The far-reaching consequences of Hungary’s Pride ban
Hungary’s new law banning Pride marches across the country, fast-tracked through Parliament in just one day, with no consultation or debate, marks a significant erosion of freedom of assembly and human rights in the EU.
The government’s actions have sparked widespread protests. After the adoption of the law, thousands gathered outside Parliament, chanting anti-government slogans. The organisers of Budapest Pride also remain defiant. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Budapest Pride march, and they are committed to marching on June 28.
“As Pride marches continue to grow and oppose authoritarianism worldwide, the fight for LGBTI rights becomes even more vital in the broader struggle for democracy and human dignity.” ILGA-Europe’s Executive Director, Chaber
A severe crackdown on LGBTI human rights defenders and activists in Turkey
The Turkish government has intensified its repression of LGBTI+ human rights defenders, detaining activists and introducing draconian laws that further restrict legal gender recognition, trans healthcare, and free expression.
The proposed measures mirror anti-LGBTI+ laws in Russia and Hungary, prompting urgent calls for action.
ILGA-Europe calls on Turkey’s Ministry of Justice to indefinitely withdraw the draft amendments and the Turkish parliament to reject the proposed legislative amendments, which introduce further discrimination against the LGBTI+ community, run contrary to international fundamental rights standards and decisions of Turkey’s Constitutional Court, and which will make the lives of LGBTI+ people in Turkey even more arduous, without providing any additional benefits to the general public.
ILGA-Europe news
Save the date for this year’s Annual Conference
We are happy to announce that the ILGA-Europe Annual Conference will take place in Vilnius, Lithuania from October 22 to 26 this year.
We’ve charted every European court case on LGBTI human rights
We published our updated inventory of case law and pending cases before the ECtHR and CJEU. ILGA-Europe wants to support members and partners across the region to identify trends and gaps in protection at the European level, which can commonly be tackled through litigation.
A newly released archive of over 2,000 photographs charts a journey that grew from a small meeting of activists in the UK almost 50 years ago to an international LGBTI movement still striding forward for human rights and equality today.
The ILGA & ILIS History Collection, meticulously curated by long-time activist Nigel Warner, offers a profound insight into these formative years of the LGBTI movement.
Opportunities for activists
Learning series on digital security
As online threats evolve, so must our strategies to stay safe. In our new learning sessions, we’re offering actionable steps to help you protect your privacy, reduce digital risks, and tackle AI-driven challenges head-on.
Strategic offline communications & community-building
Join our interactive session on April 10, 2025, to explore how LGBTI organisations from Georgia and Slovenia have strategically used offline methods to strengthen their communities and achieve their objectives.
Latest news
ASYLUM
European Commission proposes a new regulation on returns
Civil society groups working on asylum and migration have raised serious concerns. These changes could disproportionately impact vulnerable groups, including LGBTI individuals.
The EU Asylum Agency approved its practical guide on applicants with diverse SOGIESC
It consists of three parts, covering cross-cutting elements, examination procedure, and reception. ILGA-Europe contributed to the draft process.
CIVIL SOCIETY SPACE
Cutting foreign aid threatens marginalised communities and human rights defenders
With the US, UK, and Netherlands drastically cutting foreign aid, including support for civil society organisations, and Switzerland, Belgium, and France planning to follow suit, the global erosion of democracy is accelerating.
Read the joint statement from ILGA regions.
EQUALITY AND NON-DISCRIMINATION
Sign the petition to safeguard the EU Directive on anti-discrimination
The EU plans to withdraw its draft Directive on anti-discrimination. This petition demands the European Commission to reconsider and work towards protection against discrimination in all areas of life.
FREEDOM OF ASSEMBLY
Freedom to protest is widely under attack
On 8 March, people took to the streets to mark International Women’s Day, but their right to march was actively suppressed in many places. From Kazakhstan to Turkey and Azerbaijan, authorities used intimidation, force, and legal threats to prevent women from gathering, exposing a broader pattern of restrictions on civil society.
FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION
European court rules teacher’s dismissal over gay blog violated free speech
The European Court of Human Rights rendered a judgement in a case where the Polish authorities fired a school teacher for writing on a blog for adult gay men featuring some sexually explicit content.
HEALTH
European Parliament has opened a consultation on women’s health
The survey inputs on LBTI women’s needs and challenges can impact the positions of the committees focusing on health and women’s rights. You can submit individual responses about personal experiences or take the organisational survey to inform them about your organisation’s work on the subject.
HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS
Escalating repression of civil society in Kazakhstan
Two activists from Feminita, an informal LBTQ civil society initiative in Kazakhstan, were detained ahead of the International Women’s Day. The arbitrary arrests of Zhanar Sekerbayeva and Aktorgyn Akkenzhebalasy, and rushed sentencing to ten days of administrative detention for a peaceful protest in 2024 mark an extremely troubling attack on fundamental freedoms.
Solidarity in action: How racialised LGBTI activists are leading the way
We speak with three queer racialised groups: Queerstion Media (Sweden), Afro Rainbow Austria, and Migrantes Transgresorxs (Spain). From fighting deportations to challenging power structures, their work offers a vision for a more just and transformative LGBTI movement.
INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORT
Civil society welcomes the European Democracy Shield
ILGA-Europe has joined a statement from civil society organisations in support of the European Commission’s initiative to create a European Democracy Shield as a coordinated effort to support democracy in and around Europe.
LEGAL GENDER RECOGNITION
Significant judgment to correct a trans man’s gender identity data in national registry
The European Court of Justice (CJEU) issued a judgment in the case of Deldits (C-247/23), stating that national authorities responsible for keeping public registers (such as asylum registers) should correct data on gender identity when it is inaccurately recorded. This decision carries significant implications for advancing human rights protections in the EU, at a time when trans people and human rights in general are under massive attack.
POLICE AND LAW ENFORCEMENT
Azerbaijani LGBTI community under police attack
Azerbaijan’s police are entrapping gay and queer men via dating apps, raids, and data checks, leading to unlawful detention and extortion.
Notice board
- The European Commission opened a call for tenders to strengthen up the access to and/or uptake of innovative Mpox vaccines. You can apply by 21 April.
- EL*C – EuroCentralAsian Lesbian* Community announced their new call for proposals to support their member organisations in the EU. Apply here by 12 May.
- Centre for Civic Education and ERA opened applications for their call for proposals for LGBTI organisations in the Western Balkans. Apply here by 17 April.
- IGLYO is organising an Activist Academy focusing on LGBTQI organisational development. Read more and apply to join by 13 April.
- TGEU is looking for a Grants Development Officer. Apply by 30 April.
- Equinet published their new analysis of the role of equality bodies on advancing LGBTIQ+ equality in Europe. Download your copy here.
