The European Parliament adopted its Annual report on the situation of fundamental rights in the EU. The report assesses how fundamental rights were implemented in the EU in 2016, and what must still be done to reach the standards laid down in the Charter of Fundamental Rights.

This year’s report contains strong content on LGBTI rights, condemning all forms of discrimination against LGBTI people (para. 62).

Particularly, it contains key provisions on the role of education against LGBTI-phobia (para. 60). It also condemns pathologisation of trans people and calls for legal gender recognition procedures that are quick, accessible and transparent (para. 64).

Furthermore, Parliament reiterates the need to fight discrimination against intersex people, especially so-called ‘sex normalising’ surgeries, which are medically unnecessary (para. 66).

The Parliament also called for the adoption of the proposal of the Horizontal Directive, still blocked in the European Council (para. 50). This Directive would protect EU citizens against discrimination based on sexual orientation in all areas of life, including education and provision of goods and services.

An amendment tabled by the Greens and GUE/NGL was adopted by 422-159 majority (45 abstentions), urging the Commission and Member States to guarantee freedom of movement for same-sex couples and their families (see amendment 7) Read more via Intergroup on LGBT Rights