IT STARTED AS A CALL FOR RESISTANCE
European Union, a previous homeland of inquisition and world wars has declared itself as LGBTIQ Free Zone. March 11th, 2021 marks a turning point in history with human rights resolution for minority groups implemented above the national level of its member countries.
It all began as an opposition to Polland where some local authorities have declared “LGBTIQ Ideology Free Zones”. As a country where various public policies concerning same-sex couples lack tolerance and equality, Poland only sparked and inspired the positive change on the EU level. In addition, we are also witnessing the same rights deteriorate in Hungary.
With the support from 492 MEPs, 141 against the resolution, and 46 abstained the democratic acceptance is quite clear. The overwhelming majority was in favor of the resolution leaving no doubts about the positive shift of our collective mindset towards the future with a higher tolerance. The European Commission President Ursula von der Leyenhad gave optimistic support to the resolution even before it went on a debate on Thursday by tweeting: “Being yourself is not an ideology. It’s your identity. No one can ever take it away. The EU is your home. The EU is a #LGBTIQFreedomZone.”
THE FUTURE SEEMS BRIGHT
And what is inside of the EU resolution? It declares that: “LGBTIQ persons everywhere in the EU should enjoy the freedom to live and publicly show their sexual orientation and gender identity without fear of intolerance, discrimination or persecution”. That sounds quite promising and encouraging so hopefully it invokes changes on national levels since now it represents our supranational stance. Additionally, it declares that “authorities at all levels of governance across the EU should protect and promote equality and the fundamental rights of all, including LGBTIQ persons’.”
All in all, it seems that it won’t just remain an empty ideal because MEPs are already calling out for its implementation on a national level. For example, Germany’s Terry Reintke tweeted: “Let’s use it! Let’s put it into concrete political action: better laws, better enforcement, better protection. Together we can do it.” And she is already right about the “Together we can do it” part because the resolution’s acceptance shows so.
REVENGE IS SWEET WHEN SPARKED BY TOLERANCE
Take THAT, a fundamental part of Poland! This happens when you mess with human rights in the western hemisphere in the middle of the 21st century! And for the better and open-minded part of Poland (and Hungary and everyone else), the resolution will hopefully help and encourage to bring about the change.
Congratulations to all the nations within EU for this case illustrates that we have chosen the right representatives. We can proudly serve as an example to the rest of the world. United in diversity we truly are and with the new resolution, united will shall remain!
