Cyprus Debate over the introduction of a long-awaited civil union bill was the most visible manifestation of the struggle for LGBTI equality in Cyprus in 2015. The optimism felt by LGBTI activists following the government’s approval in early summer soon gave way to frustration, as political wrangling over adoption rights and the legal status of civil partners slowed progress down. However, the bill’s passage in November after years of discussion, along with the criminalisation of homophobic and transphobic rhetoric and incitement to violence or hatred as well as a peaceful, successful second Cyprus Pride event were signs of the growing support for LGBTI people in Cypriot society.

ILGA-Europe Annual Review 2016 57 Bias-motivated speech opposition to the possibility was expressed by several l In May, public incitement to violence or hatred due to political parties, including ruling Democratic Rally (DISY; homophobia or transphobia was criminalised. Christian-democratic) and Movement for Social Amendments introduced to the Cyprus Penal Code made Democracy (EDEK; socialist). In an effort to reach an it an offence to engage in violence towards someone agreement on behalf of her party, Roulla Mavronikola MP based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. (EDEK) submitted an amendment to the civil union bill, Prosecutions under this law must be approved by the which explicitly prevented civil partners, both different- Attorney General. Any individual found guilty of this and same-sex couples, from adopting as a couple; this offence could face a fine of up to EUR 5000 and/or a jail amendment was approved. During parliamentary sentence of up to 3 years. LGBTI activists had argued that, discussions, the main opposition Progressive Party of instead of adding to the Penal Code, the existing anti- Working People (AKEL; progressive Left) publicly favoured discrimination legislation should have been amended, as granting same-sex couples access to joint adoption, the it provides for steeper penalties (EUR 10,000 fine and/or 5 first time a Cypriot political party had supported this year jail term) and is governed by EU and Council of position. Europe guidelines. Freedom of assembly Family l Cyprus’ second annual Pride festival took place in l The Civil Union Bill was approved by the Council of Nicosia in June 2015. Five thousand participants attended Ministers on 6 May 2015. A full plenary vote originally the festival, including the Australian, Austrian, UK and US scheduled for July was delayed until September, as some ambassadors. Unlike the inaugural Pride march, the 2015 MPs attempted to deny civil partners the legal status of parade was not disrupted by protestors and passed off ‘spouse’. Activists from LGBTI NGO Accept – LGBT Cyprus peacefully. Organisers Accept - LGBT Cyprus said that the protested against these attempted changes to the Bill and social taboo around the rights of LGBTI people was fading party leaders decided to postpone the vote. After another away. postponement at the beginning of the month, a parliamentary majority voted in favour of the bill on 26 Public opinion November. 39 members of parliament supported the l According to Eurobarometer 2015, 79% of people proposal, 12 voted against and three abstained. Under the surveyed in Cyprus believe that discrimination on the new legislation, civil unions are open to different - and basis of sexual orientation is widespread (EU28 average same-sex couples and the union features all of the rights was 58%). When asked about gender identity, 79% also of civil marriage, except for joint or second-parent felt discrimination on this ground was widespread (EU 28 adoption. average was 56%). 62% totally agreed with the statement that LGB people should have the same rights as “This bill is not about homosexuality, rather we are heterosexual people (EU 28 average was 71%). When voting for freedom and equality…” asked to grade how comfortable they would be with - Nicholas Papadopoulos (Democratic Party, DIKO) certain scenarios on a scale of 1 (not comfortable at all) during the civil union vote, 26 November - 10 (totally comfortable), 69% said they would be comfortable or moderately comfortable with an LGB work l Adoption rights for LGBTI couples were a dominant colleague (EU28 average was 72%). When asked about a feature of the on-going debate on civil partnership potential trans work colleague, 62% said they would be legislation. The civil union bill did not contain any specific comfortable or moderately comfortable (EU28 average references to adoption by same-sex couples; however was 67%).

58 ILGA-Europe Annual Review 2016 l A phone interview poll conducted by Pulse Market Research, with 825 inhabitants of metropolitan Nicosia, reported that 64% of those surveyed agreed that the Cyprus Pride Festival should continue to take place. 28% of respondents to the survey, commissioned by the Municipality of Nicosia, said that the Pride should not be conducted. Cyprus, Northern Equality and non-discrimination l Military service is mandatory in Northern Cyprus. Individuals who were classified as having a ‘psychosexual disorder’ were considered ‘unfit’ for military service. Mental illness legislation included transsexuality and sexual orientation in its definition of ‘psychosexual mental disorder’. Following the decriminalisation of consensual homosexual acts in 2014, state mental psychiatric units no longer issue official certificates diagnosing gay men as ‘disordered’, meaning that, as of January, gay men could not ask for an exemption based on their sexual orientation. Trans people wishing to be excused from military service still have to provide certification from a psychiatrist. A change to the law for trans people was suggested by the Cyprus Turkish Psychological Association and the Medical Doctors Association at the beginning of 2015 however no progress has been made by the end of the year. l On a related note, trans people who cannot find employment can only qualify for unemployment benefit if they obtain certification from the Mental Health Services of State Health Authorities saying that they are “impaired”. The Cyprus Turkish Psychological Association also proposed an amendment to this in February but it was in subcommittee stage in parliament at the end of the year. l The Nicosia Turkish Municipality established an LGBTI Youth Desk in February as part of their Youth Council mandate. The aim of the desk is to encourage young LGBTI people to get involved with policy development within the municipality’s jurisdiction. The municipality itself aims to develop educational initiatives and community activities to raise awareness of LGBTI issues.

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