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1528th Meeting of the Committee of Ministers (7 May 2025) EU Statement ahead of the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOT) on 17 May

07.05.2025 Press and information team of the Delegation to the COUNCIL OF EUROPE in Strasbourg

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union and its Member States.

  1. On the occasion of the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia (IDAHOT), the European Union reiterates its commitment to equality and non-discrimination, to the entitlement of all persons to enjoy the full range of human rights and fundamental freedoms. Homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia have no place in the European Union or anywhere in the world.

 

  1. Every individual has the right to enjoy all human rights and fundamental freedoms in full, without discrimination of any kind. We reaffirm our strong commitment to respect, protect and fulfil the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights by LGBTI persons both within the EU and globally.

 

  1. The EU is deeply concerned about the alarming rates of violence, discrimination, hate speech and stigmatization, and about the criminalization of same-sex relations. We remain steadfast in ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, can live free from fear, prejudice, and violence.

 

  1. The EU will continue to take decisive action to combat all forms of discrimination, with specific attention to the multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination, including based on sex, race, ethnic or social origin, religion or belief, political or any other opinion, disability, age, sexual orientation, and gender identity. Equality, freedom, and justice must apply to everyone, regardless of their actual or perceived sexual orientation and gender identity.

 

  1. In this context, the EU will continue to work closely with international partners, including the Council of Europe and its relevant specialised departments and other bodies such as the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI). The EU will promote the full and equal enjoyment of human rights by LGBTI persons in line with applicable international standards and the case law of the European Court of Human Rights.

 

  1. Inclusive policies make a difference. The EU will keep working in close cooperation with civil society and the defenders of human rights of LGBTI persons, offering support to those who face intimidation, harassment, and threats in their continued pursuit of equality.

 

Alignments: Albania, Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, San Marino, Serbia, Ukraine, and United Kingdom.