Draft resolution
1The Parliamentary Assembly welcomes the positive
developments in tackling discrimination on the grounds of sexual
orientation and gender identity which have occurred since the adoption
of its Resolution 1728
(2010), such as the introduction, by different Council of Europe
member States, of specific legislative measures, action plans and
strategies to promote equality and tackle discrimination against
lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons (LGBTs) as well as
to tackle homophobic and transphobic speech and violence.
2Despite this progress, the Assembly regrets that prejudice,
hostility and discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation
and gender identity remain a serious problem, affecting the lives
of tens of millions of Europeans. They manifest themselves in hate
speech, bullying and violence, often affecting young people. They
also manifest themselves through the repeated infringement of the
right of peaceful assembly for LGBTs.
Tabled by Mr Luca VOLONTÈ, Mr Valeriu GHILETCHI, Mr Viorel-Riceard BADEA, Mr Pedro AGRAMUNT, Mr Oreste TOFANI
In the draft resolution, paragraph 2, replace the words "and gender identity remain a serious problem, affecting the lives of tens of millions of Europeans" with the following words:
"may remain a problem in some places".
3The Assembly acknowledges that societal changes require time
and occur unevenly within the same country, let alone between different
countries. However, the Assembly also believes that politicians,
through their example and discourse, as well as laws, through their
binding nature, are powerful driving forces to promote changes in
society and ensure that the respect for human rights is not only
a legal obligation but also a shared value.
4In this regard, the Assembly expresses concern vis-à-vis homophobic
statements by politicians and other personalities in a position
of authority, which, far from being manifestations of freedom of
expression, amount to hate speech and incitement to hostility, discrimination
and violence.
Tabled by Mr Luca VOLONTÈ, Mr Valeriu GHILETCHI, Mr Viorel-Riceard BADEA, Mr Pedro AGRAMUNT, Mr Oreste TOFANI
In the draft resolution, paragraph 4, replace the words "expresses concern vis-à-vis homophobic statements by politicians and other personalities in a position of authority, which, far from being manifestations of freedom of expression, amount to hate speech and incitement to hostility, discrimination and violence" with the following words:
"calls on politicians and other personalities in a position of authority to avoid threatening and violent statements against persons of a particular sexual orientation, whilst acknowledging that the fundamental right of freedom of expression in accordance with Article 10 of the Convention and the case law of the Court must be upheld."
5Furthermore, the Assembly expresses deep concern at the introduction,
at local, regional and finally at national or federal level, of
legislation or draft legislation on the prohibition of so-called
homosexual propaganda, in a number of Council of Europe member States.
These laws and draft laws, which are at variance with freedom of
expression and the prohibition of discrimination on account of sexual
orientation and gender identity, risk legitimising the prejudice
and hostility which is present in society and fuelling a climate
of hatred against LGBTs.
Tabled by Mr Luca VOLONTÈ, Mr Valeriu GHILETCHI, Mr Viorel-Riceard BADEA, Mr Pedro AGRAMUNT, Mr Oreste TOFANI
In the draft resolution, replace paragraph 5 with the following paragraph:
"However, the Assembly does acknowledge that free speech must have its limits when it comes to the protection of minors from age inappropriate and explicit adult sexual material. It therefore urges Member States contemplating the drafting of legislation on the prohibition of so-called homosexual propaganda to limit the scope of such laws to the protection of minors only."
Tabled by Mr Jonas GUNNARSSON, Ms Ulrika KARLSSON, Ms Carina OHLSSON, Mr Lennart AXELSSON, Mr Indrek SAAR
In the draft resolution, after paragraph 5, insert the following paragraph:
"The Assembly also expresses deep concern at the recent conviction of two organisations, the Side by Side LGBT film festival and the LGBT human rights group "Coming Out", under the "Foreign Agents" Law. Not only does this law violate international human rights principles, but concerns have been expressed that the trials were not subject to due process. The targeting of these LGBT NGOs under the "Foreign Agents" Law, together with the proposed law prohibiting so-called "propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations", constitute a serious threat to any advocacy for LGBT rights in Russia."
Tabled by the Committee on Equality and Non-Discrimination
In the draft resolution, after paragraph 5, insert the following paragraph:
"The Assembly particularly deplores the unanimous approval by the Russian Duma of the draft law on so-called "Propaganda of non-traditional sexual relationships among minors" which, if approved also by the Council of the Federation, would be the first piece of legislation on the prohibition of homosexual propaganda being introduced at national level in Europe."
