A recent report by advocacy group ILGA-Europe has raised alarms about a significant increase in anti-trans and anti-LGBTI rhetoric among politicians across Europe. This trend is particularly worrying as the EU elections approach in June, potentially fueling division and hate.
Key Findings:
- Rising Hate Speech: Politicians in 32 European countries, including 19 EU member states, have increasingly used transphobic and anti-LGBTI rhetoric over the past year. Countries like Croatia, Ireland, Slovakia, Spain, and Sweden are notably affected.
- Concerns of Instrumentalization: The report suggests that politicians may be using anti-trans and anti-LGBTI narratives to manipulate public opinion and create division ahead of the elections, with far-right parties likely to benefit.
Reactions:
- European Parliament Vice President Marc Angel: Angel expressed shock at the hateful language used by some politicians, emphasizing the negative impact on societal discourse and urging action against misinformation spread by far-right and extremist groups.
- ILGA-Europe’s Advocacy Director, Katrin Hugendubel: Hugendubel highlighted the dangerous polarization and increase in violence against the LGBTI community, stressing that fundamental EU values are being challenged.
Specific Incidents:
- Slovakia: Former Prime Minister Igor Matovič made derogatory remarks about LGBTI activists, prompting public outrage.
- Hungary: Prime Minister Viktor Orbán criticized the EU for allegedly abandoning Christian values in favor of “LGBTQ+ gender campaigns,” contributing to the hostile environment.
Wider Impact:
- Rise in Hate Crimes: ILGA reports a significant rise in physical attacks against the queer community, with pride demonstrations being targeted, such as the foiled terrorist attack on Vienna’s pride parade last June.
- Weaponizing Children: Politicians increasingly use scare tactics involving children to oppose trans minors’ access to healthcare and to create skepticism towards sex education.
Upcoming EU Elections:
- Call to Action: Hugendubel calls on politicians to uphold human rights, counter misinformation, and resist the trend of divisive rhetoric as Europe prepares for elections.
- Political Statements: Left-wing, liberal, and center-right groups in the European Parliament have signed a declaration supporting LGBTIQ rights, though more consistent advocacy is needed.
The report emphasizes the need for a calm, reasoned approach to combat polarization and safeguard democratic values, especially with the looming threat of foreign interference and misinformation campaigns.
