Ilga Newsletter 1.2002 15.02.2002 0:57 Uhr Seite 1 europe news

Vol. 2, issue 1, February 2002 ilga letter www.ilga-europe.org

European campaign: “I don’ t mind lesbians, BUT…” Photo: Christian Högl Ilga Newsletter 1.2002 15.02.2002 0:57 Uhr Seite 2

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Editorial

Important and crucial advocacy and is ahead of us, both at the EU and national levels. The and Parliament are debating and negotiating a series of Commission proposals in the areas of free movement, immigration and asylum. They are all relevant for LGBT people. ILGA-Europe has prepared the ground for successful advocacy by producing eight position and policy papers on these pro- posals, all drafted by legal expert Mark Bell, and formulating amend- The European Region of the ments in order to guarantee full equality for LGBT people in these International Lesbian and Gay Association areas. Now, positive results will very much depend on persuading the Avenue de Tervueren/ Bank account # 001-3523388-36, governments of the 15 EU member states to adopt and implement Tervurenlaan 94/1 Fortis Bank these proposals without any discrimination on the grounds of sex, sex- B-1040 avenue de Tervueren 124, ual orientation and gender identity. Read more about this important Phone: +32 2 732 54 88 B-1150 Brussels campaign on pages 3 and 4 and visit the section on the EU “area of Fax: +32 2 732 51 64 freedom, security and justice (AFSJ)” at our web-site. [email protected] IBAN BE46 0013 5233 8836 www.ilga-europe.org BIC (SWIFT): GEBA BEBB36A ILGA-Europe is now in its second EU Commission core funding peri- od that started on 1 December and will already end on 30 April 2002. This short period is due to the Commission’s intention to start the Table of contents next contracts with all European networks receiving core funding 2 Editorial under the Community action programme at the same time, i. e. on 1 May 2002. For ILGA-Europe, this arrangement is causing a lot of work 3 ILGA-Europe launches freedom of movement campaign these days, in particular for our treasurer Nigel Warner. He is busy 4 EU justice & home affairs policies concluding the accounts for the last funding period and the financial 4 Citizens’ Assembly 2004 year 2001. At the same time the final report for the last grant had to be 6 IGLYO hearing on LGBT youth written and the application for the next grant had to be finalised, and 7 Violence against lesbians on top of that the interim report for the current grant has already been due. We are definitely looking forward to longer funding periods 9 Romania repeals anti-gay as the current arrangement has also caused cash-flow problems for us. 10 The SOLIDAR alliance 12 Continuing pressure on Egypt Speaking of finances: ILGA-Europe will have to raise 10 % of its budg- 14 Lesbians and gays in the EU institutions et for EU activities and 100 % of all expenditure outside EU activities. 16 Recent activities Therefore, we appeal to all our members, to individuals, to founda- Meeting with EuroFLAG tions and other sponsors and funders to support our work financially Human Rights Discussion Forum and to fundraise for ILGA-Europe. Over the past years, we have seen Religion in international policy making that our successful advocacy work at European level can make the dif- Site 13 conference ference and has positive repercussions in the EU member states and Seminar in the accession countries and beyond. Donating money to ILGA- A common EU immigration policy Europe, therefore, will be a very good investment that certainly will 17 News Clips pay off in a future with less discrimination against LGBT people in European arrest warrant Europe. Arcigay national congress Forthcoming conference in Turin

18 Relevant EU funding opportunities THE EXECUTIVE BOARD

The ILGA-Europe Newsletter This newsletter is is the quarterly newsletter Design & Layout: Christian Högl of ILGA-Europe published with the (www.creativbox.at) support of the Volume 2, issue 1, February 2002 European Commis- Printer: Sofadi, Brussels sion – The Euro- Editors: Kurt Krickler (KK), Next issue: Mai 2002 pean Union against discrimination. The Mette Vadstrup (MV) Deadline: 30 April 2002 information contained in this publication does not necessarily reflect the position Contributors: Mark Bell, Riccardo Gottar- © ILGA-Europe. Reproduction permitted, or opinion of the . di, Constance Ohms, Kris Vanhemelryck, provided that appropriate reference is It is not liable for any use that may be Nigel Warner. made to the source. made of this information. 2 Ilga Newsletter 1.2002 15.02.2002 0:57 Uhr Seite 3

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European Union ILGA-Europe launches freedom of movement campaign

ILGA-Europe is launching a cam- ILGA-Europe has published a On 24 January, paign to gain equality of treat- position paper proposing ILGA-Europe had ment for lesbian, gay, bisexual amendments to the draft Direc- a meeting with and transgender citizens of the tive which would ensure that MEPs Joke European Union and their part- family members were not at risk Swiebel and ners/families in the field of of separation where one partner Michael Cashman immigration and movement needed to move within the (PES) to discuss within the European Union. The Union. These amendments our proposed start point for the campaign was would also result in the recogni- amendments and the publication last year by the tion for immigration purposes of future lobbying European Commission of a draft same-sex partnerships between activities. ILGA- directive completely revising and an EU and non-EU citizen, Europe has also updating the European Union’s where the EU citizen remained in requested a meet- rules covering the right of EU her/his own country. At the ing with the rap- citizens to move between mem- moment approximately half of porteur for the ber states (COM (2001) 257). the existing member states do main Committee not recognise such relationships (the Citizens’ Freedom of movement within for the purposes of immigration. Freedoms and the European Union in one of The Directive will also have to be Rights, Justice and the cornerstones of EU citizen- implemented by the 12 accession Home Affairs ship. Under existing EU law this countries, not one of whom cur- Committee – right has been denied to same- rently recognises same-sex cou- LIBE), Spanish sex partners and their families ples in this situation. So the MEP Ana Palacio (and to some couples where one potential benefits of these (PPE). partner is transgendered) amendments are very great. because it is available only to On the other married couples. Unfortunately, A major Directive such as this is hand, the Direc- the draft directive proposed by extremely rare – the previous tive must be the European Commission goes Directive has been in force since agreed by all the only part of the way to address- the 1960s. So there will probably member states. Freedom of movement within the EU should also ing this problem. It would not be another opportunity to Given the likely be possible for gay and lesbian couples extend the right of free move- bring about these changes for hostility of at least ment to unmarried partners and many years. Therefore, we face an one country their families, but only if “the historic opportunity to bring (Italy), very con- legislation of the host Member about major changes in recogni- siderable pressure will be needed If your organisation wishes to State treats unmarried couples tion of same-sex partners and on other member states if the lobby its government, please as equivalent to married cou- their families for immigration member states as a whole are to e-mail the office (info@ilga- ples”.This is unsatisfactory: first, purposes across a high propor- take up our proposals. europe.org) for lobbying guide- it is unclear how far this would tion of Europe. lines. apply in those countries where ILGA-Europe and its network of there is some form of recogni- The Freedom of Movement main national member organisa- Currently, there are more Com- tion of same-sex partnerships, Directive is subject to “co-deci- tions has therefore together mission proposals in the field of since it is not clear which of sion” by the European Parlia- launched a campaign which free movement, immigration and these (if any) qualify as ment. This means that the Parlia- involves urgent lobbying of asylum on the table. They all are being “equivalent” to marriage. ment has considerable power to national governments, the Euro- relevant for LGBT people. For Secondly, freedom of movement influence the content of the pean Parliament, Commission, more background information would not exist for those coun- Directive, since its agreement is and the Presidency of the Union. and an overview, please read tries where there is no such required to the final text. The A key element of this campaign Mark Bell’s contribution on the recognition of same-sex partner- centre and left of centre political is the timetable of the European following page. (We have already ships. Thirdly, such rights would parties in the Parliament form a Parliament, where a vote in the reported about these develop- not cover those couples majority. They are generally sup- LIBE Committee is scheduled to ments in our August 2001 (whether same-sex or opposite- portive of LGBT rights, so there take place on 19 March 2002, Newsletter, p. 6, and November sex) who do not wish to enter is a real possibility that the Par- with a vote in the Parliament 2001 Newsletter, p. 8.) into marriage or registered part- liament may support our pro- itself scheduled for the second nership. posed amendments. week of April. NIGEL WARNER 3 Ilga Newsletter 1.2002 15.02.2002 0:57 Uhr Seite 4

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Update on one of ILGA-Europe’s current priorities EU justice & home affairs policies

In 1999, the European Council for lesbian, gay, bisexual and and home affairs policies has only entitled to be joined in (EU Heads of State and Govern- transgender persons. First, most been produced (also in French). another state by their “spouse”, ment) meeting in Tampere, Fin- of the legislative proposals con- These are available from the which the Court has interpreted land, agreed to construct an cern the rights of individuals and ILGA-Europe web-site.1 All of as married partners. This is an “Area of Freedom, Security and their family members. ILGA- these proposals are now either opportunity to ensure all legally Justice (AFSJ)”,with 2004 as the Europe has been seeking to pending at the European Parlia- recognised and unmarried part- target date for completion. The ensure that the definition of ment or the EU Council of Min- ners, and their children, are Area should be a European space “family” is inclusive and non-dis- isters. It is essential that national included in the right to free characterised by common poli- criminatory, reflecting the full partners actively lobby national movement – a fundamental cies on issues such as free move- diversity of families in Europe. In governments – in particular the aspect of EU citizenship (see p. ment, immigration and asylum, particular, ILGA-Europe has Ministry of the Interior/Justice – 3). Second, the Commission has as well as enhanced police and opposed the limitation of rights to support the amendments proposed that persecution based judicial co-operation. Important- to married couples. Second, in ILGA-Europe is advocating. For a on sexual orientation is expressly ly, the European Commission the area of asylum, it is vital that general overview of the state of recognised as a ground for the and the European Council have persecution on grounds of sexual play, the Commission produces a award of refugee status. ILGA- both recognised the need for orientation and gender identity biannual “Scoreboard” of Europe welcomes this, but we combating discrimination to be a are explicitly recognised in law, as progress in this policy area. This hope the Parliament will amend central feature of this Area. well as an accommodation of the is available at: the text to include also explicit needs of LGBT asylum applicants http://europa.eu.int/comm/dgs/ recognition of persecution based During 2000-2001, the Commis- and their family members. justice_home/index_en.htm. on gender identity. Future edi- sion produced a wide variety of tions of the Newsletter will con- legislative proposals dealing with To this end, ILGA-Europe has In the coming months, there are tinue to provide updates of the core elements of the AFSJ. produced seven position papers; two legislative proposals of spe- progress in this field. Since summer 2001, ILGA- these are evaluations of individ- cial significance before the Euro- MARK BELL, Europe has been making an ual legislative proposals with sug- pean Parliament. First, there is a UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER active and constructive contribu- gested amendments to reflect proposal for a new Directive gov- tion to the development of these LGBT issues. In addition, a policy erning the rights of EU citizens 1 rules and standards. There are a paper on integrating equality for to move within the European Click on “Campaigns/Activities”,then on “European Union” and then on “Area of Free- number of key issues raised here LGBT persons throughout justice Union. Currently, EU citizens are dom, Security and Justice (AFSJ)”.

