Today is International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia. Why is it necessary to have such a day? Well, because same-sex relations remain criminalised in more than 70 countries. Discrimination against LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) people because of their sexual orientation or gender identity continues to occur even in countries where laws exist to protect them. Where such illegality and inequality exists, LGBT people face persecution and human rights violations.
Hungary has the distinction of being the first former Warsaw Pact country to host a large-scale LGBT event, an international film festival, in 1993. The first Budapest Pride (or Dignity) March was in 1997 – this year’s Pride Festival takes place between 11-19 June, with the March on 18 June. But in 2003 and again since 2007 there have been demonstrations against the March, which turned violent in 2007 and 2008. Since July 2009 same-sex couples can enter into registered partnership in Hungary, with partners having the same rights as spouses except for adoption, surrogacy or taking the same surname. Yet society in general is still far from accepting the LGBT community. According to a study published by the ELTE University Sociology department last week, two-thirds of Hungarians would not be willing to accept the news that their next of kin or close friend was gay.
The UK takes a close interest in all matters involving equality. Following the launch of a related action plan in March 2011, our Minister for Equalities, Lynne Featherstone, explained: “Too many people still suffer outdated prejudices, discrimination and violence both at home and abroad because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. The Government…action plan….demonstrated its commitment to advancing equality for LGBT people domestically and internationally. We will continue to work tirelessly with international partners to advance LGBT equality and challenge discrimination wherever it occurs.”
Locally, our Embassy has been actively supportive of the LGBT community in recent years. In the face of extremist opposition, we have – for example – issued joint statements of support for the Pride Festival with likeminded embassies; flown the Rainbow flag; and attended and hosted important events (e.g. I helped open the first “LGBTQ Forum” at the Central European University and a reception for the first LGBT Business Leaders’ Forum and Pride Festival workshops were held at the Embassy). I am also very pleased to have been asked to be patron of the Budapest Eurogames 2012, the first Eurogames in Central and Eastern Europe.
Some may query this involvement. But human rights are fundamental to British values and enshrined in international law. It is in all our interests that we promote these human rights in our international relationships. They encourage respect for individuals and are the foundation of democratic and stable societies.