Tabled by the Committee on Equality and Non-Discrimination
In the draft resolution, after paragraph 5, insert the following paragraph:
"In this context, the Assembly takes note of the Opinion of the European Commission for Democracy through Law (Venice Commission) on the issue of the prohibition of so-called "propaganda of homosexuality" in the light of recent legislation in some member states of the Council of Europe; it shares its analysis and endorses its findings, notably that "the measures in question appear to be incompatible with the underlying values of the [European Convention on Human Rights]", in addition to their failure to meet the requirements for restrictions prescribed by Articles 10, 11 and 14 of the Convention."
6In the light of these considerations, reaffirming the continued
validity of its Resolution
1728 (2010) on discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation
and gender identity, the Assembly calls on Council of Europe member
States:
6.1as regards equality
and non-discrimination, to:
6.1.1ensure
the full protection of human rights for all those who are subject
to their jurisdiction, including the prohibition of discrimination
on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity;
Tabled by Mr Luca VOLONTÈ, Mr Valeriu GHILETCHI, Mr Viorel-Riceard BADEA, Mr Pedro AGRAMUNT, Mr Oreste TOFANI
In the draft resolution, paragraph 6.1.1, delete the following words:
"and gender identity".
6.1.2ensure that any new legal and policy instrument they adopt
in the area of equality and non-discrimination explicitly includes
sexual orientation and gender identity;
Tabled by Mr Luca VOLONTÈ, Mr Valeriu GHILETCHI, Mr Viorel-Riceard BADEA, Mr Pedro AGRAMUNT, Mr Oreste TOFANI
In the draft resolution, paragraph 6.1.2, delete the following words:
"and gender identity".
Tabled by Mr Luca VOLONTÈ, Mr Valeriu GHILETCHI, Mr Viorel-Riceard BADEA, Mr Pedro AGRAMUNT, Ms Nermina KAPETANOVIĆ
In the draft resolution, after paragraph 6.1.2, insert the following paragraph:
"recognise that member states may grant exemptions to religious institutions and organisations when such institutions and organisations are either engaging in religious activities or when legal requirements conflict with tenets of religious belief and doctrine, or would require such institutions and organisations to forfeit any portion of their religious autonomy, such exemptions being compatible with the European Convention on Human Rights, as interpreted by the European Court of Human Rights".
Tabled by Mr Robert BIEDROŃ, Ms Lise CHRISTOFFERSEN, Ms Marietta de POURBAIX-LUNDIN, Ms Mailis REPS, Ms Karin S. WOLDSETH, Ms Iwona GUZOWSKA
In amendment 11, after the words "of their religious autonomy", replace the words "such exemptions being compatible with the European Convention on Human Rights" with the following words:
"and if such exemptions are compatible with the European Convention on Human Rights".
6.1.3introduce, without delay, civil legislation protecting
against discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation and gender
identity in all areas of life, including employment, education,
health, access to goods and services, housing, access to social
security and social advantages;
Tabled by Mr Luca VOLONTÈ, Mr Valeriu GHILETCHI, Mr Viorel-Riceard BADEA, Mr Pedro AGRAMUNT, Mr Oreste TOFANI
In the draft resolution, delete paragraph 6.1.3.
6.1.4devise and implement national action plans/strategies
aimed at promoting equality and non-discrimination on the grounds
of sexual orientation and gender identity;
Tabled by Mr Luca VOLONTÈ, Mr Valeriu GHILETCHI, Mr Viorel-Riceard BADEA, Mr Pedro AGRAMUNT, Mr Oreste TOFANI
In the draft resolution, paragraph 6.1.4, delete the words "and gender identity".
6.1.5introduce clear regulations on public duty, mandating
the public services to refrain from discriminating on the grounds
of sexual orientation and gender identity;
Tabled by Mr Luca VOLONTÈ, Mr Valeriu GHILETCHI, Mr Viorel-Riceard BADEA, Mr Pedro AGRAMUNT, Mr Oreste TOFANI
In the draft resolution, paragraph 6.1.5, delete the words "and gender identity".
6.1.6involve LGBT and human rights organisations in consultations
on draft laws and policies concerning discrimination;
Tabled by Mr Luca VOLONTÈ, Mr Valeriu GHILETCHI, Mr Viorel-Riceard BADEA, Mr Pedro AGRAMUNT, Mr Oreste TOFANI
In the draft resolution, paragraph 6.1.6, after the word "LGBT", insert the following word:
", religious ".
6.1.7adopt criminal legislation introducing sexual orientation
and gender identity as grounds for prosecution of hate crimes;
Tabled by Mr Luca VOLONTÈ, Mr Valeriu GHILETCHI, Mr Viorel-Riceard BADEA, Mr Pedro AGRAMUNT, Mr Oreste TOFANI, Mr Pasquale NESSA
In the draft resolution, delete paragraph 6.1.7.