Laeken Civil Society Summit Citizens’ Assembly 2004

The Citizens’ Assembly is part of the same time as the Laeken a series of events, which will be Summit in December and was held during each EU presidency organised by the Platform of at least until the next reform of European Social NGOs and the the European Union in 2004. It is Permanent Forum of Civil Soci- based on previous events and ety. The event brought together conferences held during various over 600 delegates – from all EU presidencies, such as the parts of civil society: social, Meeting of Civil Society for a developmental, human rights, Europe of Democracy and Solidar- environmental, together with ity in Nice in December 2000, federalists and trade unionists – which attracted more than 2500 to discuss the future of Europe. participants. The aim of this Citi- Delegates included NGO leaders Citizens’ Assembly panel with Jackie Lewis, Laurette Onkelinx and zens’ Assembly is to give the citi- and activists, local residents, uni- João Proença zens of Europe the opportunity versity students, school children to enter into a constructive and and interested citizens from the construction of a new Euro- shops and plenary sessions. peaceful dialogue with the EU across Europe. “The Assembly pean Union”,says Simon Wilson, While the six plenary sessions institutions and governments to demonstrated that peaceful dia- director of the Social Platform. allowed participants to engage in create a democratic Europe. logue is the way forward and wide-ranging debates with politi- strongly emphasised the impor- The three-day long Assembly cians, focusing on the need to 4 The 2001 Assembly took place at tance of including civil society in consisted of a series of work- find integrated solutions, the Ilga Newsletter 1.2002 15.02.2002 0:57 Uhr Seite 5

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nine workshops provided partici- At the plenary session on the could collect copies of its publi- Ministers at the Laeken Summit. pants with the space and oppor- “Unification of Europe in parallel cations and get more informa- In discussing future relations tunity to share experiences and with the European Conference of tion on ILGA-Europe’s cam- with this Convention, there was a arrange future collaborations. Laeken” Adrian Coman, director paigns and areas of work. strong desire from all NGO sec- of Romania’s gay and lesbian tors to repeat the Assembly in organisation ACCEPT and mem- parallel with future Summits in ILGA-Europe’s participation in ber of the executive board of Assembly conclusions the run-up to the treaty revision the Assembly ILGA-Europe, spoke on the role in 2004. The co-operation of civil society in the accession A delegation of eight civil society between civil society groups in Jackie Lewis, co-chair of ILGA- countries and the co-operation representatives were invited by the framework of this Assembly Europe, together with Yannis with the EU delegations. Belgian Prime Minister and was unprecedented, and “it is Vardakastanis, president of the Council President Guy Verhof- perhaps in this collaboration that European Disability Forum ILGA-Europe also participated in stadt to attend a press conference the most productive long-term (EDF), chaired the second round the preparation and presentation at the end of the Laeken Summit, results of the Assembly will be table of the opening session with of the workshop on “Fighting and presented the results of the felt”,concludes Simon Wilson. prominent speakers including Discrimination”,together with Assembly to Commission Presi- Laurette Onkelinx, Belgian SOLIDAR and other European dent Romano Prodi. For more information on the Deputy Prime Minister and Min- NGOs fighting discrimination on Citizens’ Assembly see the web- ister for Employment. The theme grounds of race, age and disabili- The alliance of NGOs involved in site for the round table was “A ty (see article below). organising the Assembly pressed www.citizensassembly2004.org, Europe for All”,and generated a strongly for the involvement of which is currently in English and debate on whether we are build- Like many other European civil society in the work of the French. ing a Europe for all or excluding NGOs, ILGA-Europe had an Convention on the Future of certain groups. information stand throughout Europe, which was officially METTE VADSTRUP the Assembly where participants established by the Council of

Citizens’ Assembly 2004 The “horizontal approach”

It was first with the adoption of Lobby) and ILGA-Europe. These measures are important for every ward, such as demanding more the Treaty in 1997, organisations are all members of single human being: every person diversity in education material. that non-discrimination was the Social Platform and active in is gendered, every person has dif- included, in the EC Treaty’s new the Platform’s anti-discrimina- ferent abilities, every person has The workshop concluded with a Article 13, as a basic founding tion working group where the a sexual orientation, every person summary of the discussions in principle of the European Union. concept of anti-discrimination has a race (or sometimes many) the three round tables. These The Community action pro- goes beyond the grounds listed and every person has an age…”. generated new ideas and gramme to combat discrimina- inArticle 13. This statement goes to the core approaches in fighting discrimi- tion (2001-2006) is based on this of the horizontal approach and nation at the European level, article and seeks in several ways The aim of the workshop was to opened up the discussions in the which will be further explored in to promote a horizontal inform participants about the second session of the workshop. the Platform working group on approach in the fight against dis- fight against discrimination that anti-discrimination. crimination. One way is to fund takes place at European level and The second part was more inter- so-called transnational projects then look together ahead at the active, separating the participants One of the points made in the in which organisations and insti- new challenges in making further into three discussion groups discussions is that there has been tutions from various EU member use of Article 13 and fighting dis- dealing with the topics: Non-dis- a considerable increase in report- states work together on different crimination. crimination and fundamental ed attacks against Muslims and areas of discrimination and rights at the core of the debate people from Middle Eastern, exchange best practices. The workshop was divided into for the future of Europe, the role South Asian and other minority two parts, the first being an of NGOs and the importance of communities since the events of The preparation of the Citizens’ introduction session of the above building partnership, and possi- 11 September. “This underlines Assembly workshop “Fighting mentioned NGOs and their areas ble new legislative proposal for the necessity for a joint Discrimination” was based on of activities. Here Nico Beger, fighting discrimination. Com- approach. It is crucial that Euro- existing co-operation between member of the executive board mon to all three round tables was pean NGOs work together in the SOLIDAR and other European of ILGA-Europe, emphasised the intense interest participants fight against all forms of intoler- NGOs fighting discrimination: that: “when we talk about anti- showed in debating these topics. ance and discrimination, and to ENAR (European Network discrimination measures we The more than 100 participants, promote the benefits of a diverse Against Racism), EDF (European should not be thinking only ranging from NGO activists to society“, says Jackie Lewis, co- Disability Forum), Eurolink about discriminated minority students, were creative in the chair of ILGA-Europe and mod- AGE, EWL (European Women’s groups. Anti-discrimination ideas and proposals they put for- erator of one of the round tables. 5 Ilga Newsletter 1.2002 15.02.2002 0:57 Uhr Seite 6

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Gay and lesbian youth from EU candidate countries speak out IGLYO hearing on LGBT youth

No EU candidate country should In the last years, IGLYO has on the contrary, it is adding to be allowed to join the European observed a widening gap in the the process of stigmatisation. Miha Lobnik, Union unless legislation discrimi- opportunities for LGBT youth in ❚ In many countries, LGBT youth IGLYO executive nating against lesbians and gays is Central and Eastern Europe com- is not protected from different board member and one of the organisers repealed before accession. This pared to those of their peers in forms of hate speech, many times of the hearing: demand was stressed by the par- Western Europe. There are only also reflected in the media. ticipants of an international hear- some LGBT youth groups in the ❚ Being open about one’s sexual ing on the discrimination of gay countries of Central and Eastern orientation at school can lead to and lesbian youth in the EU Europe (CCEE), including the bullying by schoolmates; young accession countries, held in the Baltic states, and even fewer in lesbians and gays are also often capital of Slovenia on 18 January Central Asia. In the process of victims of police harassment 2002. The hearing was organised political and economic transi- and/or gay-bashing in public by the International Lesbian, Gay, tion, the human rights of LGBT places. Bisexual and Transgender Youth youth are often overlooked ❚ In nearly all candidate coun- Organisation (IGLYO), the Stu- and/or violated. tries being open about one’s sex- ual orientation will cause intoler- ance. When young people become aware of their homosex- ual orientation, they will undergo psychical crisis due to the hostile social environment. “IGLYO wants to ensure that LGBT youth issues are taken The mayor of Ljubljana, Mrs Vik- into account when human torija Potocˇnik welcomed the del- rights are discussed in the EU egates. Secretary of State Alenka accession process. We would Kovsˇca addressed the hearing, as like to encourage young peo- did Tatjana Greif on behalf of ple to take a more active role ILGA-Europe. Tomo Juvan, speak- in the fight against intoler- ing on behalf of the Student ance and discrimination. LGBT organisations need to take the Lesbian and gay youths from many European countries attended the Organisation of the University of responsibility to include hearing in Slovenia Ljubljana, suggested that more young activists and youth student organisations follow the issues in their work. To over- dent Organisation of the Univer- The hearing brought together example of Ljubljana and accept come discrimination against sity of Ljubljana and the Dutch representatives of lesbian and gay LGBT activism as part of their LGBT youth is the task of lesbian and gay organisation youth from the EU candidate student structures. Dennis van der everybody who believes in COC.Around 25 representatives countries Bulgaria, Czech Repub- Veur from COC Nederland equal rights.” from 18 countries participated in lic, Estonia, Latvia, Malta, expressed the hope that, like COC, the event presenting their views Poland, , Slovenia, more LGBT organisations in the several embassies and human and reviewing the laws and prac- Romania, Turkey and the non- West would also start (or contin- rights NGOs attended the hear- tices that discriminate against accession countries Croatia, Rus- ue) to pro-actively support the ing. The event also received exten- LGBT youth. The hearing sia, Yugoslavia and Kyrgyzstan. LGBT movement in the CCEE. sive coverage in the media, stress- received financial support from Most of the young representa- ing that gay and lesbian rights are the Open Society Institute and tives reported a lack of protective A key speaker at the event was an indivisible part of human the Student Organisation of the legislation in their respective Dutch Socialist MEP Joke Swiebel. rights and should therefore be University of Ljubljana. countries and every-day discrim- She assured that the European respected by accession states. inatory practices. Union is committed to fight IGLYO was founded in 1984 to against all forms of discrimination The delegates concluded the respond to the need for better on the basis of sexual orientation, hearing agreeing to continue co-operation among regional, Some examples: stating that “lesbians and gays do developing a common strategy local and national LGBT youth not demand special rights, they for the fight against all forms of and student organisations. It is ❚ In most candidate countries are not some kind of rare species sexual orientation discrimina- an important network and LGBT there is no special legislation that need to be protected. We tion. They made an appeal to the youth rights advocate in the ensuring equal opportunities and demand human rights for all”. governments of the accession European region. IGLYO is also a preventing discrimination countries to repeal all existing major source of information rel- against LGBT youth. Representatives of the Delegation discriminatory laws and provide evant for local youth groups and ❚ The educational system does of the European Commission in new laws to pro-actively protect organisations. not provide for any relevant Slovenia, the negotiation team of lesbian and gay youth from dis- 6 information on homosexuality – the Republic of Slovenia and of crimination. They also called Ilga Newsletter 1.2002 15.02.2002 0:57 Uhr Seite 7

