AKEL on International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia
17th May 2021, AKEL C.C. Press Office, Nicosia
On the occasion of the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, AKEL reiterates that the rights of LGBT people are human rights that must be attributed to everyone from birth, not when and if the rest of society feels mature, nor when political considerations permit it.
Thousands of people in our country and millions around the world are subjected to violence, discrimination and social humiliation because of their sexual orientation and gender identity. A long-term plan is needed in our country as well for the elimination of violence, institutional discrimination and stereotypes, which are still rooted in legislation, the practices of the state and institutions and society’s perceptions.
Unfortunately, the Anastasiades-DISY government failed and showed on interest in proceeding with the implementation of important demands for which in the past it had made pledges and promises. The bill on gender recognition has been pending for years now between Ministries and the ruling DISY party avoids taking a position on the demands put forth by the LGBT community.
The Left responds to backwardness, conservatism and hatred by projecting the values of equality, solidarity and progress. AKEL fights for the elaboration and implementation of a National Action Plan for LGBT people, a comprehensive network of legislative interventions, measures and actions in all areas of public and private life (for example, legislation, work, education, health, sports, housing, asylum, private and family life). Among AKEL’s priorities, we single out our demands for the strengthening and effective implementation of legislation on homophobic and transphobic hate rhetoric. Discrimination at the workplace must be combatted. Discrimination in childbearing and in vitro fertilization ended and the legal recognition of gender identity should proceed.