6.1.8introduce binding guidelines for law-enforcement officials
to ensure that any alleged hate motive associated with a crime,
including hate motives on grounds of sexual orientation and gender
identity, is promptly, impartially, effectively and thoroughly investigated
and duly taken into account in the prosecution and sentencing of
those crimes;
Tabled by Mr Viorel-Riceard BADEA, Mr Valeriu GHILETCHI, Mr Pedro AGRAMUNT, Mr Luca VOLONTÈ, Mr Oreste TOFANI, Mr Pasquale NESSA
In the draft resolution, replace paragraph 6.1.8 with the following paragraph:
"introduce guidelines for law-enforcement officials to ensure that any alleged hate motive associated with a crime is effectively investigated;"
6.2as regards homophobia and transphobia, to:
Tabled by Mr Viorel-Riceard BADEA, Mr Valeriu GHILETCHI, Mr Pedro AGRAMUNT, Mr Luca VOLONTÈ, Mr Oreste TOFANI, Mr Pasquale NESSA
In the draft resolution, paragraph 6.2, replace the words "homophobia and transphobia" with the following words:
"encitement to harassment or violence on grounds of sexual orientation".
6.2.1improve data collection on homophobic
and transphobic crimes, as well as on discrimination on the grounds
of sexual orientation and gender identity;
Tabled by Mr Viorel-Riceard BADEA, Mr Valeriu GHILETCHI, Mr Pedro AGRAMUNT, Mr Luca VOLONTÈ, Mr Oreste TOFANI, Mr Pasquale NESSA
In the draft resolution, paragraph 6.2.1, replace the words "homophobic and transphobic" with the following word:
"such".
6.2.2organise public campaigns on equality and diversity, as
well as against homophobia and transphobia;
Tabled by Mr Luca VOLONTÈ, Mr Valeriu GHILETCHI, Mr Viorel-Riceard BADEA, Mr Pedro AGRAMUNT, Mr Oreste TOFANI, Mr Pasquale NESSA
In the draft resolution, paragraph 6.2.2, replace the words "homophobia and transphobia" with the following words:
"incitement to harassment or violence on any grounds".
6.2.3support or set up projects against homophobic and transphobic
bullying in schools, with a special emphasis on prevention, addressed
to and involving students, teachers and school staff;
Tabled by Mr Luca VOLONTÈ, Mr Valeriu GHILETCHI, Mr Viorel-Riceard BADEA, Mr Pedro AGRAMUNT, Mr Oreste TOFANI, Mr Pasquale NESSA
In the draft resolution, paragraph 6.2.3, replace the words "support or set up projects against homophobic and transphobic bullying in schools" with the following words:
"ensure that projects against bullying in schools do not discriminate on any grounds".
6.2.4train police, judiciary and administration officials on
homophobia, transphobia and the prohibition of discrimination on
the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity;
Tabled by Mr Luca VOLONTÈ, Mr Valeriu GHILETCHI, Mr Viorel-Riceard BADEA, Mr Pedro AGRAMUNT, Mr Pasquale NESSA
In the draft resolution, paragraph 6.2.4, replace the words "homophobia, transphobia" with the following words:
"incitement to harassment or violence on any grounds".
6.2.5set up complaint and support mechanisms for victims of
homophobic and transphobic violence, such as hotlines and specific
social services, equipped with specialised staff;
Tabled by Mr Luca VOLONTÈ, Mr Valeriu GHILETCHI, Mr Viorel-Riceard BADEA, Mr Pedro AGRAMUNT, Mr Pasquale NESSA
In the draft resolution, paragraph 6.2.5, replace the words "homophobic and transphobic violence" wtith the following words:
"violence on any grounds".
7As regards specific situations of concern, the Assembly calls
on:
7.1the authorities that exercise de facto control in the northern
part of Cyprus to give full execution to the judgment of the European
Court of Human Rights in the case of Modinos
v. Cyprus and ensure the decriminalisation of consensual
same-sex relations between adults, as in the Government-controlled areas
of the Republic of Cyprus;
7.2the authorities of Poland to give full execution to the
judgment of the European Court of Human Rights in the case of Bączkowski and Others v. Poland;
(If adopted, amendment 6 falls)
Tabled by Mr Luca VOLONTÈ, Mr Valeriu GHILETCHI, Mr Viorel-Riceard BADEA, Mr Pedro AGRAMUNT, Mr Pasquale NESSA
In the draft resolution, delete paragraphs 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 7.5 and 7.6.
