“The European Union is witnessing significant differences at a national level regarding LGBTI rights in Europe. The lack of rights and visibility of the LGBTI community in some of member states, and also outside the EU, represents an International and European challenge which requires a comprehensive and united approach.”, says Aurélien Mazuy, President of Rainbow Rose Network.
European Socialists and Democrats are leading the process of achieving full equality for LGBTI people in the European Union. PES Deputy Secretary General Marije Laffeber says: “The position of LGBTI in 2016 is still under a lot of pressure. Discrimination and violence against the LGBTI community should stop. There are many good examples of positive and effective policies, for example like in the Netherlands. We welcome initiatives taken by the commission to give LGBTI rights more priority”.
The conference in Amsterdam will focus on what has been done so far, exchange of good practices and on initiatives, which could to be taken by European Institutions, by PES members and by LGBTI organisations to safeguard full equality for LGBTI people.
The Maltese Minister for Social Dialogue, Consumer Affairs and Civil Liberties – Helena Dalli from the Labour Party in Malta; PES Deputy Secretary General – Marije Laffeber; PvdA International Secretary – Kirsten Meijer and LGBTI activists from 20 different countries all over Europe will be amongst the speakers at the conference.
The event is taking place in the week of Europride in Amsterdam. On 6th of August representatives PES and the PvdA will join the Rainbow Rose and the Dutch Roze Network boat during the Canal parade.