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upon the European institutions “I don’t mind lesbians, BUT ...” to enforce and broaden their existing anti-discrimination poli- cies and not to accept the acces- Violence against lesbians sion of any country that does not respect the basic human rights of lesbian and gay youth. Violence against lesbians is as invisible as lesbians are. Lesbians The IGLYO hearing proved suc- are subsumed either under homo- cessful in gathering participants sexuality/homosexuals or women. from a large number of countries Both categories are too universal and in attracting the attention of to describe the specific social situ- „Ich hab nichts gegen Lesben, the mass media. Joke Swiebel ation of lesbian women in West- said after the hearing that she ern societies. Even more, they are ABER thought the event was a great used to keep lesbians invisible. In meine Tochter soll keine sein!“ Ihre Tochter ist nicht plötzlich ein anderer Mensch, weil sie Frauen liebt. Aber sie ist glücklicher, wenn Eltern success because “it put the gay most European countries homo- diese Gefühle ernst nehmen und zu ihr stehen. Vorurteile verletzen. Vorurteile führen zu Gewalt. rights issue more firmly on the sexuals are not only defined but EU enlargement agenda. In this also recognised as gay men. For respect it was a very appropriate example, the Flemish term follow-up to the hearing held in “holebi” movement equals homo- the in sexuals with gay men, who again KEIN ABER! KEINE GEWALT GEGEN LESBEN. Ihre Meinung ist uns wichtig: www.lesben-gegen-gewalt.de taltung 030- 2 15 2000 – 069 - 21 99 97 31 Brussels in June 2001” (see IE dominate and coin the move- Ges Kontakt: Lesbenberatung Berlin e.V. Anti-Gewalt-Projekt der LIBS e.V. Europäische Kommission Newsletter # 2/01, p. 4). “But ment. Possible differences within Posters like this were displayed in Vienna and several German cities youth groups such as IGLYO gays, lesbians and bisexual people must continue their campaigns are evened out and more or less to get the still existing discrimi- denied. The situation is very simi- women. Violence thus includes German LGBT youth network, natory provision eliminated from lar in : Lesbian women verbal and sexual harassment as Lambda, revealed that in schools the law books”,she added. usually are not present in public well as the denial of access to young gay men experience physi- Swiebel reminded of the youth consciousness. People talk about public spaces, labour market, cal violence and even sexual vio- and student protests of the 1960s “homosexuals and lesbians”,regis- medical resources etc. lence more often than young les- and 1970s that, for example in tered partnership is reflected in bian women. Young lesbians the , were instru- the media as “gay partnership”,1 In 1999 a project was born: “Vio- experience sexual harassment mental in sexual law reform. Dis- and violence is mostly restricted lence against lesbians ”.The proj- and anti-lesbian jokes and in criminatory age of consent pro- to “gay bashing”.Similar problems ect is funded by the European general are not taken serious.3 visions clearly run against the appear in subsuming lesbians Union within the Daphne initia- Research of the University of self-interest of young people, it is under the category of women: By tive and run by the Lesbian Infor- Bielefeld shows that, although an issue that could mobilise virtue of a structural embodied mation and Counselling Service in verbal discrimination is predom- them. For Tatjana Greif, who is heterosexism women are generally Frankfurt/Main, Germany. Co- inant, physical attacks against les- also active in the Slovene lesbian recognised in public as heterosex- operation partners are from Bel- bian children tend to be crueller association SˇKUC LL, the event ual beings. gium, Austria and Great Britain. in the family than in public space was a success because high rank- The idea was to develop a lesbian- (rape, torture, sexual exploita- ing politicians attended the hear- Between 1998 and 2001 three specific concept of prevention and tion). Furthermore, lesbians per- ing: “This is rather surprising for German studies have been pub- intervention and to implement ceive violence as a widespread Slovenia. It seems as if greater lished mapping the amount of aspects of it in the following years. phenomenon – it can happen interest is attached to any issue as violence and discrimination anywhere at any time. Thus their soon as it is linked with the against lesbians: Almost 98 % of awareness might differ from gay European Union and the acces- lesbian women experienced ver- Gays and lesbians: differences men. Gays tend to connect possi- sion process.” bal harassment, 44 % experi- and similarities ble experience of violence with enced sexual attacks, and 24 % certain places, for example cruis- At the IGLYO general assembly, physical attacks – for being les- The first step was to find out more ing areas, and with physical which took place one day after bians (Bielefeld 2000). The fig- about violence specific to lesbians. expressions of violence. the hearing, three new board ures of verbal harassment/mental Our assumptions had been: members were elected: Bogdan violence are four times and those Gays and lesbians experience dif- Stefan (Bulgaria), Konstantin of sexual violence twice higher ferent forms of violence. Women and lesbians: sexism Sudakov (Kyrgyzstan) and Kris than the figures of physical Gays and lesbians perceive vio- and homophobia Vanhemelryck (). attacks (Frankfurt 2001). The lence differently. mentioned research defines vio- Gays and lesbians develop differ- The correlation of sexism and A full report about the hearing lence not according to the penal ent coping strategies.2 homophobia is illustrated by the will be published. For more code but as a tool to establish New research carried out by the following example: It can be information, please contact power and control: Violence is

IGLYO at: [email protected] or defined as a behaviour or struc- 1 Not too long ago a colleague of mine was asked whether two women could also get registered under www.iglyo.org. ture having a negative impact on the new German same-sex partnership law. The person thought it was restricted to men. 2 the spiritual, mental and physical See: C. Ohms/K. Stehling: Violence against lesbians – violence against gay men: Differences and simi- larities. In: 1st European Symposium “Violence against lesbians”,Berlin 2001. KRIS VANHEMELRYCK health/well-being of lesbian 3 Jugendnetzwerk Lambda Berlin-Brandenburg, 2002. 7 Ilga Newsletter 1.2002 15.02.2002 0:57 Uhr Seite 8

