The European Parliament,

–  having regard to the term 'homophobia' as defined in encyclopaedias, i.e. 'an irrational fear of or contempt for homosexuality or homosexuals',

–  having regard to Rule 103(2) of its Rules of Procedure,

A.  whereas the principle of non-discrimination is enshrined in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union and is therefore recognised by all Member States,

B.  whereas, according to Article 6 of the Treaty on European Union, 'the Union is founded on the principles of liberty, democracy, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law, principles which are common to the Member States', and 'the Union shall respect fundamental rights',

C.  whereas EU policies defend and promote these principles and the principle of non-discrimination,

D.  whereas EU Member States are democracies which have appropriate legal instruments to deal with law infringements and failure to respect fundamental rights as defined in the Treaties and in their national Constitutions,

1.  Considers it essential to respect, at European as well as at national level, fundamental rights and the principle of non-discrimination in the political, cultural and social spheres;

2.  Maintains that EU democracies are fully able to respect human rights and to ensure that they are respected with appropriate legal instruments, and that, in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity, the Union should take action only in so far as Member States are unable to carry out the proposed action or objective;

3.  Considers that an appropriate non-discrimination policy should not stir irrational fear of or contempt for homosexuality as often happens when actions or cases of intolerance are improperly and incautiously overstressed, thus exposing homosexuality to indiscriminate and inappropriate consideration and judgement;

4.  Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Commission, the Council and the parliaments of the Member States.