Progress is not even, attitudes are slow to change, and discrimination against LGBTI people remains deeply embedded in some European societies, warned Secretary General of the Council of Europe Marija Pejčinović Burić on the occasion of the International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia.
While marking the progress achieved in Europe and the wider world – marriage and civil unions, adoptions rights for LGBTI persons, protection in law from workplace discrimination, from hate speech and hate crime - the Secretary General stressed that some people still fear for their lives because of their sexual orientation or their gender identity.
“There are examples of backward steps, too: hostile rhetoric from elected politicians, surges in homophobic and transphobic violence, the proclamation of so-called LGBT-free zones”, she said.
“Better laws and policies are needed, and for these to be adopted and implemented, political will and genuine commitment to equality are indispensable,” Secretary General noted.
“The rainbow arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice,” she concluded.
On the occasion of IDAHOT, the Council if Europe Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić is delivering a message on 18 May 2021 at the launch event of the “2021 IDAHOT+ Forum”, an initiative by the UK and Cyprus. A number of initiatives aimed at promoting rights of LGBTI persons will be carried out by the Council of Europe institutions, as well as field offices in Albania, Montenegro, Serbia, Ukraine and other countries.
Press release
Let the rainbow arc bend towards justice, says Council of Europe Secretary General
