An increase in anti-LGBT attitudes and misogynistic rhetoric from officials across the globe has sparked concern as the European Union prepares for the forthcoming elections in June.
A detailed analysis released by ILGA- Europe on February 29 reveals a sizable rise in hate speech from lawmakers in 32 Western nations, with 21 of them being Union members.
A worrying trend of hate speech targeted at the gay and transgender community is highlighted by the 13th Annual Review of the Human Rights Situation of LGBTQ People in Europe and Central Asia. A significant portion of these claims are directed at transgender people in various EU member states, including Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Romania, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, and Sweden.
Politicians have increasingly used anti-trans language, frequently using it as a form of fear tactics to stifle access to trans minors’ access to healthcare and education restrictions. Officials argue that restricting knowledge about LGBTQ people is necessary to protect minors in a broader trend.
The report emphasizes the negative effects of attempts to pass stringent laws and political marginalization. These activities have resulted in an increase in suicide rates and mental health issues, particularly among young LGBTQ people. Additionally, the report notes a rise in aggressive demonstrations preventing young people from attending libraries and schools.
The fear-mongering strategies have made LGBTQ people’s struggles even more severe.
Just six of the 54 countries surveyed by the review reported no hate crimes in 2023. Verbal and physical hate crimes, with a focus on transgender people, were common in the remaining 48 countries. Just one state in the EU has reported no hate crimes.
“The very core values and standards on which the EU was founded are being called into question,” said ILGA- Europe Advocacy Director Katrin Hugendubel.
She emphasized that far-right forces are posing a major threat to human rights, particularly those of LGBTQ people. Human rights, the rule of law, and the controversial nature of exploiting LGBTQ rights were highlighted by Hugendubel.
Next week, ILGA- Europe will launch the “Come Out 4 Europe” strategy in response to these troubling trends. Candidates for the European Parliament will have a chance to show their support and commitment to upholding LGBTQ people’s rights through the campaign.
“LGBTQ rights are being attacked, and children are being harmed in the process,” said ILGA- Europe Executive Director Evelyne Paradis.
In order to win the forthcoming European Parliament elections in June, the “Come Out 4 Europe” strategy will demand distinct political commitments from candidates for the forthcoming European Parliament elections in June.
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