Feature
Gay rights fall victim to EU-Russia geopolitics
The EU is becoming more "sensitive" in how it promotes gay rights in former Soviet states. A tactical sacrifice, or ceding ground?
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Keen on wedding invites; the EU can do more for LGBTI equality
The EU should not let itself be blinded by marriage equality confetti; we have a lot of work left to do.
Equality and LGBTI rights
With protection of minorities a cornerstone of EU values, EUobserver looks at developments on the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transexual and intersex (LGBTI) people in Europe.
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News in Brief
- UN climate chief: No such thing as ideal pace for pre-Paris talks
- UK to accept 'thousands more' Syrian refugees
- Talks next week to soothe Northern Ireland tension
- Putin wants new 'coalition to fight terrorism'
- Lithuanian President: We must show solidarity on migration
- ECB signals plan to buy more bonds
- Report: Bulgaria and Hungary turn to Israel for fence technology
- EU to start destroying Mediterranean smugglers' boats
Lithuania grapples with homophobia
Lithuania has recently started discussing its attitudes towards homosexuality, in what remains a novelty for a country ranked as among the most homophobic in the EU.
Kiev pride: A test of EU values
Public opinion in Ukraine is becoming more tolerant, but violence at the Kiev pride shows the road to an open, European society remains long and dangerous.
Opinion
Malta breaks EU taboo on trans-gender rights
One and a half million transgender people in Europe can live better lives if more governments follow Malta's example on recent legislation.
Ireland votes Yes on same-sex marriage
Ireland has voted Yes to same-sex marriage, becoming the first country to enshrine marriage equality in its constitution by popular mandate.
Irish referendum: 'The gayest day in history'?
If the Yes side wins in Friday's referendum, Ireland will be the first country ever to introduce gay marriage by changing its constitution.
Opinion
The illusion of the EU’s commitment to LGBT rights
The discrimination that LGBT citizens experience in the European Union can no longer be overlooked
Slovakia bitterly divided on social issues
Slovakia will hold a referendum on marriage and gay rights this weekend, amid a debate so bitter the country's president has warned of "broken" social relations.
Estonia same-sex law breaks taboo in former Soviet states
Estonia on Thursday became the first former Soviet republic to grant equal rights to same-sex couples, amid a nasty atmosphere.
'Bearded lady' speaks out for gay rights in EU capital
A defiant Conchita Wurst on Wednesday challenged homophobic politicians and governments opposed to same-sex marriage to overcome their fears.
Catalonia passes historic anti-homophobia law
Catalonia’s new anti-homophobe legislation could see offenders fined up to €14,000 for attacks carried out against lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transsexuals (LGTB).
Belgrade gay pride a 'milestone'
Gay people in Serbia held a march in Belgrade on Sunday in what has been described as a “milestone” in the country's history.
Greek MP hurls homophobic insults at Luxembourg PM
A Greek MP has waged a homophobic twitter war on Luxembourg PM Bettel, prompting a backlash on the social media site.
European court strikes down transgender marriage case
A Finnish citizen who wanted the state to recognise her new gender after surgery and remain legally married to a woman at the same time has lost her case at the European Court of Human Rights.
Lesbian MEP victim of acid attack
The European Parliament's lead negotiator for gay rights was the victim of an acid attack at the Vienna gay pride demonstration over the weekend
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Latest News
- Refugee quotas 'unacceptable' for Visegrad states
- EU reform in Ukraine: prosecuting the prosecutor
- Juncker's State of the Union on EU agenda This WEEK
- From Fallujah to Brussels: a perilous route
- Germany, Italy alarmed by EU disunity on migrants
- EU ready to destroy smuggler boats at sea
- Visegrad states meet on refusal of refugee quotas
- Visegrad members must stick together
EP candidate runs on anti-gay ticket
While figures with a history of anti-homosexual discourse freely run as candidates for the European Parliament, gay people remain silent about their sexuality in Romania.
Maltese PM: no such thing as a la carte equality
Malta's Prime Minister has urged EU countries to follow his example on extending protection to LGBTI minorities on the eve of international anti-homophobia day.
Green, left and Liberal MEPs lead way on gay rights
Green, left and Liberal MEPs led the way on gay rights in the outgoing European Parliament, but right-wing populists could hold them back in future.
Hungary and Finland in uphill battle for gay rights
Gay communities in Hungary and Finland are facing uphill battles for equal rights with conservative politicians in both countries imposing barriers.
Transgender and young gay people at greater risk of violence
The EU's agency for fundamental rights says young people are more likely to be victims of homophobic violence than their older peers.
EU ministers urge Reding to do more for gay rights
Fourteen member states have backed a petition urging the European Commission to do more for the rights of sexual minorities, with the last major initiative several years ago.
Opinion
Defending human rights in Georgia
Earlier this month, a small gathering by LGBTI activists was met with a 20,000-strong protest march in Tbilisi. The clashes highlighted the resistance to change in some parts of Georgian society, but they also demonstrated that change is afoot.
Targeted action requires clear plan … LGBTI issues are no different
If you are a lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans or intersex person in the EU, there is a strong chance you have experienced homophobia or even violence at school.
MEPs' Highlights
- Hungary tearing down wall in ’89, putting up wall in 2015 – ALDE MEPs urge Commission to act before border fence is built
- Cynical to see leaders haggling over the number of asylum seekers
- Eva Paunova supports Alliance for YOUth
- Danuta Hübner will chair the AFCO Hearing on The institutional future of the European Union within and beyond the Treaty of Lisbon
- EC proposal on migration Important step to tackle immediate crises, but more needed to solve the root causes
- Clusters form 'the backbone of EU regional policy'