Here is the declaration for the promotion of European policies in favor of LGBTIQ+ communities, signed by 18 EU countries and presented last May 7 on the occasion of the World Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia. The document, sponsored by the Belgian rotating presidency, was disavowed by 9 member states, including Italy: the only Western European country to decide not to add its signature at the bottom of the declaration which binds the member states and the commission European Union, especially in view of the renewal of the EU institutions, to implement concrete actions to safeguard the rights of LGBTIQ+ people
Roccella and Salvini against the “gender” that doesn’t exist
The Italian government refused to join the declaration because – explained the Minister for the Family Eugenia Roccella – it would promote the “denial of male and female identity”. Words also relaunched by deputy prime ministers Matteo Salvini and Antonio Tajani. It is what the executive calls “gender theory”, a controversial thesis coming from conservative circles and completely absent from the document signed by the 18 EU countries. Rather, “gender” is spoken of in some passages dedicated to respecting the “gender identity” of each person. Nothing that undermines the concept of family, as supported, among others, by Salvini.
The premise: “Equality, a fundamental value”
The text of the declaration refers to the principles of non-discrimination present in the European treaties, which – we read – “guarantee respect for human rights for all regardless of differences based on sex, racial or ethnic origin, religion or personal beliefs, disability, age or sexual orientation”. Reference is made to the steps forward made in recent years, such as the approval by the commission of the Equality Strategy 2020-2025. But – it is pointed out – equal rights “is still far from being achieved”. For this reason the document launches an appeal that the efforts made in recent years be continued, so that they remain “a priority on the European agenda”, of the community institutions and of the individual member countries and that the latter support the re-edition of a Commissioner for Equality .
The invitation to Member States: “Offer legal protection and combat conversion practices”
Eleven points that commit the signatories to fill existing gaps within national regulations. Member States are urged to offer “legal protection” to LGBTQI+ people, including the recognition of a “legal status for same-sex couples”. The document also calls for tackling online discrimination, disinformation and the controversial practice of of conversion”, still legal in Italy. The commitment is to stem the growth of “anti-LGBTQ+ movements”, by supporting, on the contrary, the organizations involved in the promotion of rights national legislation, providing more legal protections and avoiding discrimination.
No reference to adoptions and equal marriage
In the text of the declaration there is no explicit reference to individual measures that member countries are called upon to implement. There is more general talk about increasing legal protections, fundamental rights and implementing measures against hatred and discrimination, both online and offline. All principles contained within the Strategy for Equality 2020-2025, to which the document refers several times. No passage, therefore, is specifically dedicated to the adoption or recognition of children born to same-sex couples.
To the EU commission: “Increase monitoring”
It is necessary to carry forward the objectives of the Equality strategy developed by the current commission, guarantee “full implementation” by developing a “new strategy” in view of the renewal of the institutions. The requests aim to protect the steps forward made by the current EU executive. Moreover, a ‘turn to the right’ by the new commission is by no means a given. And then the “new strategy” – we read – will have to contain “appropriate initiatives, targeted actions and policies, as well as clear objectives and indicators to conduct impact assessments, monitor progress and evaluate results”. Again: we are asked to implement current EU regulations, which means “filling the gaps in anti-discrimination legislation” and – it is underlined – continuing to work to “ensure full freedom of movement for all LGBTQI+ people”
