International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union

Where inequalities and discrimination persist, democracy cannot thrive. Equality is not optional, it is the bedrock of free and resilient societies.

Yet across the world, too many LGBTI persons still face violence, discrimination, hate speech, and stigmatisation and are targeted by disinformation campaigns, simply for being who they are. When the full enjoyment of human rights by LGBTI persons is undermined, participation shrinks, and societies become less inclusive and less democratic.

On the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOT), the EU reaffirms its strong commitment to uphold the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights by LGBTI persons.

We are now witnessing a global pushback against universal human rights. Discrimination is intensifying, including on grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity. 65 countries still criminalise consensual same-sex relations, in clear violation of international human rights law. This must end. The EU urges all states to repeal laws criminalizing consensual same-sex relations and to halt the adoption of new discriminatory legislation targeting LGBTI persons. Every country should take the necessary steps to ensure that people are free to live their lives as they choose, without fear or persecution.

The EU stands firmly against all forms of discrimination. Equality is also enshrined in our founding treaties and related jurisprudence.

While progress has been made in the EU, we are determined to go further. The EU will continue to support LGBTI civil society organisations and human rights defenders, including through sustained and predictable funding. Their work is essential to safeguard democratic values and the rule of law, even as they face growing pressure. The EU will continue to call for strengthened protection of LGBTI human rights defenders, particularly in contexts of shrinking civic space and increasing repression.

Over the next years, the Commission's new LGBTIQ+ Equality strategy, is set to strengthen protection from violence, countering hate and discrimination, including online, expanding space for people to live freely and equally, and mobilising society as a whole to deliver real equality.