7.3the competent authorities of the Republic of Moldova to
give full execution to the judgment of the European Court of Human
Rights in the case of Genderdoc-M v.
Moldova; to comply with judicial decisions quashing legislation
on the prohibition of so-called homosexual propaganda; and to repeal
it if they have not yet done so;
7.4the authorities of the Russian Federation to give full
execution to the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights
in the case of Alekseyev v. Russia;
Tabled by Mr Jonas GUNNARSSON, Ms Ulrika KARLSSON, Ms Carina OHLSSON, Mr Lennart AXELSSON, Mr Indrek SAAR
In the draft resolution, after paragraph 7.4, insert the following paragraph:
"the Russian authorities to halt further action under the "Foreign Agents" Law against the Side by Side LGBT film festival and "Coming Out", to ensure due process in any appeal proceedings by these organisations against their conviction under this law, and to cease further prosecutions of LGBT human rights organisations for not registering as "foreign agents";"
7.5the Parliaments of Ukraine and the Russian Federation
not to pursue the examination of the respective draft laws on the
prohibition of so-called homosexual propaganda;
(Falls if amendment 28 is adopted)
Tabled by the Committee on Equality and Non-Discrimination
In the draft resolution, replace paragraph 7.5 with the following paragraph:
"the Russian Council of the Federation to reject the law on so-called "Propaganda of non-traditional sexual relationships among minors";"
Tabled by the Committee on Equality and Non-Discrimination
In the draft resolution, after paragraph 7.5, insert the following paragraph:
"the Parliament of Ukraine not to pursue the examination of the draft law on the prohibition of so-called "homosexual propaganda";"
7.6the relevant local and regional authorities in the Russian
Federation to repeal legislation on the prohibition of so-called
homosexual propaganda.
Tabled by Mr Jonas GUNNARSSON, Mr Robert BIEDROŃ, Ms Chiora TAKTAKISHVILI, Mr Indrek SAAR, Ms Lolita ČIGĀNE
In the draft resolution, after paragraph 7.6, insert the following paragraph:
"the authorities of Georgia to carry out a prompt investigation into the large scale attacks by the violent counter-demonstrators against the participants of the rally against Homophobia on May 17 2013, and hold accountable those who incited and committed violent acts, as well as those who had the duty to prevent such crimes and did not act appropriately."
Tabled by the Committee on Equality and Non-Discrimination
In the draft resolution, after paragraph 7.6, insert the following paragraph:
"the Parliament of Lithuania not to pursue the examination of proposals to introduce administrative penalties for so-called "public denigration of constitutional moral values and of constitutional fundamentals of family life"."
8As regards the role of public figures, including parliamentarians,
politicians and other people in a position of authority, the Assembly:
Tabled by Mr Luca VOLONTÈ, Mr Valeriu GHILETCHI, Mr Viorel-Riceard BADEA, Mr Pedro AGRAMUNT, Mr Pasquale NESSA
In the draft resolution, delete paragraph 8.
8.1invites them to establish a
relationship of dialogue and trust with the LGBT community, also
by taking part in Pride marches and similar events;
8.2calls on them to refrain from homophobic and transphobic
discourse and to publicly condemn it;
8.3proposes to organise awareness-raising activities aimed
at parliamentarians on the prevention of homophobia and transphobia,
as well as the promotion of Council of Europe standards in the area
of non-discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender
identity.
Draft recommendation
1Following Recommendation CM/Rec(2010)5 of the Committee
of Ministers on measures
to combat discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation or gender
identity, the Council of Europe has strengthened its activities
in this area. The Parliamentary Assembly affirms its full support
for this course of action and encourages the Committee of Ministers
to continue in this direction with a view to ensuring the full implementation
of Recommendation CM/Rec(2010)5.
2Recalling its Resolution ... (2013) on tackling discrimination
on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity, the Assembly
regrets that, despite significant improvements in the protection
of human rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons
(LGBTs) in some Council of Europe member States, violence, prejudice,
hostility and discrimination against them remain a serious problem.
Tabled by Mr Luca VOLONTÈ, Mr Valeriu GHILETCHI, Mr Viorel-Riceard BADEA, Mr Pedro AGRAMUNT, Mr Pasquale NESSA
In the draft recommendation, paragraph 2, replace the words "a serious problem" with the following words:
"a problem in some places".
3Furthermore, the Assembly expresses deep concern at the repeated
infringement, in some Council of Europe member States, of the rights
of freedom of assembly and freedom of expression in relation to
LGBTs and at the clear setback in this area due to the introduction
of laws and draft laws on the prohibition of so-called homosexual
propaganda.
