UK MEP calls for zero tolerance on homophobic bullying in schools as Europe celebrates IDAHO

Jean Lambert — Fri, 17 May 2013 19:51:02 +0000

LONDON’S Green MEP Jean Lambert has called for zero tolerance on homophobic bullying in schools as Europe celebrates the International Day Against Homophobia.

IDAHO marks 23 years since the World Health Organisation removed homosexuality from its list of mental disorders.

LGBT rights have come a long way in the past few decades, with homosexuality legal in all European Union (EU) states.

However, there is still a long way to go as discrimination in daily life and law continues within the European Union and across the globe.

EU Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) has today published a report detailing the results of a survey covering the EU with over 93,000 respondents, to discover the everyday issues affecting LGBT people.

This survey, which is the most extensive of its kind to date, collected comparable data on LGBT people’s experiences of hate crime and discrimination, as well as their level of awareness about their rights.

While the UK has a strong record on legislation, there is still a significant problem for young people at school: 95% of responders for the UK said they had heard homophobic insults used at school and 68% said they had hidden their sexual orientation at school at times.

There is a real need for continued action from Government and a concerted strategy in all schools to change this threatening culture.

Ms Lambert said:

Today is International Day Against Homophobia, and the release of the EU survey gives us a chance to review progress in tackling gender and sexual identity discrimination and recognise there is still much work to do in delivering equality.

“We must stand in solidarity with all LGBT people winning fights for equality across the world whilst not forgetting the continued discrimination and prejudice faced by many.

“The figures show that homophobic and transphobic violence is still at shocking levels.

“There is no excuse for members of our communities living in fear because of their sexuality or gender orientation. Governments across the EU, including our own in Britain, must take these findings seriously and ensure that LGBT people are given the full protection of the law.”

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Letter: We need renewed effort to tackle gay hate crime in London

Jean Lambert — Thu, 17 May 2012 15:16:13 +0000

Jean has sent the following letter to London papers to mark International Day Against Homophobia (17th May):

Dear Editor,

This Thursday (17th of May) marks the International Day Against Homophobia; a global day of recognition to commemorate the World Health Organisation’s decision to remove homosexuality from its list of mental disorders.

Whilst great progress has been made in tackling the oppression and discrimination that the LGBT community faces in London – progress that capitals around the world should aspire to – homophobia remains a shameful fact of life.

Whilst the last twelve months has seen a drop in homophobic crime across Greater London as a whole, attacks in certain parts of the city have soared. Latest figures from the Metropolitan Police show that gay hate crime has increased by a staggering 104% in the Borough of Greenwich, 69% in the Borough of Hackney and 20 per cent in the Borough of Westminster.

With IDAHO just around the corner, it is timely to renew our pledge to continue the fight for true LGBT equality here in the capital. We all have a role to play in developing a society in which this kind of intolerance and violence is rejected outright.

Jean Lambert
Green MEP for London

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IDAHO – Jean Lambert MEP

UK MEP calls for zero tolerance on homophobic bullying in schools as Europe celebrates IDAHO

Letter: We need renewed effort to tackle gay hate crime in London