Unfortunately, all over the world, members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community are subject to discrimination, often hidden and with impunity, because of the invisibility of the community members themselves. We reject and condemn any discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity. It is incompatible with the basic principles and values on which the EU is founded. We are and will remain committed to the prevention and eradication of discrimination based on the six grounds mentioned in Article 13 of the EC Treaty, which include sexual orientation. Guaranteeing human rights of LGBT persons requires an active, consistent, determined policy of the authorities, both at the level of central government and at the level of local government, as well as by other state institutions.
We recall in this context that 67 States from different regions condemned violations based on sexual orientation and gender identity in the UN General Assembly Statement on Human Rights, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity of 18 December 2008. We would also like to refer to the Yogyakarta principles of 2006 on the application of international human rights law in relation to sexual orientation and gender identity. We express our wholehearted support to all those who - whether as individuals, working for government organisations or for nongovernmental organisations – are working to ensure that all of us can fully enjoy our human rights, without distinction of any kind, as set out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Celebrating diversity is not about promoting a lifestyle, it is about promoting respect for fundamental human rights. It is about the very essence of our democratic values and that human rights apply equally to every human being regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity.
We wish all those celebrating under the banner Love equality, embrace diversity! in Sofia a safe and enjoyable day!
Tove Skarstein
Ambassador