23
June
2011

Homophobia, transphobia and discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity in the EU Member States

The European Union (EU) is founded on the values of equality and non-discrimination, and through its policies works to combat discrimination, including discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. This report of the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) twins its research findings in the field with the relevant EU standards in a short and easy-to-read publication designed to equip those who shape policy with the information they need to develop a coherent and systematic approach to the protection of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual (LGBT) rights.

This synthesis report builds on previous FRA legal and social research from 2008 and 2009, enabling, for the first time, a review of legal trends. Its findings show that although the EU and Member States have made significant progress towards the realization of equality that progress is occurring at a variety of speeds, resulting in an uneven and uncoordinated response to discrimination in areas including protection from abuse and violence or freedom of assembly. The report also explores possible options for Member States to combat discrimination moving forward, such as targeted data collection or the promotion of even-handed debates.