Today, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) approved the first-ever resolution explicitly addressing the rights of lesbian, bisexual, and queer (LBQ) women. This marks the first time an international organisation has legally recognised the unique issues and needs of these women, who, in addition to facing gender-based violence and inequalities, also experience discrimination and violence based on sexual orientation.
Beatrice Fresko-Rolfo, Rapporteur of the resolution and General LGBTI Rapporteur at PACE, stated, “This report aims to make the voices of LBQ women heard, to contribute to the visibility of their struggle for equal rights and to ensure that the difficulties they face are dealt with effectively. It has an intersectional and inclusive approach because this is how rights can be effectively protected. We are in 2024, and we should be able to live together in all our diversities, to move forward and to ensure that everyone can form a family if they so wish”.
The report accompanying the resolution condemns lesbophobic policies in certain member states, including LGBTI “propaganda” laws and the Italian government’s decision to revoke the birth certificates of children born to lesbian families. It focuses on lesbophobic violence in all its forms and highlights the impact of discrimination against lesbians in various areas such as employment, housing, healthcare, and family life. Notably, it adopts an intersectional approach, addressing the specific challenges faced by racialised and trans lesbians as well as bisexual women. Crucially, it calls for concrete measures to combat lesbophobia, protect lesbian families, and support LBQ civil society.
Kim Van Sparrentak, a member of the European Parliament and chair of the LGBTI Intergroup, also welcomed this ground-breaking resolution by PACE. “In the European Parliament, despite the rise of the far-right, we will continue to work to ensure that LBTI women do not fall through the cracks and receive the protection, representation and recognition they deserve”, she said.
The resolution denounces the actions of anti-gender movements, particularly those attacking access to sexual and reproductive rights and those attempting to create an artificial conflict between trans women and lesbians. Kate Osborne, Member of PACE and Member of the UK Parliament, stated: “This report is much needed; it highlights the very real discrimination LBQ women face across Europe and focuses on the worrying rise in Lesbophobia and attempts to roll back on our rights. I welcome the report calling on member states to ensure LBQ women have the rights and protections they need and deserve. I particularly welcome the intersectional approach taken, and we must not be distracted by the fabricated conflict between trans women and lesbians, which only serves to divide and undermine the fight for equality within our communities “
“Given the rise of the far-right in many elections this year, this is a huge step in the right direction towards achieving full equality for lesbians in Europe and a real opportunity to advance women’s rights and LGBTI rights,” said Ilaria Todde, Advocacy Director of the EuroCentralAsian Lesbian* Community (EL*C).
The EL*C is a network of lesbian organisations across Europe and Central Asia. It represents over 150 organisations led by and focused on LBQ women and individuals in the region, with activities ranging from political advocacy to community building and regranting.
