rights activists will identify what barriers and inequalities are experienced by LGBTI people, and how we can work to overcome those inequalities.
The meeting will take place in Brussels, and is open to the public. Please register by Tuesday 25 April by sending an email to [email protected] with your first name, last name, date of birth, passport/id-number, nationality and place of residence.
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Upcoming roundtable: Protection LGBTI asylum seekers and refugees in the reform of the CEAS
March 1st, 2017
On Tuesday 7 March 2017 from 14:00 – 16:00, the Intergroup on LGBTI Rights will host a roundtable on the rights of LGBTI Asylum seekers in the reform of the Common European Asylum System (CEAS).
At this round table, we will discuss how to guarantee that the proposals to reform the European asylum system will work to ensure the rights of LGBTI asylum seekers.
Speakers will include the main rapporteurs for the files, Tanja Fajon MEP (Qualification Regulation), Malin Bjork MEP (Resettlement Framework) and Sophie in ‘t Veld MEP (Reception Conditions Directive), as well as representatives of civil society.
The meeting will take place in Brussels, and is open to the public. Please register by Friday 3 March by sending an email to [email protected] with your first name, last name, date of birth, passport/id-number, nationality and place of residence.
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MEPs condemn crackdown on Istanbul Pride
June 29th, 2016
Despite successful pride marches for at least 13 years until 2014, Sunday’s (26 June) Pride in Istanbul was met with police violence and detentions.
The Co- and Vice-presidents of the European Parliament’s Intergroup on LGBTI Rights have written to the Ambassador ath the Permanent Representation of Turkey to the EU, demanding a full assessment why the peaceful march was violently suppressed.
Salam Yenel
Ambassador Permanent Representation of Turkey to the EU
Concerns: Crackdown on Istanbul Pride last Sunday
Brussels, 29th June 2016
Ambassador,
We were dismayed to learn about the severe crackdown on the Istanbul Pride on Sunday 16 June 2016, following earlier police violence and suppression of Trans Pride on Sunday 9 June. Both Pride marches had been banned by the Governor of Istanbul, despite the constitutional right to freedom of assembly and Turkey’s long tradition in enabling Pride marches. Tear gas and rubber bullets were used to prevent people from taking part in the peaceful demonstrations. In this connection we also condemn the bans of Izmir Pride, which was planned for 4 June and the celebrations of the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia, scheduled to take place in Ankara on 22 May, which was banned quoting “certain social sensitivities.”
Pride marches are a global tradition of many decades standing, celebrating society’s diversity and openness towards LGBTI people. They are a unique, non-violent and peaceful assembly, widely accepted across Europe. Many states officially support pride marches. Whilst there may be opposition to Pride events, the march itself represents a public statement in support of equality and equal rights. Such events have a long and noble tradition across Europe. Indeed Turkey has also enabled Pride marches for over a decade.
This suppression of the freedom of assembly for LGBTI people, and their allies, is completely unacceptable and is a blatant violation of international law, to which Turkey is bound. This right was upheld several times by the European Court of Human Rights (notably in Bączkowski and others v. Poland (2007) and Alexeyev v. Russia (2010)). Further the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights protects sexual orientation from discriminatory laws and practices under its Articles 2 and 26, including when it comes to freedom of expression and assembly (Art. 19 and 21).
The Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe has reaffirmed the importance of the right to peaceful assembly for LGBTI people. In its Recommendation on measures to combat discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation or gender identity (CM(2010)5/Rec), Ministers agreed that “Member states should take appropriate measures to prevent restrictions on the effective enjoyment of the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly resulting from the abuse of legal or administrative provisions, for example on grounds of public health, public morality and public order”.
In light of the above we urge Turkish authorities first and foremost to denounce the violent suppression of a peaceful pride march, and acknowledge that the interventions and detentions of 29 persons who have been detained in exercising their right to freedom of assembly, were contrary to human rights laws.
Furthermore, we demand to receive your full assessment as to why a peaceful march was suppressed so violently, including through use of rubber bullets and tear gas.
Lastly, we urge Turkish authorities to ensure full respect for the right to peaceful assembly of all, including LGBTI people, in line with international law and the Turkish constitution.
On behalf of the European Parliament’s Intergroup on LGBTI Rights,
Ulrike Lunacek MEP, Co-president
Daniele Viotti MEP, Co-president
Tanja Fajon MEP, Vice-president
Sirpa Pietikäinen MEP, Vice-president
Ian Duncan MEP, Vice-president
Sophie in ‘t Veld MEP, Vice-president
Malin Björk MEP, Vice-president
Fabio Massimo Castaldo MEP, Vice-president
Tags: freedom of assembly, turkey
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Upcoming event: LGBTI Rights in Turkey
May 25th, 2016
On Tuesday 31 May 2016 from 14:00 – 15:00, the Intergroup on LGBTI Rights will host a roundtable on LGBTI Rights in Turkey.
At this round table, we will address the key developments and challenges affecting LGBTI people in Turkey and seek ways to address them. Particularly, we will pay attention to the recent EU – Turkey migration agreement and ongoing work on an EU Safe Countries list.
Speakers will include Sedef Cakmak, Mehmet Akin and Murat Koylu. The meeting is chaired by Ian Duncan MEP, Vice-President of the LGBTI Intergroup.
The meeting will take place in Brussels, and is open to the public. Please register before Monday 30 March by sending an email to [email protected] with your first name, last name, date of birth, passport/id-number, nationality and place of residence.
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Upcoming event – Professionally Speaking: challenges to achieving equality for LGBTI people
March 9th, 2016
On Wednesday 16 March, the EU’s Fundamental Rights Agency will launch their latest report on public authorities’ role in achieving equality for LGBTI people. On this occasion, the Intergroup is hosting a roundtable to discuss the report with FRA Director Michael O’Flaherty, MEPs, policy-makers and LGBTI civil society.
Too often LGBTI people are faced with discrimination and bias in schools, hospitals and police stations. This is why the latest FRA report focuses on the views and attitudes of the ‘duty bearers’ in various areas of social and economic lives. What role can police officers, policy makers, health and educational practitioners play to further LGBTI equality?
At the roundtable, FRA Director Michael O’Flaherty will present the report. Other speakers will include Evelyne Paradis (ILGA-Europe), Richard Koehler (Transgender Europe), Miriam van der Have (OII Europe). The meeting will be hosted by Fabio Massimo Castaldo MEP, Vice-President of the Intergroup.
The meeting will take place in Brussels, and is open to the public. Please register before Monday 14 March by sending an email to [email protected] with your full name, date of birth, passport/id-number, nationality and place of residence.
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2010 The European Parliament's Intergroup on LGBTI Rights