Brussels, 14 May 2025
Ahead of the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOT), the PES Group in the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) calls on cities and regions to step up as defenders of LGBTIQ+ rights, equality and dignity, especially in the face of rising hate and ongoing backlash.
Speaking during the CoR’s plenary session, Member of the Parliament of the Brussels-Capital Region and PES Group member Pascal Smet emphasised the power of local and regional governments to drive meaningful change: “Cities and regions must be places where everyone belongs. We need to stand with those who don’t fit the norm and who make our communities richer for it. Pride matters. Now more than ever.”
This year’s IDAHOT comes at a time of renewed urgency and cautious optimism. After years of domestic and European pressure, Poland has officially removed all its so-called “LGBTIQ-free zones”, a symbolic victory for human rights campaigners and local communities that resisted the policy from within and also the European Union as a whole. For the PES Group, this development is a clear reminder that local resistance matters and that solidarity across borders is essential, but also that measures taken at the European level can influence how governments at all levels act on the issue of LGBTIQ rights, like in the case of cohesion policy funds blocked from the Polish "LGBTIQ-free zones" which made several of them take a step back.
“Being queer is not a choice. The only choice is to be yourself and to be happy. Pride is about people who choose exactly that. Love is love. Straight or gay. Pride can look bold, but at its core, it's about being seen and accepted. Celebrating love should feel safe and be welcome.”, said Pascal Smet.
The PES Group is fighting on the ground for equality and non-discrimination, supporting inclusive policies, anti-discrimination education and safe public spaces for LGBTIQ+ people. With Pride events taking place across Europe, the group is calling on progressive local leaders to reaffirm their commitment.
Press contacts:
Vanessa Paget
vanessa.paget@cor.europa.eu
