The Intergroup on Gay and Lesbian Rights and the Trade Unions Intergroup formally launched a written declaration on combating homophobic bullying in response to a report published by ILGA-Europe and IGLYO highlighting that over half of LGBT young people experience bullying in schools and other spheres of life. In a previous meeting launching the report, the MEPs present were galvanised into action promising that concrete measures would be taken at the European level to ensure homophobic bullying was put on the political agenda. The Intergroup has honoured its promise; its officers were joined by MEP John Bowis (UK/EPP-ED) in the drafting of the declaration.

“Already before we’d officially launched the written declaration, 42 MEPs had signed the declaration, we still have to collect 351 signatures but this is already an excellent start,” Michael Cashman, co-author and President of the Intergroup on Gay and Lesbian Rights highlighted, “We’re hoping through the launch meeting to gather wide support for this declaration that seeks to continue the work done by Parliament. This declaration, we hope will join the resolutions passed by Parliament condemning homophobia inside and outside the EU.”
Indeed the European Parliament passed two resolutions in January and June 2006 on homophobia. However, the written declaration is much more specific, highlighting the day-to-day violence experienced by LGBT young people.

“LGBT young people are completely invisible in policy making,” John Bowis who helped draft the written declaration and presented its utility at the joint meeting confirmed, “We talk a lot about the socially excluded, and the social inclusion strategies quite poignantly highlights how at-risk young people are, but when it comes to showing the diversity of young people, we fall silent. Yet LGBT young people are articulate and perceptive, as I found recently at their Conference in Latvia and a visit to their Scottish branch.  We need to help them to have a platform and to have their views heard.”

The launch of the written declaration took place in a joint meeting with the Trade Unions Intergroup; members of the European Trade Union Confederation also highlighted the work that was being undertaken by trade unions to combat discrimination in the workplace. Whether in the UK or in Sweden, best practices were showcased.
“Trade Union have an important role to play in the monitoring of equal chances and non-discrimination, which are basic values in Europe, and have indeed to be granted to all workers” Csaba Ory, Presiding the Trade Unions Intergroup for the second-half of the term explained, “Discrimination is the concern of all, as was shown in the meeting. Through the dissemination of best practices, the Trade Unions Intergroup as well as the trade unions themselves clearly show their commitment in the fight against discrimination.”