The European Parliament has declared the entire territory of the EU a freedom zone for the LGBTIQ community. This is a response to the rollback of gay rights in Poland and Hungary. In these two countries, local authorities have implemented anti-gay measures.
In Poland, more than one hundred municipalities, regions, and provinces have taken measures against this group of citizens. These primarily involve motions that designate these areas as zones “free from LGBTIQ ideology.” These local governments are thus required to stop encouraging tolerance towards LGBTIQ individuals.
For example, Poland has withdrawn subsidies from organizations that support non-discrimination and equality. According to Members of the European Parliament, such measures are part of a broader Polish campaign to oppose LGBTIQ people. Increasingly, these citizens are becoming victims of discrimination and attacks.
In Poland, hate speech from authorities and public representatives against the rainbow community is on the rise. Among others, the current Polish president expresses disdain towards LGBTIQ individuals. The European Parliament points out that LGBTIQ activists are being arrested and Pride marches are being attacked or canceled.
The European Commission must also do more to protect these citizens, according to the parliamentarians. Various tools can be employed, including infringement procedures and Article 7 of the EU Treaty. The recently adopted regulation protecting the EU budget can also be utilized.
Not only in Poland but also in Hungary, authorities are taking measures against LGBTIQ people. In November 2020, the Hungarian town of Nagykáta adopted a resolution banning the “dissemination and promotion of LGBTIQ propaganda.”
The Hungarian parliament shortly thereafter amended the constitution to curtail the rights of these citizens. Hungary no longer acknowledges the existence of transgender and intersex people, and their right to family life has also been restricted.
LGBTIQ individuals must have the same rights everywhere in the EU to live freely and to express their sexual orientation and gender identity in public, according to the Parliament. Authorities at all levels throughout the EU must protect and promote equality and fundamental rights, including those of LGBTIQ people, the Members of the European Parliament conclude.