Where inequality and discrimination persist, democracy cannot thrive. Equality is not optional; it is the foundation of free and resilient societies. However, around the world, too many LGBTI people continue to face violence, discrimination, hate speech and stigmatisation, and are targeted by disinformation campaigns, simply for being who they are. When the full enjoyment of […]
The European Commission responds to the European Citizens’ Initiative to ban “conversion therapy”
The European Commission has today adopted a Communication in response to the European Citizens’ Initiative ‘Ban Conversion Therapy in the European Union’. This response comes just four days before the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia and reaffirms the Commission’s commitment to the rights of LGBTIQ people and to building a true Union of […]
European court forces member states to recognise equal marriages celebrated in the EU
In 2018, two Polish citizens legally married in Germany applied to the Polish authorities for a transcript of their marriage to be recognised in their country. The competent authorities refused the application on the ground that Polish law does not authorise same-sex marriages. The couple appealed against the decision and the Supreme Administrative Court referred […]
Commission decides to register two new European Citizens’ Initiatives
The European Commission decided to register two European Citizens’ Initiatives, entitled ‘Ban on conversion practices in the European Union’ and ‘European Citizens’ Initiative in Defence of Agriculture and Rural Economy in Europe’. The organisers of the ‘Ban on conversion practices in the European Union’ initiative call for a ban on interventions aimed at changing, repressing or suppressing […]
MEPs denounce deliberate and systematic efforts to undermine EU values
In its latest resolution, Parliament raises serious concerns over developments in Hungary, in light of the upcoming Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the EU. Following a plenary debate on Wednesday on the situation of rule of law and fundamental rights in Hungary and frozen EU funds, the text was adopted on Thursday (442 for, […]
Spain receives three awards at the European Capitals of Inclusion and Diversity Awards 2023
The European Commission has recognised the efforts of the municipality of La Zarza, Catalonia and the city of Terrassa to strengthen diversity and inclusion in their communities. At a high-level ceremony in Brussels, Equality Commissioner Helena Dalli, together with European Commission Vice-President Věra Jourová and Committee of the Regions representative Kate Feeney, announced the winners […]
Sexual orientation cannot be a reason to refuse to conclude a contract with a self-employed worker
Judgment of the Court in Case C-356/21 The Directive on equal treatment in employment and occupation, which covers a wide range of occupational activities, establishes a general framework for combatting discrimination based, inter alia, on sexual orientation. Between 2010 and 2017, a self-employed worker prepared audiovisual material, trailers and features for the promotional programmes of […]