EU PROTECTS LGBTIQ RIGHTS

Brussels released its first-ever strategy for achieving LGBTIQ equality after Hungary unveiled plans to curb LGBTIQ rights.

Euronews reported that as part of its strategy, the Commission plans to extend the list of "EU crimes" to include hate crime and hate speech, including when targeted at LGBTIQ people. It also plans to bring forward a legislative initiative to protect the rights of rainbow families so that their parenthood and same-sex partnership is recognised throughout the union.

The bloc's executive body also plans to strengthen the EU’s engagement on LGBTIQ issues in all its external relations and to uphold the rights of LGBTIQ applicants for international protection.

LGBTIQ stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, non-binary, intersex and queer.

"Everyone should feel free to be who they are – without fear or persecution. This is what Europe is about and this is what we stand for," the EU Commission's Vice-President for Values and Transparency, Vera Jourová, said in a statement.

Commissioner for Equality, Helena Dalli, added: "The EU asserts itself as the example to follow in the fight for diversity and inclusion. Equality and non-discrimination are core values and fundamental rights in the European Union."

At a press conference, Dalli went on to say: "The way we are born is not ideology, it's nature, it's biology, it's science. And despite this, the experience of discrimination against LGBTIQ people in the EU increased in recent years."

Introducing the strategy, Jourova told the press conference that this is "about love."