LGBTIQ rights in Europe

Last updated on Wednesday, 12/06/2024

Today in Europe, people who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender/trans or intersex or with any other sexual orientation, such as asexual or pansexual, or with a gender identity such as non-binary and other gender-diverse categories (LGBTIQ) still suffer from discrimination around the world.

The European Union (EU) has been a driver of equality for the LGBTIQ community over the past 25 years and the protection of their rights is a high priority. The European Commission has sought to raise awareness for LGBTIQ rights, with the goal of showing the world that no matter who we love or who we are, everyone should enjoy the same rights. 

This is why the EU has included the protection for LGBTIQ people in key legal documents such as the Amsterdam Treaty (1997), the Charter of Fundamental Rights (2000) and anti-discrimination directives. Financial support is also provided through various programmes such as the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values Programme (CERV).

What’s the situation of the LGBTIQ community in Europe?

In 2024, the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) presented the results of a survey that showed that LGBTIQ people across the EU experience discrimination, harassment, hate speech and violence, to the detriment of the full enjoyment of their fundamental rights. Although the findings of the EU LGBTIQ Survey III show gradual progress it’s still slow. 

 “Being openly LGBTIQ in Europe should not be a struggle. Even though we see signs of progress, bullying, harassment and violence remain constant threats. It is time to act decisively and build on the progress we have made, so everyone in the EU is treated equally and can live with dignity and respect.” Sirpa Rautio, FRA Director, May 2024

Some EU countries are even moving backwards on LGBTIQ rights. Hate speech, as well as acts of homophobic and transphobic violence remain all too common, even in countries with significant progress. Nonetheless, the EU has made progress with the LGTBIQ Equality Strategy 2020-2025 and plans to keep working towards a more equal Europe. The last Eurobarometer shows that more than seven in ten European citizens agree that there is nothing wrong with a sexual relationship between two persons of the same sex, and that marriage of same sex partners should be allowed throughout Europe. That represents an increase of 2% for sexual relationships and of 3% for marriage, as compared with 2019.

The state of play of LGBTIQ rights is also monitored by non-profit organisations such as ILGA-Europe that publishes an annual benchmarking tool called Rainbow Europe, which ranks 49 countries in Europe on their LGBTI equality laws and policies. 

Interested to join LGBTIQ organisations advocating for equal rights? 

Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights protects everyone’s right to express themselves freely. Different civil society organisations are active to defend the rights of the LGBTIQ community and to make sure those principles are respected. Some receive funding from the EU to support their activities. 

Here are some of these European networks., Ccheck their actions and the list of their national members for more information on how to defend your rights and take action:

• International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Intersex Youth and Student Organisation (IGLYO)
• Organisation Intersex International Europe (OII Europe)
• ILGA Europe
• Transgender Europe (TGEU) 

Want to report a discrimination?

According to the LGBTIQ Survey findings, LGBTIQ people often do not report instances of discrimination as they believe nothing will change (49% of respondents).

With homophobic and transphobic being two of the most common types of hate speech, you can make a difference by refusing to tolerate it!

If you are a victim of discrimination, we advise you to contact the national equality body in your country of residence or an organisation that represents the interests of the LGBTIQ community that can either support you and/or direct you to the right support service.