ROME, MAY 17 – On the International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (IDAHOT), Italian President Sergio Mattarella stressed the importance to “reaffirm the rejection of all forms of discrimination and intolerance and, therefore, assert the centrality of the principle of equality enshrined in our Constitution and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union.”
As affirmed by Mattarella, Italy condemns homophobia and maintains a strong commitment to the respect, protection, and promotion of equal rights for those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or intersexual (LGBTI), reaffirming that everyone has the right to be himself and love whomever they desire.
Mattarella did not mention the new “Legge Zan”, a piece of legislation to combat homophobia and transphobia, still on the agenda of the Italian Parliament and which has caused a split in the Italian government’s majority, with debates lasting weeks. Meanwhile, the world continues to see cases of violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and sexual characteristics. “It is essential that discriminatory laws, policies and practices, including the criminalization of consenting same-sex relationships, are fought all over the world,” the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs warned on its web site.
In collaboration with the European Union, Italy continues its efforts to ensure the full and equitable enjoyment of human rights of the LGBTI community. This issue has been prioritized as part of the EU Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy (2020-2024), with the EU recently adopting the first LGBTIQ Equality Strategy 2020-2025, as have numerous international coalitions, such as the Equal Rights Coalition.
Meanwhile, alarming new stats have emerged regarding the discrimination of LGBT individuals within the time of the COVID-19 Pandemic. According to Gay Help Line, reported cases of blackmailing and threats have increased from 11% to 28% in the past year, while cases of bullying and discrimination at work have increased from 3% to 15%.
“LGBTIQ+ people around the world are targeted by discrimination simply because of who they are. COVID-19 is exacerbating the situation,” UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said. “The United Nations supports human dignity and the rights of all, including those of LGBTIQ+ people. Let us work together for an inclusive world where everyone can live free and equal in dignity and rights, no matter who they are, where they live or whom they love.” (@BrittanyBryantF)
