Brussels, May 18, 2024 — In a recent declaration supporting the advancement of LGBTQ+ rights across Europe, nine European Union member states abstained from signing, sparking discussions and concerns within the EU community.
David Jordens, spokesperson for the informal councils under Belgium’s rotating presidency of the Council of the EU, confirmed the abstention in response to an inquiry by the publication Club Z.
The countries that chose not to sign the declaration are Bulgaria, Hungary, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Romania, Lithuania, Latvia, Croatia, and Italy.
Notably, all but one of these nations hail from the former socialist bloc, highlighting a potential regional divide on the issue of LGBTQ+ rights within the EU.
Despite their current stance, Jordens mentioned that these countries have the option to sign the declaration at a later date. “It is expected that most will eventually do so,” he added, indicating a potential shift in their positions in the future.
The declaration signing coincided with a high-level conference hosted by the Belgian Presidency in Brussels, titled “Pride Alliances and Policy: Towards a Union of Equality.”
The event, held on the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Transphobia, and Intersexophobia, brought together policymakers, activists, and members of the LGBTQ+ community to discuss the challenges and advancements in LGBTQ+ rights within the EU.
Participants at the conference highlighted a disturbing increase in violence and harassment against LGBTQ+ individuals across Europe. A recent study presented at the event revealed that those with non-traditional sexual orientations, particularly young, transgender, and intersex individuals, face escalating levels of harassment and violence. This alarming trend underscores the need for stronger legal protections and support systems for vulnerable groups.
The conference called upon EU member states to reinforce legal frameworks that protect the fundamental rights of LGBTQ+ individuals. This includes implementing non-discrimination policies based on gender identity, sexual characteristics, and sexual orientation.
Additionally, there was a strong emphasis on ensuring that homosexual couples receive legal recognition and protection in line with the rulings of the EU Court of Justice.
In his address, Jordens stressed the importance of unity and solidarity in the fight for equality. “The EU must stand together in its commitment to uphold the rights and dignity of all its citizens, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity,” he stated.
The reluctance of the nine member states to sign the declaration has sparked a broader conversation about the state of LGBTQ+ rights in Europe.
Critics argue that the decision of these countries reflects deeper societal and political resistance to LGBTQ+ equality, which may be rooted in traditional values and historical contexts.
In contrast, supporters of the declaration view it as a crucial step toward creating a more inclusive and equitable Europe.
They hope that continued dialogue and pressure from both within and outside these countries will eventually lead to greater acceptance and legal protections for LGBTQ+ individuals.
As the EU continues to grapple with these issues, the declaration and the discussions at the Brussels conference serve as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ rights.
The expectation that more countries will eventually sign the declaration suggests a cautious optimism for the future, emphasizing that progress, while slow, is still possible.
For now, the spotlight remains on the nine abstaining countries, with advocates closely monitoring their next moves and hoping for a shift towards greater inclusivity and equality within the European Union.
This article was created using automation and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our staff editorial members