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assumed that every fourth girl is situation: on one hand there is I don’t mind lesbians, BUT why The anti-violence project asked sexually exploited. Some of them no public awareness of lesbians, do they have to look like men? by way of questionnaire almost try to cope with it by keeping the on the other hand they do not I don’t mind lesbians, BUT not my 2000 social institutions (family abuse as a secret. Girls might feel appear as visible as other social daughter. care centres, women centres, vic- guilty, even responsible for what minorities. I don’t mind lesbians, BUT chil- tim support organisations, had happened. They are afraid of dren need a father. women shelter houses, hot-lines, speaking about the abuse, some- Invisibility and ignorance can lead I don’t mind lesbians, BUT they youth centres, etc.) and the times caused by threats of the to ridiculous decisions. Substanti- are not normal. police in Austria, Belgium and perpetrator. If they take the risk ating why the higher age of con- I don’t mind lesbians, BUT they Germany about their accessibility and talk about it, there is no sent for male homosexual acts just couldn’t get a man. for lesbians experiencing violence guarantee that people will believe (18) does not apply to lesbian sex Posters with this text were dis- and/or discrimination. Three them. They learn to hate them- (14), the Constitutional Court of played on public transport adver- aspects had been asked for: visi- selves and to mistrust their social Austria, in 1989, argued that it is tising space in Vienna and several bility of lesbians, specific knowl- environment. If a girl then realis- impossible to differentiate German cities. edge of their situation, and atti- es that she feels attracted to other between lesbian sex and mutual tudes of the social workers and girls/young women, she may support in personal hygiene.4 The In Germany the project initiated police officers. 532 question- repeat the same coping strategies, judges repeated the arguments put national meetings of lesbian naires were evaluated. keeping her feelings secret, devel- forward by the legislator when the counselling services and lesbian oping multiple personalities or law was adopted in 1971. Thus, help-lines to exchange experi- The results were appalling – but denying her biological sex. She even homophobes do not ences in providing support for expected. The importance of may even hate herself for her acknowledge female homosexuali- lesbians who were exposed to vio- including psycho-sexual identity feelings or deny them. ty to be as big a “social danger” as lence and/or discrimination. Stan- as a major aspect of describing they consider male homosexuality. dards have been developed to reg- the social situation of lesbians is ister the cases and in this way yet underestimated. A target spe- The anticipation of violence Indeed, it seems as visibility is make research comparable. There cific approach – in this case a les- “punished” with a higher possibil- are only three lesbian counselling bian specific approach – is not According to research, there is a ity of being attacked. But a perpe- services (Munich, Frankfurt/Main, implemented into the discussion phenomenon occurring more trator would attack any woman Berlin), about 40 lesbian help- of violence against social minori- and/or differently with lesbians fitting into his picture of how a lines and some women centres ties. Most institutions feel com- than gay men: the anticipation of lesbian looks like. Therefore, het- offer lesbian counselling. In Aus- petent counselling lesbians but violence. Violence does not nec- erosexual women can be victims tria there is one specific lesbian do not regard their specific back- essarily need to have a physical of homophobic attacks, too. counselling service, Lila Tipp in ground as relevant. expression, the risk of becoming Vienna. In the Netherlands one a victim is enough to change organisation provides counselling Some answers: individual behaviour. In order to Poster campaign for gays and lesbians, Schor- “We do not include lesbians into avoid possible violence lesbians erstichting in Amsterdam. In other our public presentation. We treat tend to not appear in public as In 2001 the anti-violence project European countries, there are no everybody equal, regardless of visible as gay men. They avoid a started a poster campaign chal- support systems specifically their background. Naming their “lesbian appearance” or showing lenging the following prejudices addressed to lesbians. background promotes stigmati- their love. It is a classical catch 22 against lesbians: sation.” (Family centre, Belgium). “We think that lesbian women In good hands?5 use our institution, but we are Violence against lesbians – not sure of. Lesbians do not talk A project supported by the European Commission under the Where can lesbians then find about their identity.” (Family Daphne Programme help and what kind of help do centre, Belgium). they get? Research shows that les- “We only offer counselling for The aim of the project is to make violence against lesbians visi- bians try to find places where victims of crime.” (Victim sup- ble. Recognising violence against lesbians as part of lesbian reality makes it possible to provide adequate support and to they expect a lesser risk of being port, Germany). develop comprehensive strategies and measures to fight vio- again treated in a discriminatory “Only when lesbians have prob- lence. Lesbians represent a social minority and they get attacked or humiliating way, i. e. women lems with their own identity, as representatives of this minority. It is inevitable to include this centres, women hot-lines and, if their environment will have, too.” aspect into any kind of support provided. Establishing a target possible, lesbian counselling serv- (Lesbian police officer, Germany). group specific approach including the psycho-sexual identity ices. In institutions where they “I know the gay scene. It won’t be opens the door for various other social minorities, including consider this risk to be quite different with lesbians.” (Male transgendered people or transsexuals. The forced homogeneity of high, they would not mention heterosexual police officer, Ger- homosexuals has to stop and differences have to be made visi- their psycho-sexual identity.6 many). ble. Communalities and common grounds between gays, trans- gendered people, transsexuals and lesbians or heterosexual and 4 Österreichischer Verfassungsgerichtshof, case G 227/88 + G 2/89. homosexual women need to be based on the acceptance of dif- 5 The research is available in German: Gut aufgehoben? Zur psychosozialen Versorgung lesbischer Frauen ferences. mit Gewalt- und/oder Diskriminierungserfahrungen im europäischen Vergleich. It will be available in English at the end of 2002. Further information about the project is available at: www.lesben- 6 I am very well aware of the criticism regarding the term “identity”.“Identity” in this context refers to how the individual reflects the world and the world is reflecting the individual. Identity never is singu- gegen-gewalt.de, and soon in English at: www.lesbians-against- lar but a “patch work” identity. We are moving within a continuum where the importance of each violence.com. E-mail: [email protected]. aspect can change at any time. 8 7 See: Gut aufgehoben?,above note 5. Ilga Newsletter 1.2002 15.02.2002 0:57 Uhr Seite 9

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“Every woman is welcome, as defines their position in society and Serbia. Building an informa- tic violence.7 Isolation of battered long as she is victim of male vio- and their risk of being attacked. tion pool of (lesbian) experts on lesbians is at high rate, support at lence.” (Women shelter house, These facts need to be incorpo- violence, the impact of violence very low rate. Feminist explana- Germany). rated into counselling and other on health, identity, etc. is essen- tions of domestic violence can- “Other things are more impor- intervention measures. tial to gain more knowledge and not be used to analyse the tant.” (Family centre, Austria). to share it. dynamics of lesbian domestic violence. The anti-violence proj- The knowledge regarding vio- International networks ect will do research in this field lence against gays and lesbians is Perspectives for the future and provide information in a poor. Furthermore, in psycholog- Co-operations are essential for brochure at the end of the year. ical counselling an individual the success of this project. They In 2002 this European project approach is widespread. It are built upon several strands: will focus on a big taboo: domes- In 2003 the 2nd European Con- regards the experience of vio- lobbying, networking with les- tic violence. The research men- ference on Violence against Les- lence as a single incidence an bian organisations in European tioned shows that lesbians who bians will take place in Germany. individual has to cope with. Mat- countries, training of social insti- are victims of domestic violence The documentation will be pub- ter of fact is, that lesbians as well tutions and the search for cannot use women shelter houses lished in German and English. as gay men, migrants or women, experts. without either hiding the sex of are not attacked as individuals the perpetrator or taking the risk CONSTANCE OHMS, but because they represent a The exchange with other lesbian of being mistreated once more. FRANKFURT AM MAIN social “minority”.It is this repre- organisations is fruitful and The results from Belgium even sentative function that makes the empowering. Networks have demonstrate that a lot of lesbians difference. And it is exactly this been built up with lesbian organ- who use shelters for homeless representative impact that isations in England, France, Italy people try to escape from domes-

EU Enlargement Romania repeals anti-gay law

In December 2001, the Romanian ment, moreover, fully approved in its history. doubting the seriousness of the Parliament finally abolished the and enacted a government ordi- European Union’s insistence on notorious anti-homosexual pro- nance, issued in August 2000, on Pressure from the European lesbian, gay and bisexual rights in vision of the penal code, Article the prevention and punishing of Union was certainly an important the context of Enlargement. 200. It provided for a discrimina- all forms of discrimination, contributor to this final develop- Cyprus, Hungary and Bulgaria tory age of consent, a discrimina- including discrimination on the ment. Indeed, as recently as Sep- must recognise that their mem- tory definition of what could grounds of sexual orientation. tember 2001 the European Parlia- bership of the European Union constitute a “public scandal” in ment had again called on Roma- will be refused unless they with- case of same-sex relations, and ILGA-Europe issued a press nia to repeal Article 200 as a step draw their discriminatory laws.” limitations to the rights of free- release on 2 February 2002 wel- towards membership of the Euro- dom of association and expres- coming this historic step that pean Union (see Newsletter # But there is another aspect sion of lesbians, gays and bisexu- brought to an end more than ten 3/01, p. 9). emphasised by co-chair Kurt als. The definite repeal has only years of campaigning, led for Krickler in ILGA-Europe’s media become known after its publica- much of this period by Romania’s And also the EU Commission in release. He pointed out to a seri- tion in the Official Journal of national organisation for lesbian, its 2001 Regular Report on ous credibility problem for the Romania on 31 January. Both the gay, bisexual and transgendered Progress towards Accession pub- EU: “These developments high- Chamber of Deputies and the persons, ACCEPT. ILGA-Europe lished on 13 November 2001 had light yet again the shameful dou- Senate kept completely quiet board member Tatjana Greif made once again reference to ble standards operated by those before and after their vote on 18 from Slovenia commented: “This Article 200 as a matter of con- EU member states, Austria, and 20 December respectively. is a great moment for Romania’s cern.For the first time, the Com- Greece, Ireland, Portugal and the Parliament obviously wanted to lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans- mission has also made reference UK, which still maintain discrim- avoid provoking any further gendered community. ACCEPT to anti-homosexual legislation in inatory laws. If Romania, a rela- opposition, in particular from the has fought a determined and its reports on Bulgaria, Hungary tive newcomer to democracy and orthodox Church. By these votes, courageous battle for the repeal and Cyprus, now the only acces- human rights, can conform to Parliament endorsed the suspen- of Article 200, in the face of sion countries left with discrimi- Europe’s human rights standards, sion of Article 200 already intense homophobia, and their natory criminal law provisions.1 what is stopping these countries?” decreed by government ordi- example is a very positive one for This “first” is certainly to a great nance in June 2001, which had LGBT communities everywhere.” extent due to ILGA-Europe’s lob- KURT KRICKLER the immediate effect that Article Also for ILGA, the campaign for bying efforts and the EP hearing

200 could not be used in the law reform in Romania – the held in June last year (see 1 The 2001 reports for all 12 accession coun- courts any longer. total ban on male and female Newsletter # 2/01, p. 4). ILGA- tries are available at: http://europa.eu.int/ homosexuality was only lifted in Europe board member Nigel comm/enlargement/report2001/ (scroll to the bottom of the page to find the On the same occasion, the Parlia- 1996 – was the largest and longest Warner comments: “There is no links to each country report). 9 Ilga Newsletter 1.2002 15.02.2002 0:57 Uhr Seite 10

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Since March 1998, ILGA-Europe has of the ILGA-Europe office in Brussels, been a member of the Platform of Euro- co-operation with the Platform and its pean Social NGOs. Through this net- members has even increased. In this work, we participate in many relevant section we present our partners and activities at EU level, and with various some of the joint projects. In the last Platform members we work together on issue (p. 14), we introduced the Social specific issues. After the establishment Platform, this time it is SOLIDAR’s turn.

