NELFA PRESS RELEASE:
“Europe needs more courage to protect LGBTIQ* families!” – NELFA welcomes ILGA-Europe Rainbow Map 2017
The Network of LGBTIQ* Families Associations, NELFA, welcomes the recent publication of ILGA-Europe’s Rainbow Map 2017. It is the most important and impressive comparison of human rights for LGBTIQ* people and their children at national level within the European Union. However, the outcome of the examination itself is worrying: ILGA-Europe’s conclusion is, “Progress exists, but it’s slowing down and is at risk”.
The Rainbow Map shows many positive trends in the area of family law, i.e. same-sex partnerships in Greece, Cyprus and Italy or more protections for registered couples in Slovenia. Furthermore, marriage equality in Finland, Gibraltar, Greenland and on the Isle of Man; joint and second-parent adoption rights for same-sex partners in Portugal and also access to medically assisted reproduction to all women. Last but not least: ideas for new co-parenting laws in The Netherlands and Denmark (recognition of more than two parents).
On the other hand, rainbow families face many unpleasant circumstances, especially in Romania, Lithuania and Georgia because of continuous discussions on restricting the definition of family life or marriage (for heterosexual couples only) through referendum.
Caroline Ausserer, NELFA Board Member, says, “We share the view that Europe needs more political courage to protect LGBTIQ* parents and their children. Human rights must always be nurtured and promoted. We encourage governments to follow the progressive countries, for example in enabling legislation based on the principle of self-determination for trans* people, like in Denmark, Malta, Ireland and most recently in Norway.”
NELFA Board Member Björn Sieverding adds, “The Rainbow Map 2017 points out some obvious gaps. Marriage equality still eludes LGBTIQ* couples in places like Northern Ireland or even in Germany, where current surveys show a tremendous support within civil society for a change. Every existing gap means a possible discrimination. This is totally unbearable!”
About NELFA: NELFA is the European platform of LGBTIQ* families associations, bringing together LGBTIQ* parents and parents-to-be from all over Europe. NELFA currently represents 32 organisations in 19 European countries with more than 26,500 members. NELFA is a member of ILGA-Europe and Transgender Europe.
Website: http://www.nelfa.org
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Further contacts:
Björn Sieverding, Board member and media team: +32 498 70 80 75
