Lesbian Bisexual Gay and Transexual (LBGT) organisations across Europe cooperate under the umbrella of the International Lesbian and Gay Association (ILGA). There are ongoing campaigns, projects and lobbying in many member states and within the EU, LBGT people suffer from discrimination, especially in their careers because of their personal preferences. Many gay and lesbian politicians still encounter difficulties once having made public their private preferences in sexual orientation although these norms have become commonplace for the public in Western Europe over the last years.
Michael Cashman, the President of the European Parliament’s Intergroup on Gay and Lesbian Rights, mentioned in a recent report that LBGT people are exposed to unacceptable levels of discrimination and harassment within the EU.
On the other hand, some homosexual politicians in Europe are successful to prevail against these obstacles. Guido Westerwelle, the Foreign Minister of Germany is the first European openly gay minister who publicly announced his homosexuality. Although much criticism over his sexual orientation would be a matter in some regions like Middle East and Asia, the German public seems to find this a non-issue.
Another example that could be a turning point for gay and lesbian movements has showed up in Iceland. Johanna Sigurdardottir was appointed as a Prime Minister of Iceland and became the first openly lesbian head of government. It is said that she represents a milestone for homosexual rights and would encourage the other gay politicians who prefer to hide their homosexuality. Also recently, Roger Karoutchi, French Minister for Parliamentary Relations disclosed his homosexuality and stated that he saw no reason to hide it.
In some parts attitudes may have changed but the reality for any gay or lesbian or transsexual person today really varies from one country to another. While most openly gay politicians are from the European’s left wing, the gay politicians from the right wing prefer to hide their homosexuality. Juris Lavrikovs, Head of Communications for the ILGA of Europe, said that many countries were suspicious of public opinion but willing to make progress on the issue and offered some alternatives for homosexual couples. He added that countries like Iceland which overcame its prejudices against homosexuals would be an example and send a signal to others.
Moreover, Malta hosted a meeting on 27 October which was organised by the Malta Gay Rights Movement in the framework of 13th ILGA- Europe’s annual conference. During the meeting, the President of Malta, Dr George Abela mentioned the importance of education and information to tackle discrimination and to increase tolerance and acceptance of differences. This is the first time that a president of a state meets with the representatives of ILGA-Europe during its annual conference.