NGO co-operation at EU level The SOLIDAR alliance

SOLIDAR is an independent involved in activities both related European project lagged behind enough. It had been selected under international alliance of NGOs to the European Union as well as economic and trade concerns. the preparatory measures aimed at involved in social service provi- international trade, development The budgetary constraints put in combating and preventing dis- sion, international co-operation, and humanitarian aid. The main place to facilitate the introduc- crimination in accordance with humanitarian aid and life-long areas of SOLIDAR’s activities are: tion of the Euro meant that we Article 13, financially supported learning. They are historically saw unemployment and poverty by the European Commission. linked to the free and democratic ❚ Promoting workers’ rights in a levels increase to record highs”, labour and trade union move- global economy comments Giampiero Alhadeff, “The idea was to bring together ment. SOLIDAR has 25 members ❚ Citizens’ Europe: involving peo- secretary-general of SOLIDAR some of our members that have in 15 European countries, 6 affil- ple in building a social Europe and president of the Social Plat- direct experience with providing iated members and 1 observer. ❚ Building respect for migrant form. “We have made progress. services and a group of European domestic workers – a European The Amsterdam Treaty gave us NGOs with the expertise in the SOLIDAR and its member agen- campaign new instruments to fight unem- different fields of discrimina- cies are united in their beliefs ❚ Exchange of good practices ployment, social exclusion and tion”,explains Roshan Di Puppo, that social, economic, civil, polit- between NGOs in fighting dis- discrimination. And then last SOLIDAR’s anti-discrimination ical, and cultural human rights crimination year we welcomed the introduc- officer. Status quo is not enough are indivisible and affirm that ❚ Co-ordination, training and tion of the Charter of Funda- brought together five SOLIDAR equity can best be achieved capacity building in humanitari- mental Rights. All of these are members: four large social serv- through solidarity. As an interna- an aid for the SOLIDAR net- real achievements. However, it ice providers in different EU tional association SOLIDAR is work. takes time from Treaty change to countries (Arbeiterwohlfahrt- making a real difference to the Bundesverband, Germany; Volks- The Silver Rose Awards To raise public lives of women and men. In the hilfe, Austria; La ligue française de awareness for the meantime we must work togeth- l’enseignement et de l’éducation for Social Justice fight for social er to make sure that the fight permanente, France; and Lega The SOLIDAR Silver Rose justice and for against discrimination becomes a Provinciale Cooperative Bolzano, Awards aim to celebrate the those fighting reality.” Italy) and a trade union (UNI- achievements of individuals social injustice SON, UK). “We set out as main and organisations throughout both in Europe objective to examine together the world who have made an and international- ILGA-Europe’s co-operation with our members the best prac- outstanding contribution to ly, SOLIDAR with SOLIDAR tices for non-discriminatory social justice. launched, in 2000, access to services provided by SOLIDAR are now seeking the Silver Rose Since December 2000, ILGA- NGOs in co-operation with three nominations for the Silver Awards for Social Europe, together with other European NGOs: ENAR, the Rose Awards for 2002. There Justice, which are European NGOs, had been par- European Network Against will be two awards – one will presented each ticipating in an anti-discrimina- Racism, Eurolink AGE and be given to an organisation year in Brussels. tion project co-ordinated by ILGA-Europe”,says Roshan. or individual working within SOLIDAR (see also Newsletter # the European Union and one SOLIDAR is also 1/01, p. 7, and # 2/01, p. 10). A series of meetings, each organ- will be given to an organisation or individual a member of the Through this work, which also ised by one of these SOLIDAR working in any country outside the European Social Platform involved four SOLIDAR mem- members in its respective coun- Union. If you know an individual or organisa- and has played an bers at national level, ILGA- try, examined the glass walls that tion deserving this award, please fill in a important role in Europe was able to help promote inhibit equal access to services nomination form (available at the Silver Rose Award section of the SOLIDAR web-site at the Platform’s diversity in particular in the area provided by the voluntary sector. www.solidar.org) and return it by 30 June development, in of social service provision. The aim was to improve the 2002 to: particular in the expertise of the voluntary sector area of social pol- The title of the project was Non- on how to better address the Silver Rose Award 2002, SOLIDAR, Rue du icy and civil dia- discriminatory access to services needs of elderly people, gays and Commerce 22, B-1000 Brussels. logue. “Until provided by the voluntary sector: lesbians, people with disabilities, Tel: +32-2-500 1020; fax: +32-2-500 1030; [email protected]. recently the social Promoting best practice, but it is and ethnic and religious minori- 10 dimension of the also referred to as Status quo is not ties. Ilga Newsletter 1.2002 15.02.2002 0:57 Uhr Seite 11

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ake posi ive ac ion The main outcome of the project is a “Guide to good practice on a non-discriminatory access to

services provided by NGOs”.The How can we take positive action? Organisations should take steps to increase the complement of staff from guide is the result of these five under-represented groups, such as people from ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, older people and gay, lesbian and transgender people. Even if there is no legal obligation to address this issue, equality targets should be set seminars held in Brussels, in order to achieve or maintain credibility as anti-discriminatory Bolzano, Vienna, Bonn and Paris, organisations. Where is positive action already being taken? Public institutions have used positive action for many years to promote which amongst others developed women. They check areas where women are under-represented, and decide that, at the same level of competence, women will be preferred to men. In some a questionnaire to learn about EU Member States, companies of a certain size have to employ a quota of disabled persons or pay a fine. We should make sure that service providers always respect these quotas. Similar schemes are not yet in force for other the experiences and the anti-dis- vulnerable groups - for instance, ethnic minorities are often found doing low- income jobs in social welfare organisations. crimination policies of the organisations involved. On the basis of the answers to this ques- tionnaire and 30 interviews with people working in the SOLIDAR member organisations, the guide sets out 17 recommendations for good practice. “The idea devel- oped with this guide is for NGO The Guide 8. Take positive action service providers to work both 9. Take symbolic action internally and externally for the Guide of good practice on a non-discriminatory 10. Promote workers’ rights promotion of diversity on the access to services provided by NGOs – basis of a clear mission state- 17 recommendations: EXTERNAL MEASURES – SAY WHAT YOU DO! ment”,explains Roshan, adding 11. Empower people that “later this year we will also SAY IT AND DO IT! 12. Use marketing tools to fight discrimination publish ‘Test your organisation’, 1. Develop a clear mission statement 13. Provide the right services an online questionnaire for indi- 14. Evaluate yourself viduals to check if their organisa- INTERNAL MEASURES – DO WHAT YOU SAY! 15. Educate against discrimination tion is free from discrimination”. 2. Create guiding principles to define your role 3. Make sure your employees know your mission 16. Raise awareness and lobby 17. Balance ethics and commerce When asked about the co-opera- statement and guiding principles tion with ILGA-Europe, 4. Train staff to work in a diverse environment To get a copy of the guide contact: Giampiero Alhadeff adds: “SOLI- 5. Train workers’ council SOLIDAR, Rue du Commerce 22, B-1000 Brussels; DAR has been proud to be able 6. Develop a transparent recruitment procedure phone: +32-2-500 1020; fax +32-2-500 1030; to collaborate with ILGA-Europe. 7. Develop a transparent workforce development [email protected]; www.solidar.org The work of ILGA-Europe is strategy making a great difference both because of the quality of its discrimination out of our public European NGOs and, in addi- in developing the guide to good information and lobbying and and private spaces”. tion, be joined by the European practice and concentrate on because of ILGA-Europe’s ability Women’s Lobby (EWL). building capacity inside the social to build alliances with all those service providers in order to who are committed to a Europe Who is the driver? “Welfare organisations do play, effectively fight discrimination in where all of us have a place irre- because of their social mission, a the access to services and to pro- spective of our colour, religion, There may indeed be soon an key role in fighting discrimina- mote diversity. ethnicity, sexual orientation, dis- opportunity to continue these tion. SOLIDAR believes that ability or gender.” The added joint efforts. SOLIDAR is apply- access to services can only be In the preparatory phase 1, the value of working together across ing to receive funding for a fol- fully secured if the service project partners have developed a different fields of discrimination low-up project called “Who is the provider has undertaken to struc- work programme, which will be is in itself also an educating driver? Building capacity in fight- ture and build-in the concept of submitted to the European Com- process for all, and Giampiero ing discrimination in NGO serv- diversity, both inside and outside mission at the end of March adds: “We have seen that for ice providers”.The project was the organisation. Too often this 2002. If the project is selected for many of our fellow citizens dis- pre-selected for phase 1 under wide and complex task is not Community funding in phase 2, crimination on the grounds of the Community action pro- entrusted to one person in partic- the project partners will start to sexual orientation is unfortu- gramme’s call for transnational ular, and organisations assume implement their work pro- nately still one of the big hurdles projects (see Newsletter # 3/01, that the goodwill of employees is gramme over a two-year period to cross. We will need to contin- p. 11). If eventually selected, the sufficient”,says Roshan. The proj- starting in September 2002. ue our joint efforts to campaign new project will involve again the ect will therefore be based on the and educate to drive this type of same SOLIDAR members and work that has already been done MV 11 Ilga Newsletter 1.2002 15.02.2002 0:57 Uhr Seite 12

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EU and human rights in third countries Continuing pressure on Egypt

