Anti-LGBTQ discrimination Articles Europe LGBTQ+ News Life News Russia Ukraine

“They won’t allow us to exist peacefully”: Russian invasion sparks fear for Ukraine’s LGBTQ+ community

Members of Ukraine’s LGBTQ+ community are fearful of what the future may hold for them if Russia takes over the country. For months, Western officials have reported that Russia has been planning an invasion of Ukraine that could begin at any moment – something Vladimir Putin has adamantly denied. In the early hours of 24 February, however, Ukrainian officials stated that Russia had launched an all-out assault on the country, with troops crossing the border. There have also been reports of explosions and artillery fire across the country, including around…

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Articles Ban Conversion Therapy Conversion Therapy Europe France Government LGBTQ+ News Life News UK

France bans “barbaric” conversion therapy in historic legislation

France has unanimously passed a law making the practice of LGBTQ+ conversion therapy illegal in the country. Those found engaging in it will face up to two years in person and a fine of €30,000, with heftier punishments of €45,000 for cases involving under-18s or vulnerable adults. The National Assembly passed the bill by 142 votes to 0 on the evening of 25 January. President Emmanuel Macron tweeted his support of the move and stated that “being oneself is not a crime, because there is nothing to be cured.” Once…

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anti-gay Anti-LGBTQ discrimination anti-LGBTQ+ Anti-LGBTQ+ law Articles Europe European Union Law LGBTQ+ News Life News Parliament poland Sejm

Polish govt introduces ‘de-facto ban’ on LGBTQ+ teaching in schools

Poland’s parliament has approved a law that will essentially ban teaching LGBTQ-inclusive topics in schools. On the afternoon of 13 January, the educational reform was adopted into law after being debated in the Sejm (the lower house of Poland’s parliament) a day earlier. Named ‘Lex Czarnek’ or ‘Czarnek’s Law’ after minister of education Przemysław Czarnek, its contents bring the country in line with Hungary and Russia who previously adopted similar anti-propaganda legislation. It gives superintendents the power to overrule any teaching materials that are given to schools by outside groups,…

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anti-gay Anti-LGBTQ discrimination Articles Education Europe Hungary LGBTQ Rights LGBTQ+ News Life National Referendum News Politics School Viktor Orban

Hungary’s parliament paves the way for government to hold anti-LGBTQ+ referendum

Hungary’s parliament has passed a resolution that will pave the way for the government to hold a referendum on LGBTQ+ issues. As Prime Minister Viktor Orbán enters a tough election race in 2022, the move will raise his anti-LGBTQ+ campaign to a heightened level. Earlier this year, he proposed that the country hold a referendum that could limit how schools teach homosexuality and transgender issues. “The Hungarian government proposes that citizens should have a chance to express their stance on the issues of gender propaganda,” deputy minister Balazs Orban told…

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anti-gay Anti-LGBTQ discrimination Articles Bulgaria Crime Europe LGBTQ+ News Life News Politics

Thugs ‘led by Bulgarian presidential candidate’ destroy LGBTQ+ centre

One of Bulgaria’s far-right presidential candidates is suspected of leading a gang during an attack on an LGBTQ+ community centre. On 30 October, the Rainbow Hub in Sofia, Bulgaria, was attacked by a group of 10 men who were allegedly led by Boyan Rassate. Rassate is a self-proclaimed national socialist with the Bulgarian National Union party running for presidential office in the 14 November elections. The incident happened during a trans community event, with the assailants vandalising the space and smashing equipment. Speaking to Euronews, Gloriya Filipova, the Foundation’s project…

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Anti-LGBTQ discrimination Articles COVID-19 pandemic Europe Europe Music Awards Hungary LGBTQ+ ally LGBTQ+ News Life MTV News

MTV to hold EMAs in Hungary to “stand in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community”

In a bid to show solidarity with Hungary’s LGBTQ+ community, MTV will be holding its Europe Music Awards in Budapest. Announcing the move on 19 October, MTV confirmed the choice was made after the country prohibited the “display and promotion of homosexuality” to those under-18. “The decision was very clear to all of us. We should not move the event,” MTV Entertainment Group Worldwide President, Chris McCarthy, wrote in a memo to staff. He continued: “Instead, we should move forward, using the show as an opportunity to stand in solidarity…

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Anti-LGBTQ discrimination Articles Conversion Therapy Europe France health LGBTQ+ News Life News

France could make conversion therapy illegal as soon as February 2022

France’s parliament has unanimously backed a ban on conversion therapy in the country, bringing it one step closer to outlawing the practice. Lawmakers in the country voted on Bill 673 on 5 October, which would see medical officials administering conversion therapy imprisoned for two years or fined €30,000. Therapists and other providers offering it to minors will face three years in prison and an even harsher fine of €45,000, as well as doctors being given a potential 10-year ban from practicing. Conversion therapy is described in the legislation as “practices,…

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Anti-LGBTQ discrimination Articles Europe European Union LGBT-free zone LGBTQ+ News Life News poland

Polish region abandons ‘LGBT-free’ zone status after EU funding threat

Swietkorzyskie revoked its anti-LGBTQ+ commitment after the European Union threatened to take away its funding. The regional assembly of Swietkorzyskie voted for the removal of the status on 22 September, becoming the first time an area in Poland has done so. According to Euronews, the Polish government asked areas to revoke the declaration and no one at the meeting opposed stepping back from ‘LGBT-free’ status – though three councillors abstained. Around 100 towns and regions have made the pledge to oppose “LGBT ideology” since 2019, which they say undermines Poland’s…

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