The European Union came to slay!
The European Parliament has taken a stand against Poland’s anti-LGBTQ+ laws by dubbing the entire European Union as an “LGBTQI+ Freedom Zone”.
The new LGBTQI+ Freedom Zone measure declares: “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.”
Over 400 MEPs voted for the new resolution with 141 voting against it and 46 abstaining.
German MEP Terry Reintike took to Twitter to express her excitement for the new resolution, tweeting: “And now: Just two citizens of #LGBTIQFreedomZone European Union celebrating a bit.
“Tomorrow, the struggle continues. But tonight we raise a glass on our wonderful community.”
And now: Just two citizens of #LGBTIQFreedomZone European Union celebrating a bit.
Tomorrow, the struggle continues.
But tonight we raise a glass on our wonderful 🌈 community. pic.twitter.com/HwkBxpUqWe
— Terry Reintke (@TerryReintke) March 11, 2021
Although this has been great news throughout the EU, Poland rained on the parade by introducing a new anti-LGBTQ+ bill on the same day.
Under their new proposal, same-sex couples will be prohibited from adopting a child.
This new law will require authorities to perform background checks on anyone applying to adopt, due to some same-sex couples posing as single parent applicants.
The country currently doesn’t acknowledge same-sex marriage or partnerships.
If the person is found lying about their relationship status they will face criminal consequences.
This new law is another anti-LGBTQ+ offence in a growing list of homophobic viewpoints and legislation.
The country has faced backlash from its residents, the European Union and even President Joe Biden for its “LGBT-free” zones and homophobic behaviour.
Their “LGBT-free” zones, – which came to fruition after the country’s ruling Law and Justice Party inspired several towns in Poland to be free from “LGBT ideology” – puts vulnerable LGBTQ+ citizens at risk of discrimination, prejudice and violence.
Before the European Parliament introduced the “LGBTQI+ Freedom Zones”, fifty countries from around the world signed an open letter calling for Poland to “protect all citizens from violence and discrimination and to ensure they enjoy equal opportunities.”
The fight for LGBTQ+ equality continues on.
Latest