In the August Newsletter (p. 11) information about the initiatives we reported about ILGA- they will undertake to solve Europe’s actions regarding the important human rights ques- prosecution of 52 allegedly gay tions, such as laws restricting the men in Egypt. This was followed building of churches and the up in the November Newsletter poor protection of Christians, (p. 16), which, however, had the persecution of intellectuals gone to the printer before the and homosexuals. Court in Cairo handed down the sentences on 14 November When we learned that the 2001. Now we can inform that motion was defeated and the EP ILGA-Europe issued a press would proceed with the debate release on the day of the verdict and the vote, we carried out a fax protesting against the convic- campaign requesting MEPs to tion of 23 of the men on trial vote against the approval of the and encouraging our members agreement “because Egypt is and others to take action. ILGA- manifestly failing to honour its Europe also continued its own human rights obligations”.How- activities in this matter. ever, on 29 November, the EP approved the agreement with a Firstly, we sent another letter to great majority (429 against 11 Commissioner Chris Patten, who and 58 abstentions; EP Doc. A5- is responsible for External Affairs 0387/2001). Due to procedural including the Mediterranean constraints, the EP cannot make Area Development Programme, any changes to agreement. It can questioning the financial alloca- only agree to it or refuse it. The tion and the EU support to co- EP obviously considered it to be operation programmes with The prosecution of 53 alledgedly gay men in Egypt led to protests all more expedient to say yes to the Egypt. In a letter dated 8 January over the world agreement and use it as a tool for 2002, a member of his Cabinet, further democratisation in Egypt. Miriam González-Durantez, ed: “There is a clear contradic- November, MEP Elmar Brok However, in order to highlight informed us that the “EU, tion between the severity of the (PPE/D) submitted, on behalf of the various issues of concern, through the appropriate chan- verdicts pronounced by an the Committee on Foreign including the arrest and convic- nels, has made its concerns Egyptian State Emergency Court Affairs, Human Rights, Common tion of allegedly gay men, the EP known and will certainly con- against the 23 people of this Security and Defence Policy, an adopted another resolution on tinue to follow events”.She group and our approach of oral question (O-0103/01) to the the same day (B5-0740/2001; for explained the position of the EU human rights. Therefore, the Council requesting the following the full text see box on the next by stating: “We believe that the European Union immediately clarification: “In what way does page). EU should continue supporting decided to carry out a démarche the Council propose to monitor the programmes that contribute with the Egyptian authorities.” the fate of Egyptian citizens As a reaction to these two resolu- to Egypt’s social and economic And Michel continues: “The EU arrested on account of their sex- tions, ILGA-Europe issued a development, and to develop a appeals to clemency and the ual orientation and take progres- media release emphasising that close partnership based on the presidential pardon and is deter- sive and proportionate measures the human rights clause in the Barcelona Declaration and the mined to keep a close eye on the to ensure respect for their funda- agreement must be used to fur- recently signed Association evolution of this case.” mental rights, in accordance with ther encourage Egypt to comply Agreement which cover explicitly international human rights legis- with its human rights obliga- human rights. One of the aims of Thirdly, we followed the debate lation?” tions. ILGA-Europe urged “all EU the relationship is indeed to and approval of the Association institutions to closely monitor allow both sides to build on areas Agreement between the Euro- In the run-up to the vote in the developments in Egypt and insist of common interest, and to dis- pean Union and Egypt in the EP, a group of 32 members, led that human rights abuses as cuss, and hopefully resolve, areas European Parliament. On 8 by Marco Cappato and Olivier described come to an end and of concern such as the one you Dupuis (Lista Bonino/Italy), the convicted men be pardoned raise.” expressed serious concerns and and released from prison”. Web info tabled a motion to delay the Secondly, we sent a similar letter Further information available debate and the voting of the And the European Parliament to the President of the EU For- at: www.gayegypt.com Association Agreement. This continued to keep up the pres- eign Affairs Council, Belgian www.iglhrc.org should allow the Egyptian sure on Egypt in various ways. minister Louis Michel. In a letter web.amnesty.org authorities to provide the Parlia- By 12 February 2002, 127 MEPs 12 dated 20 December 2001, he stat- ment with further and complete of all political groups signed the Ilga Newsletter 1.2002 15.02.2002 0:57 Uhr Seite 13

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appeal to the President of the Republic of Egypt, Hosni European Parliament resolution Mubarak, for the release of the on the conclusion of an Association Agreement with Egypt (B5-0740/2001) 23 Egyptian citizens condemned to prison sentences between 2 The European Parliament, People’s Assembly of Egypt as a conflict; and 5 years. The appeal, ❚ having regard to the proposal way of ensuring scrutiny of the 4. Regrets the fact that the text launched by French artist Jean for a Council and Commission implementation of the Associa- of the agreement does not make Michel Jarre and signed by more decision (COM(2001) 184), tion Agreement is inadequate, a more explicit reference to than 6000 persons from all over ❚ having regard to the draft E. whereas, despite substantial relations between the European the world, including Catherine Euro-Mediterranean Association efforts, progress still needs to Parliament and the People’s Deneuve, Bernard Henri-Lévy, Agreement between the Euro- be made in the Arab Republic of Assembly of Egypt; Charlotte Rampling, Juliette pean Community and its Member Egypt with regard to human 5. Calls on the Egyptian authori- Binoche, Jean Réno, Frédéric States and the Arab Republic of rights, freedom of expression ties to continue and step up Mitterrand, Anthony Delon and Egypt, and freedom of religious con- their efforts to ensure greater Isabelle Giordano, had been dif- ❚ having regard to its assent of science, these being areas in respect for fundamental rights fused in the European Parlia- 29 November 2001 to the pro- which civil society has a major and for the freedom of all faiths, ment on the initiative of MEPs posal for a Council decision role to play, and to enhance the ongoing dia- Cappato and Dupuis and of concerning the conclusion of a F. Expresses its regret concern- logue with civil society; Ottavio Marzocchi, member of Euro-Mediterranean Association ing certain paragraphs of the 6. Expresses deep concern at the political board of the Agreement between the Euro- letter from the President of the the arrest, detention and trial of Transnational Radical Party. In pean Communities and their People’s Assembly of the Arab 52 men on grounds relating to the letter sent to their colleagues, Member States, of the one part, Republic of Egypt on this resolu- their homosexuality and calls and co-signed by Michael Cash- and the Arab Republic of Egypt, tion; upon the authorities to free the man, Joke Swiebel, Gianni Vatti- of the other part (8220/2001 – G. whereas efforts should be 23 men given custodial sen- mo (PES), John Bowis (PPE), COM(2001) 184 – C5-0381/ made to develop and consoli- tences as a matter of urgency; Sarah Ludford (ELDR), Alima 2001 – 2001/0092(AVC)), date a strong civil society 7. Calls on the Egyptian Parlia- Boumédiene-Thiery (V), A. having regard to the Euro- which, through its action, could ment to abolish the death penal- Pernille Frahm (GUE), the Radi- pean Union’s long-standing spe- play an effective role in the ty; cal MEPs underlined the impor- cial political, economic and cul- process of democratisation in 8. Calls on the Council and the tance of exerting political pres- tural relations with the Arab Egypt and support the values Commission to devise practical sure on President Mubarak at Republic of Egypt, upon which the Euro-Mediter- arrangements for regular European level in order to con- B. having regard to Egypt’s cru- ranean partnership is based, assessments of compliance with vince him to pardon the 23 men cial Middle East role in the Article 3 by all contracting par- in jail. Israeli-Palestinian conflict with 1. Welcomes the conclusion of ties to the Euro-Mediterranean regard to both the peace a draft agreement by the Coun- Association Agreement, with a On 31 January, Michael Cashman process and stabilisation of the cil and the beneficial conse- view to bringing about verifiable sent a letter to the Egyptian region, quences, both economic and progress with regard, in particu- ambassador to Belgium, co- C. having regard to the agree- political, that such an agree- lar, to regular and impartial signed by 30 MEPs: “We are dis- ment’s potential effects, and in ment must have for relations monitoring of developments in mayed yet not deterred to learn particular its role both as an between the two parties; the field of human rights and the that not only is Egypt as yet not instrument driving forward polit- 2. Points out that respect for extent to which human rights prepared to go back on its ical partnership and closer rela- human rights constitutes a vital activists are free to act and actions against the 23 still serving tions between the European component of the Association speak out in defence of the hard labour, it is even allowing Union and the Arab Republic of Agreement; rights of others; further abuses to occur. We refer Egypt, and as a force for social, 3. Stresses the need to recog- 9. Instructs its President to for- specifically to the arrest of four economic and cultural develop- nise the ability of the Arab ward this resolution to the Com- homosexuals on similar charges ment, in a climate of mutual Republic of Egypt to play a part mission, the Council and the by the Central Vice Squad in respect, in stabilising the Middle East Government and People’s Giza, a suburb of Cairo, the very D. whereas the reference made region, and to involve it even Assembly of Egypt. day after the sentencing of the 23 to political dialogue between more than in the past in the res- presumed homosexuals.” The the European Parliament and the olution of the Israeli-Palestinian members of the European Parlia- ment ask that both the ambassa- dor and President Mubarak lesbian centre in Antwerp. The Court was possible. During his It certainly is necessary to keep respond to these concerns. Cash- ambassador declared that an visit in Antwerp the ambassador up the pressure on Egypt both man moreover invited the Egyptian court would consider also explained that Egyptian law from European and national ambassador to a meeting in the the appeal of the 23 convicted does not mention homosexuali- organisations and politicians. In Parliament to discuss the issues men in March as they have all ty: “The 23 men were convicted January, another case had been with MEPs. made use of the possibility to because of lewdness and con- reported: Eight men were arrest- appeal against their sentences. tempt of religion.” This was the ed for the “practice of debauch- On 4 February, Egyptian ambas- This piece of information con- same justification that the presi- ery” in Damanhour, capital of sador Soliman Awaad visited – flicts with previous information dent of the Egyptian Parliament the province of Al-Beheira. not the European Parliament but that no appeal against the deci- gave in a letter to the European – “Het Roze Huis”,the gay and sions of the State Emergency Parliament. MV 13 Ilga Newsletter 1.2002 15.02.2002 0:57 Uhr Seite 14

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No equal rights yet: Lesbians and gays in the EU institutions

