Today is the World Day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia. In modern societies there is no place for segregation based on sexual orientation or gender identity. The protection and respect of human dignity and diversity are essential elements of our democratic culture and we work every day to ensure this. On the contrary, significant steps have been taken in this direction in recent years. The institutionalisation of civil partnerships and the criminalisation of homophobic and transphobic rhetoric, as well as the tightening of penalties for criminal acts committed with a homophobic or transphobic motive, demonstrate our determination to strengthen equality and combat all forms of violence or discrimination against the LGBT+ community.
Recently, I have signed, on behalf of the Republic of Cyprus, a Memorandum of Understanding with the United Kingdom to protect and promote the rights of LGBTI+ people in the workplace, at bilateral and European level.
In this context, we held on 12-13 May, for the first time in Cyprus, the IDAHOT+ Forum 2022, together with the UK Government and in cooperation with the Council of Europe, which was attended by 250 participants from countries across Europe.
As a government we actively support and will continue to support the right of every individual to free expression, self-determination and equal treatment. This is why we have recently finalised and promoted as a Ministry the Legal Gender Identity Recognition Bill, which is a long-standing demand of the LGBTI+ community.
I would like to reaffirm the commitment of the Government and the Ministry of Justice and Public Order to fully respect the fundamental freedoms and promote the rights of LGBTI+ people.
(MB/EXP)
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