On 16th June, the Social Affairs Council of the EU adopted a set of conclusions on LGBTI equality. The conclusions reaffirm that respect for fundamental rights is a founding principle of the EU, and ask both the European Commission and EU Member States to protect LGBTI people from discrimination, but fall short of recommending substantive policy steps.
Reacting to the conclusions, PES Group President Catiuscia Marini called on the European institutions and Member States to step up the fight for equality. "LGBTI rights are human rights, and we cannot accept that some EU citizens have more human rights than others. We must work together at all levels of government to advance and protect the rights of LGBTI people in all areas, including access to services and family rights".
The Council's conclusions note the progress already made in the area of LGBTI rights, and call for better data collection and measures to raise awareness of LGBTI rights in different areas, including employment, education and health. However, the conclusions also recognise that family law remains a national competence, and ask the Commission to respect this and Member States' "constitutional traditions" when promoting the measures outlined in the Commission's List of Actions to advance LGBTI equality.
"A common European vision is essential in the fight against discrimination", stressed President Marini. "While I am pleased that the Social Affairs Council is engaging with this issue, these conclusions do not go far enough towards seriously engaging EU Member States in the fight to eliminate the discrimination and prejudice faced by LGBTI people in Europe".