In the disappointing ruling of the on equal terms). In several inter- grant some rights to heterosexu- their status as non-marital part- European Court of Justice in the national organisations (e. g. the als living in a domestic partner- ners. Secondly, neither partner case D & Sweden v Council (see European Central Bank) and in ship, such as health insurance for may be married or in another Newsletter # 2/01, pp. 13-14) the many private companies employ- their partners. This is progress, non-marital partnership. Thirdly, Court found that registered part- ees with a same-sex partner but I would like to know if this there must be no blood relation- nership is not equivalent to mar- could obtain the same rights as would also to apply to cohabiting ship in the first or second line riage. The Court also clearly stat- employees with an opposite-sex homosexuals in all member between the partners. Fourthly, ed that it is for the legislators to that the couple must not have adopt appropriate measures to The Commission was asked how it will ensure access to legal marriage in a alter the situation of same-sex that a homosexual employee and her/his permanent member state.” couples. In our August Newsletter we reported about the corre- partner will be granted equal entitlements According to the Commission, spondence between MEP Torben people in recognised stable rela- Lund (PES/DK) and Commis- partner in fields such as health states. Will for example British or tionships, who would meet the sioner Neil Kinnock, responsible insurance, family allowance and Italian cohabiting homosexuals requirement set out above, would for Internal Affairs, on the survivor’s pensions, simply by be able to obtain these limited be entitled to family related ben- reform of the Staff Regulations of presenting a statement of cohabi- rights?”1 efits which, under the current the European institutions. tation. The Commission was Staff Regulations, are only avail- asked how it will ensure that a Commissioner Kinnock empha- homosexual employee and sised in his reply that the Com- her/his permanent partner will mission would seek to modernise be granted equal entitlements, the Regulations in order to reflect not only to health insurance and the wide-ranging social change family allowance, but also to a that has occurred since the adop- survivor’s pension, which are tion of the current Staff Regula- important elements in the salary. tions in 1968. Kinnock said in his The MEPs reminded the Com- detailed reply: “The Commission mission that the question of therefore proposes to ensure that cohabitating partners is not only staff who do not have access to a matter for same-sex partners marriage under the current but also for opposite-sex part- national legislation are not dis- ners, and asked in addition if the criminated against and to pro- Torben Lund (PES/DK) and a Kinnock stated that „the Commission can confirm that it vide improved treatment for peo- group of 32 other MEPs ini- Commission seeks to provide tiated a plenary debate with will assign couples of the oppo- ple who, for personal reasons, full statutory recognition for Commissioner Kinnock in site-sex the same rights as their choose not to be legally married. all EU staff who are in part- the European Parliament in married colleagues. To achieve this, the Commission nerships that are shown to December 2001 seeks to provide full statutory be stable in nature“ Torben Lund opened the debate recognition and commensurate in the Parliament by referring benefits for all EU staff who are In the light of this ruling, a directly to the current version of in partnerships that are shown to able to heterosexual married group of 33 MEPs initiated a ple- the proposal for reforming the be stable in nature”.And he couples and same-sex couples nary debate with Kinnock in the Staff Regulations according to added that “the Commission married under Dutch law. The European Parliament on 13 which homosexuals can obtain accords equal recognition to all entitlements include household December 2001, who is currently equal rights if there is registered existing national regimes which allowance, health insurance cov- preparing the reform of the per- partnership legislation in their make provision for stable part- erage, survivor’s pension and sonnel policy of the EU institu- home country. “Since the regis- nerships. So far as we are con- annual travel allowance. tions. The debate was based on tered partnership laws vary in the cerned, the stable partnerships to an oral question (B5-0533/2001) different member states in their be recognised will include homo- Several other MEPs took the to the Commissioner stressing level of similarity with marriage sexual partnerships which will be floor under the debate with that today many EU member law, I would like the Commis- regarded in the same way as het- Commissioner Kinnock. Michael states grant cohabiting same-sex sioner to inform which countries’ erosexual partnerships and sub- Cashman (PES/UK) focussed on partners the same social and legal citizens would be granted full ject to following conditions: first- the requirement to procure a rights and duties as other citizens equal rights. Where will the ly, the couple must provide a legal document by an EU mem- (as everybody contributes to the Commission draw the line? Addi- legal document of an EU mem- ber state, which is not available 14 social security and health system tionally, the Commission plans to ber state which acknowledges in the United Kingdom. Mari- Ilga Newsletter 1.2002 15.02.2002 0:57 Uhr Seite 15

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anne Eriksson (NGL/S) found it questionnaire which was sent out a Greek or Italian official in a sta- goes. For example, would a regis- difficult to understand why, in to the members of the ILGA- ble partnership (irrespective of tered partnership certificate this case, the EU institutions Europe EU national co-ordina- gender) does not get equal rights, under the Catalan law be suffi- would treat their staff on a tion network (see Newsletter # as they cannot procure any cient since the document has to national basis and thus would 2/01, p. 7). The answers serve as national document for their part- be “of an EU Member State”? discriminate against employees an overview of the current laws nership at all. Moreover, the UK does not pro- on the grounds of nationality: “If and practices for cohabiting and vide for registered partnership, we follow this reasoning, it registered same-sex couples.3 Swiebel then asks what the Com- but bi-national couples who would imply that the staff of the mission plans to do to prevent obtain permission for the foreign EU institutions could also be As a follow-up to the debate in this kind of discrimination of EU partner to reside in the UK paid on a national basis, which is December, MEP Joke Swiebel officials and to maintain their receive a document from the not case”.1 (PES/NL) submitted a question freedom not to marry, but to immigration authorities which (E-0516/02) to the Commission choose another partnership with- gives recognition to their rela- At the end of the debate Mr Kin- on 13 February 2002, asking out getting fewer rights than tionship. Would this constitute nock informed the Parliament that the Commission would sub- mit its final proposal for the reform of the Staff Regulations to the Council and the Parliament in spring 2002.2

After the debate Torben Lund issued a media release – “years of discrimination of homosexuals in the EU institutions near the end” – stating that the overall proposal is a great step forward, however there is a group of peo- ple that still would not receive any family benefits according to the proposal. Cohabiting homo- sexuals from countries without any same-sex partnership legisla- tion will not obtain any new rights. Torben Lund urges Mr Kinnock to continue the good work and fight for the proposal in the Council, where it has to be adopted by unanimity. “I hope that countries like Italy and Ire- Today only same-sex couples married under Dutch law are fully recognised by the EU Staff Regulations land will not block this excellent proposal in the Council. We have to keep up the pressure.” amongst other things whether married EU officials. “a legal document of an EU the Commission did realise that member state”? So, a lot of ques- EGALITE, the organisation of its four conditions for recogni- The Commission is expected to tions will have to be addressed lesbian and gay staff working for tion of a stable partnership reply to the question within two and solved, and we are already the European institutions, has would lead to discrimination on months from the date the ques- curious about the final proposal been following and participating the grounds of nationality. tion was tabled. of the Commission. in the current negotiations on the revision of Staff Regulations She gives the following examples: For ILGA-Europe Kinnock’s METTE VADSTRUP with the cabinet of Commission- a Dutch official of an EU institu- explanations signify that recogni- er Kinnock. In this context, tion with his/her registered tion of same-sex partners who EGALITE has asked ILGA- Europe to help collect compara- tive information on the situation A successful revision of the Staff Regulations is very at national level. We believe that important and would set a very useful precedent these negotiations and the revi- sion of the Staff Regulations are same-sex partner would not be are not married is restricted to 1 Unofficial translation from Danish respec- very important, and that a suc- granted equal rights as they have couples who can provide a legal tively Swedish by the author of this article. 2 The full minutes of the debate are available at cessful outcome would set a very the possibility to marry; document of an EU member the web-site of the European Parliament: useful precedent at European a Swedish or Danish official with state which acknowledges their www.europarl.eu.int. level. ILGA-Europe has therefore, a registered same-sex partner status as non-marital partners. It 3 A copy of the overview is available from the in co-operation with members of would get equal rights, because would, indeed, be interesting to ILGA-Europe office. EGALITE, put together a short they cannot marry; know how far this definition 15 Ilga Newsletter 1.2002 15.02.2002 0:57 Uhr Seite 16

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the French, Swedish and Belgian Presidencies. Only the title of the item remained the same, recent reminiscent of what used to be addressed activities under it in the first report. Religion in international policy making Meeting with EuroFLAG Vadstrup, Olivier Collet and Kurt Krickler welcomed them to the office where they had a On 28 November, information officer Mette EuroFLAG, European Families of Lesbians and warm, friendly and wide-ranging discussion Vadstrup attended a seminar in the European Gays, was set up by parents associations sup- on the issues facing lesbians, gay men and Parliament on the “Role of Religion in Interna- porting lesbian daughters and gay sons from their families in the European Union, which tional Policy Making”.It was hosted by MEPs Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and continued over a common dinner. “We look Lousewies van der Laan, Joke Swiebel and Elly the UK. Their aim is to combat all forms of forward to working together in the future”, Plooij-van Gorsel and co-hosted by MEPs discrimination and violence against lesbians said both EuroFLAG president Jenny , Cecilia Malmström, Sarah Lud- and gay men and their families (see also Broughton and Kurt Krickler, who added that ford, Anna Karamanou, Heide Rühle, Gian- Newsletter # 2/01, p. 15). The administrative ILGA-Europe will give any support it can. franco dell’Alba, Kathleen van Brempt and council of EuroFLAG met in Brussels on Özan Ceyhun. The aim of the one-day seminar 1December 2001 to discuss and adopt their was the to provide for a thoughtful examina- new project (see box). The delegates used this Human Rights Discussion Forum tion of the proper role of religions in interna- occasion to pay a visit to ILGA-Europe. Mette tional governance. More than 80 people partic- On 21-22 November 2001, co-chair Kurt ipated in the event including MEPs and their Krickler participated in the EU Human Rights staff, members of the European Catholic THE EUROFLAG Discussion Forum organised by the Belgian EU reform movement and representatives of vari- PROJECT Presidency and the EU Commission in Brus- ous interest groups including LGBT rights and sels. This Forum has become an annual event civil liberties organisations. One of its objectives of EuroFLAG is the since it was first organised under the Finnish raising of public awareness on issues Presidency in December 1999. At this Forum, In the third session titled “The separation of surrounding homosexuality. To this end the EU Annual Report on Human Rights is Church and State, real life situations”,Imma the organisation is working on a small- presented. Although focusing on the EU’s Battaglia, president of the DIGAYPROJECT scale information gathering project with external relations, it also looks at specific inter- and one of the organisers of the World Pride in advice from Nicola Douglas – a well- nal topics, such as for example at racism in the Rome in 2000, addressed the issue of “The respected social scientist – who, together 1999 report. While the 1999 report under the Church and gay rights”.Although some partici- with her colleagues at the Institute of item “Non-discrimination and respect for pants spoke in favour of not conceding any Education, University of London, has pro- duced some of the most important recent diversity” had mentioned “sexual orientation” role in international governance to religions, research on lesbian and gay issues. at least once, all reference to LGBT disappeared the outcome of the day was based on a consen- in the 2000 report prepared under the French sus that churches are entitled to participate in The project seeks to identify the concerns Presidency. And no reference reappeared in last governance like other organisations but should and experiences of families in supporting year’s report although ILGA-Europe had raised not occupy the privileged position that some their young lesbian and gay members and this omission in its talks with representatives of feel they would be entitled to. how families themselves can be best sup- ported in this. In order to gather this information, a research review will be carried out in each participating country. The reviews will examine particularly the topics of homophobic bullying, suicide and self harm, parental support and, where possible, identify information on both risk and protective factors.

