AKEL Declaration on International Day Against Homophobia
AKEL C.C. Press Office, 17th May 2020, Nicosia
On the occasion of today’s International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, AKEL recalls that in our country, as throughout the world, people continue to be subjected to violence, institutional discrimination and social humiliation because of their sexual orientation and gender identity.
We unite our voice in the fight against homophobia, which is still rooted in legislation, in the practices of the state and institutions and in society’s perceptions. We are working to combat discriminations based on sexual orientation and gender identity, in all areas, especially at work. The legislation on homophobic and transphobic hate speech should be strengthened and implemented. The right to the legal recognition of gender identity should be safeguarded, the bill on this issue is still pending for years despite government announcements. Discrimination in child adoption and in vitro fertilization should be ended.
AKEL believes that the rights of LGBTI people are human rights that must be granted to everyone from the moment they are born, not when and if the rest of society feels mature, nor when political expediencies permit it. Despite the progress that has been recorded, there is still a long way to go at all levels. In contrast to regression, phobia and hatred, we respond with the values of equality, solidarity and progress.