Tabled by Mr Luca VOLONTÈ, Mr Valeriu GHILETCHI, Mr Viorel-Riceard BADEA, Mr Pedro AGRAMUNT, Mr Pasquale NESSA
In the draft recommendation, paragraph 3, delete the words "and at the clear setback in this area due to the introduction of laws and draft laws on the prohibition of so-called homosexual propaganda".
4The Assembly considers that Council of Europe action in the
area of discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and
gender identity is highly important to ensure that the same human
rights standards are applied in all Council of Europe member States
and that the respect for diversity is a shared value without geographical
or political divides.
5In light of the above, the Assembly recommends that the Committee
of Ministers:
5.1ensure regular
follow-up of Recommendation CM/Rec(2010)5 on measures to combat discrimination
on grounds of sexual orientation or gender identity and conduct
periodic reviews of its implementation;
Tabled by the Committee on Equality and Non-Discrimination
In the draft recommendation, after paragraph 5.1, insert the following paragraph:
"devote special attention to the issue of legislation on so-called homosexual propaganda and ensure that Council of Europe member States respect the recommendations expressed by the Venice Commission in its Opinion on this matter."
5.2ensure that its activities in the areas of youth, equality,
human dignity and intercultural dialogue, including its religious
dimension, mainstream the issue of non-discrimination on the grounds
of sexual orientation and gender identity;
Tabled by Mr Luca VOLONTÈ, Mr Valeriu GHILETCHI, Mr Viorel-Riceard BADEA, Mr Pedro AGRAMUNT, Mr Pasquale NESSA
In the draft recommendation, paragraph 5.2, delete the words "including its religious dimension".
Tabled by Mr Luca VOLONTÈ, Mr Valeriu GHILETCHI, Mr Viorel-Riceard BADEA, Mr Pedro AGRAMUNT, Mr Pasquale NESSA
In the draft recommendation, after paragraph 5.2, insert the following paragraph:
"recognise that member states may grant exemptions to religious institutions and organisations when such institutions and organisations are either engaging in religious activities or when legal requirements conflict with tenets of religious belief and doctrine, or would require such institutions and organisations to forfeit any portion of their religious autonomy, such exemptions being compatible with the European Convention on Human Rights, as interpreted by the European Court of Human Rights;"
Tabled by Mr Robert BIEDROŃ, Ms Lise CHRISTOFFERSEN, Ms Marietta de POURBAIX-LUNDIN, Ms Mailis REPS, Ms Karin S. WOLDSETH, Ms Iwona GUZOWSKA
In amendment 34, after the words "of their religious autonomy", replace the words "such exemptions being compatible with the European Convention on Human Rights" with the following words:
"and if such exemptions are compatible with the European Convention on Human Rights".
5.3intensify its work against homophobia and transphobia,
with a particular emphasis on prevention in schools and sports;
Tabled by Mr Luca VOLONTÈ, Mr Valeriu GHILETCHI, Mr Viorel-Riceard BADEA, Mr Pedro AGRAMUNT, Mr Pasquale NESSA
In the draft recommendation, paragraph 5.3, replace the words "homophobia and transphobia, with a particular emphasis on prevention in schools and sports" with the following words:
"incitement to harassment or violence on the grounds of sexual orientation".
5.4set up a model online training course on homophobia, transphobia
and discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender
identity for the police, prosecutors and the judiciary, which could
subsequently be adapted at national level;
Tabled by Mr Luca VOLONTÈ, Mr Valeriu GHILETCHI, Mr Viorel-Riceard BADEA, Mr Pedro AGRAMUNT, Mr Pasquale NESSA
In the draft recommendation, paragraph 5.4, replace the words "homophobia, transphobia" with the following words:
"incitement to harassment or violence on any ground".
5.5explicitly include sexual orientation and gender identity
as prohibited grounds of discrimination in all its future relevant
conventions;
5.6consider the feasibility of joint action with the European
Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) in order to ensure the
collection of comparable Council of Europe-wide data and information
on the situation of LGBTs;
Tabled by Mr Luca VOLONTÈ, Mr Valeriu GHILETCHI, Mr Viorel-Riceard BADEA, Mr Pedro AGRAMUNT, Ms Nermina KAPETANOVIĆ
In the draft recommendation, delete paragraph 5.6.
5.7ensure that the judgments of the European Court of Human
Rights, including those concerning discrimination on the grounds
of sexual orientation and gender identity, are effectively implemented without
delay, including through the adoption of general measures to prevent
further violations.