A small number of in-depth family case studies will be carried out in each coun- try to examine key issues in under 18 year olds. This information, together with that from the research review, will be drawn together in a report. The reports from each country will then be collated in a summary report to outline problems faced by this group of young people and an agenda for further action.

For further information, please contact EuroFLAG at: [email protected]. Frances Nicol (FFLAG-UK) and Jenny Broughton (FFLAG-UK and EuroFLAG president) met Kurt 16 Krickler, Mette Vadstrup and Olivier Collet in the ILGA-Europe office in Brussels Ilga Newsletter 1.2002 15.02.2002 0:57 Uhr Seite 17

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Site 13 conference Seminar in Maastricht A common EU immigration policy

On 30 November, Kurt Krickler attended a On 18 January 2002, Mette Vadstrup attended On 1 and 2 February, Mette Vadstrup attend- conference on the commitment of European the seminar “We are family? – Recognition of ed the seminar “A common EU immigration local authorities against discrimination same-sex partners in EU law” organised by the policy – Dream or reality?” organised by organised by the Site 13 project in Brussels. University of Maastricht. Mark Bell, lecturer ENAR, the European Network Against This project, which is funded by the EU and at the University of Leicester and author of Racism. Speakers included members of the six partners co-ordinated by the World Fed- many of ILGA-Europe’s position papers, gave European Parliament, Mr Joaquim Nunes de eration of United Cities, has the objective of a presentation on the current status of the Almeida from Commissioner António Vitori- creating a European network of local author- level of recognition in EU law and outlined no’s cabinet (responsible for Justice and Home ities on the issue of enforcing Article 13 of areas where there is space for progress. Affairs) and national and regional members of the Amsterdam Treaty at local level and in ENAR. Considering that the EU is seeking to particular with regard to multiple discrimi- The seminar was attended by students and harmonise legislation in the areas of asylum nations. One of the speakers was Jordi Petit, professors in both family law and private law. and migration, the two-day seminar provided former ILGA secretary-general and this time They engaged in a very interesting debate, in a forum for discussing the issues and being representing one of the Site 13 project part- particular on the issues of non-recognition of updated on the state of play of the various ners, the City of Barcelona. Highlight of the same-sex couples as an obstacle to free move- Commission proposals (see also articles on p. one-day conference was the presentation of ment of persons and mutual recognition of 3 and p. 4). In particular Mr Nunes de Almei- Site 13, the Internet web-site created by the different partnership laws as an aspect of sub- da shed light on the obstacles that exist not Network of Local Authorities Against Dis- sidiarity and respect for national identity. only within the Commission but also in the crimination. Council. Address: www.site13online.org. MV/KK news clips

European arrest warrant tion and various others events taking place in Rome. Italian board member Riccardo Got- In the last issue of our Newsletter (p. 15), we tardi represented ILGA-Europe at the celebra- expressed our concerns regarding the Com- tions and presented ILGA-Europe’s work and mission proposal for a European arrest war- relevant developments at European level in rant which provided for the recognition of the the international session of the conference. entire criminal law of a member state by all other member states and the agreement to From 1 to 3 February, Arcigay, the national assist in enforcing it. This would have includ- Italian gay association, held its congress in From 1 to 3 February 2002, Arcigay, the national Italian ed legislation discriminating against homo- Riccione. Once every three years, delegates gay association, held its congress in Riccione sexuals that still exist in some member states. from all local groups of the association meet At the Laeken Summit last December, the and elect a president and a secretary for the the end in the fight against discrimination, member states could not agree on such a far- organisation and its National Council, the building partnerships with other organisa- reaching solution and finally established only parliament-like body of the association. tions also in fields different from that of sexu- a so-called positive list of certain explicitly al orientation, co-ordinating our efforts with mentioned crimes for which the European A key issue in the document presented by the other LGBT organisations in Europe. We can- arrest warrant will be applicable. Thus, the president, Sergio Lo Giudice, who was stand- not but look at the European Union that will danger of a gay man prosecuted by one mem- ing for re-election, was the involvement of be our key instrument in the coming years to ber state under its discriminatory provision Arcigay in EU and international activities. In achieve full equality for lesbians and gays in being extradited by another member state has the last three years, Arcigay has been a partner Italy.” Sergio Lo Giudice was re-elected as been averted. in several transnational projects (Be Equal, Be president for the next three years, and Aurelio Different, CERIS, Consultancy, etc.) and has Mancuso is the new Secretary for the organi- played a growing role in ILGA-Europe, host- sation. ing its annual conference in Pisa in 1999, Arcigay national congress “providing” a member for its board since Riccardo Gottardi attended the Congress as a 2000, and taking part in the ILGA-Europe EU delegate of Arcigay’s Pisa branch and deliv- 2002 has already been a busy congress season network. “The past three years”,said Sergio, ered the greetings of the ILGA-Europe board. for Italy’s gay and lesbian movement. From 9 “have been very important to increase our He also gave a brief presentation of the papers to 13 January, its 30th anniversary was cele- knowledge and our skills. We are now at the the 105 delegates found in their folders: a brated with an exhibition, a national conven- beginning of a road that we shall follow till complete overview (18 pages) of the EU 17 Ilga Newsletter 1.2002 15.02.2002 0:57 Uhr Seite 18

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framework directive, of the Community Riccardo Gottardi was re-elected to the placed to protect and promote the civil liber- action programme against discrimination and National Council that will soon meet to ties and the social rights of gay people in Italy. of the EU policies on immigration, asylum appoint the new board of Arcigay. A proposal was launched to establish a com- and internal affairs. Many delegates expressed mon platform of LGBT groups in Europe for their appreciation, and the possibilities envis- The congress laid the foundations for a new the next European Parliament elections. aged in the report raised the most interest. and more effective Arcigay that is better A sign of the growing relevance of Arcigay was the presence at the opening plenary, for Relevant EU funding opportunities the first time ever, of the political secretary of the main left-wing party. His presence and his speech showed that today it is impossible to Call for proposals for Tacis institution further ignore LGBT rights. Even in Italy. building partnership programme Any questions regarding this call for pro- Support to civil society and local posals should be sent by e-mail (including The congress documents can be found at the initiatives the publication reference of this call for new Arcigay web-site at: www.arcigay.it. proposals mentioned above) to Publication reference: [email protected]. All applicants EuropeAid/113150/C/G/multi. are encouraged to consult the above Inter- Forthcoming conference The support to civil society and local ini- net web page regularly before the deadline tiative programme is a component of the for applications since the Commission will in Turin Tacis institution building partnership pro- publish the most frequently asked ques- gramme, budget line B7-520 under Tacis. tions and the corresponding replies. “Marriage, partner- ships and parenting st The programme supporting civil society in the 21 century – and local initiatives is designed to support The current inter- an institution building process for a suc- Call for proposals for projects to preserve national situation cessful transition towards a market econo- the sites of Nazi concentration camps as and new perspec- my, the reinforcement of democracy and historical memorials (2001/C 374/06) tives for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgen- civil society and the establishment of the dered people and their fami- rule of law through partnership coopera- Under Article A-3035 of the European lies – a comparative approach”. tion between non-governmental organisa- Union’s General Budget, the Commission This is the title of a conference the Centre for tions, local and regional authorities or can award grants for projects to preserve, Research and Comparative Legal Studies on non-profit professional organisations from as historical memorials, the sites of the for- Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity the European Union and their counter- mer Nazi concentration camps and the (CERSGOSIG) will be organising in Turin, parts in Tacis countries. archives associated with the deportations Italy, from 5-8 June 2002. to them. Geographical area: Russia, Belarus, Moldo- For information concerning the conference va, Kazakstan, Ukraine, and Mongolia. The application must be for a project start- programme, please contact: ing between 1 July 2002 and 15 December [email protected]. The European Commission will finance a 2002 and finishing before 31 July 2003. maximum of 80 % of the total of the eligi- Application should be made on a special For information concerning registration, ble cost up to a ceiling of € 200,000. The form which may be obtained from the fol- accommodation and travel, please contact: applicants and partners must provide co- lowing address: [email protected]. financing of a minimum of 20 % of the European Commission, Secretariat Gener- overall budget in cash. al, BREY 9/232, B-1049 Brussels. For detailed information, please see the con- ference web-site at: www.glbtlawturin2002.org. Applications should reflect partnerships The form is also available at the following between non-governmental organisations, Internet address: RICCARDO GOTTARDI/KK local and regional authorities or non-profit http://europa.eu.int/comm/secretariat_ professional organisations in the EU and in general/sgc/subvention/en/subv.htm. the Tacis countries. Deadline for applications: 31 March 2002. Deadline for applications: 8 April 2002. The full text of this call for proposal was Detailed information on this call for pro- published in the Official Journal of the posals is contained in the guidelines for European Communities of 29 December applicants, which are published together 2001, OJC 374 page 56, available also at: with the full text of this notice on the http://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/en/dat/2001/ Internet website: c_374/c_37420011229en00560058.pdf. http://europa.eu.int/comm/europeaid/ tender/index_en.htm. 18 Ilga Newsletter 1.2002 15.02.2002 0:57 Uhr Seite 19

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ANNUAL CONFERENCE AT LISBON, PORTUGAL 23-27 October 2002