Today the Renew Europe group has launched its "Renew4Equality" campaign for LGBTI+ rights in Europe. In the current climate of rising homophobia, Renew Europe takes a clear stance for equality. Our MEPs presented a list of 10 commitments to Helena Dalli, European Commissioner for Equality, pledging amongst other things our support to introduce further legalisation guaranteeing the equal rights for LGBTI+ people in the EU and beyond. Our vision calls for the full protection of LGBTI+ human rights through an ambitious European LGBTI+ Strategy, the speedy adoption of the Horizontal Equal Treatment Directive, expanding the rights for Rainbow Families across the EU, protecting LGBTI+ asylum seekers and taking strong action against homophobia and hate speech. Although the majority of member states have legal measures against discrimination, they are not sufficiently implemented, leaving LGBTI+ people vulnerable to hate crimes and discrimination in their everyday lives – our determination is to make tangible progress within this legislation in order to defend and expand their rights.

Sophie in 't Veld MEP and Vice President of the EP's LGBTI Intergroup said:

"For Renew Europe fundamental rights are not negotiable nor a matter of subsidiarity. LGBTI+ rights are integral part of the whole set of values that we defend. It is part of our vision of the European community of values. With our 10 Commitments, Renew has submitted a clear programme for this parliamentary term."

Irène Tolleret MEP and member of the FEMM Committee commented:

"Today we are experiencing a worrying backlash against LGBTI rights within Europe. The EU must deliver concrete responses to ensure equal rights across Europe and put an end to discrimination and hatred on grounds of gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and sex characteristics. Renew Europe is ready to take the lead!"

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