The future of the LGBTI List of Actions (2019-2023)

30.1.2019

Question for oral answer O-000006/2019
to the Commission
Rule 128
Malin Björk
on behalf of the GUE/NGL Group
Tanja Fajon, Daniele Viotti
on behalf of the S&D Group
Sophia in 't Veld
on behalf of the ALDE Group
Roberta Metsola, Sirpa Pietikäinen
on behalf of the PPE Group
Terry Reintke
on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

In a resolution adopted on 4 February 2014, the European Parliament called on the Commission to work on a multiannual policy framework to protect the fundamental rights of LGBTI people. In December 2015, the Commission published its list of actions to advance LGBTI equality, on which it has reported annually. These annual reports clearly show the impact the list has had in terms of the effectiveness and visibility of Commission policy actions on LGBTI rights. In order to build on this positive experience and further enhance the Commission’s work on LGBTI rights, it is now crucial to ensure a strong and comprehensive follow-up strategy of the list of actions from 2019 onwards.

LGBTI rights are unevenly protected across the EU. The EU still lacks comprehensive protection against discrimination on the basis of gender identity, sexual orientation or sex characteristics. Same-sex unions are not recognised or protected in all Member States. Sterilisation is a requirement for legal gender recognition in eight Member States, and 18 Member States require a mental health diagnosis. In 21 Member States, sex ‘normalising’ surgery is carried out on intersex children. In the meantime, the list of actions remains limited in focus and commitment; innovative responses of the EU such as the Pillar of Social Rights are not integrated.

– What concrete initiatives and action does the Commission plan to take to further advance LGBTI rights across the EU, including on the freedom of movement of all families in light of the recent Coman and Others case heard by the Court of Justice of the EU (C-673/16)?

– Is the requirement for sterilisation and/or mental health diagnosis for legal gender recognition in some EU Member States in line with the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU, especially in view of the recent ICD-11 revision? Does the Commission plan to take action in that regard?

– How will the Commission work with civil society organisations and the European Parliament to identify strategic areas and develop an LGBTI strategy? How will the Commission ensure that its different DGs cooperate on cross-cutting topics, such as LGBTI rights and health or education?

Tabled: 30.1.2019

Forwarded: 1.2.2019

Deadline for reply: 8.2.2019