This year, the International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO), which is celebrated on May 17 almost all around the world, got a significant back up by the European institutions and its representatives.
Catherine Ashton, EU high representative in her statement on behalf of the European Union on the International Day Against Homophobia clearly reaffirmed the principle of non-discrimination which requires that human rights apply equally to every human being regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity. The statement continues that "The European Union rejects and condemns any manifestation of homophobia as this
phenomenon is a blatant violation of human dignity. It considers that discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity is incompatible with the basic principles on which the EU is founded, and it is and will remain committed to the prevention and eradication of discrimination based on the six grounds mentioned in Articles 10 and 19 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU, which include sexual orientation."
Herman van Rompuy, the President of the European Council issued a written statement in which he states that "discrimination on the basis of gender and sexual orientation has ceased to constitute a political cleavage, and is enshrined in the EU’s founding act and statement of values. It is something that distinguishes Europe from many other parts of the world. We are inspired by the sense for human dignity and the uniqueness of each person. Everyone deserves equal chances in life."
Thorbjørn Jagland, the Secretary General of the CoE marked the International Day against Homophobia with a call to the Organisation’s 47 member countries to demonstrate political will in the fight against discrimination towards Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender people. "Although homosexuality has been decriminalised throughout Europe, prejudices remain," said the Secretary General. "It is only a constructive debate within societies that will consign discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation or gender identity to the pages of history," he said.
Jerzy Buzek, the president of the European Parliament opened the Strasbourg session of the EP with "This is the sixth time the EU has celebrated International Day against Homophobia", stressing that the EU is opposed to all forms of discrimination, under its Treaty and its Charter on Fundamental Rights. In a video statement he declared: “Homophobia is a clear breach of human dignity that questions fundamental rights; and thus, it must be strongly condemned.”
Viviane Reding, Vice-president of the European Commission and Commissioner for Justice, Fundamental Rights and Citizenship, also issued a statement condemning homophobia as “a blatant violation of human dignity”, “incompatible with the principles on which the EU is founded”.
European Gay & Lesbian Sport Federation (EGLSF) strongly supports and welcomes the statements of the top-level EU leaders from the European Council, the European Parliament and the European Commission addressing and condemning homophobia.