The rights of intersex people

28.11.2018

Question for oral answer O-000132/2018
to the Council
Rule 128
Claude Moraes
on behalf of the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs

Intersex people are exposed to multiple instances of violence and discrimination in the European Union and these human rights violations remain widely unknown to the general public and policymakers. While intersex individuals are born with physical sex characteristics that do not correspond to current medical or social norms for female or male bodies, many Member States legally require births to be certified and registered as either male or female. Surgery and medical treatments are often performed on intersex children without their prior, personal and full and informed consent, which can have life-long consequences, including psychological trauma and physical impairments.

1.  How does the Council intend to address the human rights violations of intersex people, and ensure their depathologisation?

2.  How does it intend to ensure no one is subjected to non-necessary medical or surgical treatment during infancy or childhood and support the adoption of flexible birth registration procedures?

3.  What steps will it take to enhance the exchange of good practices and promote the adoption of legislation that adequately protects the fundamental rights of intersex people and intersex children – including intersex children with disabilities – and guarantee full protection against discrimination based on sex characteristics?

Tabled: 28.11.2018

Forwarded: 29.11.2018

Deadline for reply: 20.12.2018