Parliamentarians can
promote legislation supporting equality and non-discrimination, regardless
gender identity and sexual orientation. A higher representation of LGBTI
persons in national parliaments can have an impact on lawmaking, often leading
to the enactment of equality laws focused on sexual orientation. According to a 2013 study,
same-sex marriage was more likely to happen in countries with representation of
openly gay MPs in parliament. Also, research findings showed that “the
countries with the most progressive LGBT rights have had some level of gay
representation for the longest time and continue to do so today”.[1]
Establishing
institutional mechanisms and informal fora to discuss LGBTI rights, such as
LGBTI caucuses, can be positive for the work of parliamentarians defending this
cause, since the creation of such platforms gives a strong political message in
favor of social inclusion and equality. Furthermore, international
parliamentary strengthening projects can promote political inclusion and human
rights of the LGBTI community, by supporting parliamentarians’ work in this
field.
Example: In the United States, the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus
was created in the House of Representatives in 2008, aiming to promote human
rights of LGBT people in the country and around the world. The Caucus has over
100 members and is currently co-chaired by six openly LGBT Members of Congress.
Its work focuses on promoting human rights equality, repealing discriminatory
legislation, fighting against hate violence and improving health and wellbeing
of LGBT people.[2]
Example: In the United Kingdom, the All Party Parliamentary Group on
Global LGBT Rights was created in 2005 to provide a forum for parliamentarians
to advance the enjoyment of human rights for LGBTI persons inside the country
and abroad. Among other functions, the Parliamentary Group promotes LGBTI
rights at the domestic and international levels, meets activists from all
around the world, attends conferences and builds links with parliamentary LGBTI
groups in other countries. In 2016, it launched a global report on human rights
violations based on sexual orientation and gender identity, recommending
increased support and funding to LGBTI groups on the ground.[3]
Example: The European Parliament Intergroup on LGBTI rights is an
informal forum for Members of the European Parliament who wish to advance the
rights of LGBTI persons. With 150 members from different political backgrounds,
it is the largest intergroup within the European Parliament. Its work consists
in “monitoring the work of the European Union; monitoring the situation of
lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) people in EU Member
States and beyond; and liaising with civil society groups to relay their
concerns at the European level.” The priorities of the Intergroup include
freedom of movement for LGBTI persons, monitoring the European Commission,
combatting discrimination in the European Union, securing transgender and
intersex rights and monitoring human rights in the European Union’s work.
Example: The organization Parliamentarians for Global Action, a broad
international network of legislators, has conducted a global parliamentary
campaign against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender
identity, to mobilize parliamentarians in favor of LGBTI rights.[4]
In the framework of this campaign, the organization launched an inclusion
website in 2017, as a resource platform for parliamentarians to advance
inclusion of LGBTI persons.[5]
In 2017, it published a Handbook
for parliamentarians, in collaboration with UNDP, which “offers
practical tips, tools and resources designed to support parliamentarians to
undertake legislative, representational and oversight activities that advance
the rights and inclusion of LGBTI persons.” [6]
