Anti-LGBTI rhetoric is on the rise across Europe, according to a report published on Tuesday (15 February) by ILGA-Europe, an advocacy group. At the same time, numbers show public opinion has also shifted positively towards the community, most notably in Hungary.
The increase in violence and hatred has not only been observed in countries with a history of exclusionary laws like Poland or Hungary but also in France and Germany. The latter saw a 39% increase in anti-LGBTI hate crimes during 2021.
The report quantified data comprised of crime reports, opinion polls, and testimonies of community members.
ILGA’s executive director Evelyne Paradis attributes the concerning findings to European politicians who thrive on division and fragmentation.
“It’s creating a divide between so-called traditional values and progressive values,” said Paradis.
According to her, these politicians claim the LGBTI community is harmful to children, and transgender rights activists oppose gender equality. Public opinion, however, does not seem to mirror such discourse.
Almost three-quarters of Hungarians support the right for transgender people to change their name and gender on official documents, while 59% support same-sex marriage, the report showed. This is despite the introduction of legislation last year that banned the portrayal or promotion of gay and transgender people to anyone under 18.
The COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to the dangerous situation for LGBTI people. This marginalised community faced increased domestic violence as many people returned to unaccepting home environments.
NGOs are filling the gaps left by governments to support the community, which has led to burnout within these groups.
“[It] is not a good place to be in if you are up against big political backlash,” said Paradis.
Paradis notes that the work of LGBTI organisations over the years, along with allies to the community, have helped shift public perception. Policies at the EU institutional level have also worked to alleviate systemic oppression.
While she admits that the response “is never enough,” Paradis still believes that the European Commission’s LGBTI Strategy, which aims to promote safety and inclusivity, is a step in the right direction.
“We’ve seen the response from EU institutions to be as explicit and bold as it’s been in over a decade,” said Paradis.
The strategy includes increasing protection against discrimination based on sexuality or gender identity, strengthening laws against hate speech and hate crimes, and protecting rainbow family ties throughout EU countries.
[Edited by Alice Taylor]
Source: euractiv.com
