The theme of this year’s International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia is “Families”. On this occasion, Commissioner Muižnieks gave an interview in which he calls upon all member states of the Council of Europe to provide legal recognition for same-sex partnerships “as a matter of equality”. For too long, the very existence of LGBT families has been disregarded, and their rights unrecognised and denied. The failure to provide such families with equal protection has huge consequences on the daily lives of gay, lesbian and trans people and their children. Urging governments to take resolute action in this area, the Commissioner also stresses the necessity of combating homophobia, prejudices, and stereotypes in education, media and political life.
- For more information on the Commissioner’s work on this topic:
https://www.coe.int/en/web/commissioner/-/access-to-registered-same-sex-partnerships-it-s-a-question-of-equality - Council of Europe IDAHOT 2017 page:
https://www.coe.int/en/web/human-rights-channel/idahot