The Council of the European Union, which previously adopted a non-binding toolkit to promote LGBT human rights, has upgraded their guidelines in order "to promote and protect the enjoyment of all human rights by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) persons." The new document is binding and represents a huge step forward in international human rights law.
The EU Intergroup on LGBT Rights reports:
Today the EU's 27 foreign affairs ministers adopted a ground-breaking global policy. The LGBTI Guidelines instruct EU diplomats around the globe to defend the human rights of LGBTI people.
Ulrike Lunacek MEP, Co-President of the LGBT Intergroup, welcomed the new document: “It is absolutely ground-breaking that the 27 foreign affairs ministers agreed to this, and only three years after the LGBT Toolkit. And I'm very happy the document pays particular attention to trans and intersex people, as well as lesbian and bisexual women at risk of gender-based violence.”
Michael Cashman MEP, also Intergroup Co-President, added: “We're extremely happy with the Guidelines, and I can hardly add anything to this excellent document. The Council did an outstanding job, about which I have no reservations.”
The guidelines encompass four priorities: the elimination of discriminatory laws and policies, the promotion of non-discrimination at work, in schools, and in healthcare, combatting state and individual violence against LGBTI persons, and the support and protection of human rights defenders. The entire document can be read here.
