Treat information regarding LGBTQI (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex) people and any discriminatory incidents related to homophobia and transphobia with the utmost care, while respecting the inalienable rights of every individual, including sexual orientation. This is the primary objective of the protocol promoted and signed on the occasion of the International Day Against Homophobia (May 17) by the Siena Provincial Association (ARCI), the Pansexual Movement (ARCIGAY), and the Siena province's newspapers, radio stations, television stations, and websites. The protocol is also part of the efforts of the Provincial Observatory against Discrimination, enjoys the patronage of the Province of Siena, and has been welcomed by the Prefect of Siena, Renato Saccone.
The Protocol. The Protocol recalls the ethical dictates contained in the Journalist's Charter of Duties—with particular reference to the fundamental duty to respect individuals and their dignity without discrimination based on race, religion, gender, physical or mental condition, or political opinion—and the principles contained in the Treviso Charter, which governs the relationship between information and childhood. Based on these principles, the text establishes some essential rules to be respected when handling information and facts concerning LGBTQI individuals, taking into account the consequences that superficial and inaccurate statements can have on these individuals.
The protocol specifically calls for the use of legally appropriate terms that do not violate personal dignity; the dissemination of accurate and factual information, without distortions for discriminatory reasons; the protection of victims of homophobic and transphobic acts who choose to speak to journalists without allowing their identification; and the involvement of the professionals of the promoters to provide information in a clear and comprehensive context, including the causes of the phenomena.
The signatories. The protocol has received enthusiastic support from newspapers operating in the Siena province: for the press, Il Corriere di Siena and La Nazione; for the radio, Antenna Radio Esse, Radio Siena, Radio Rosa, and Radio3Network; for the television channels, Canale 3 Toscana, Siena TV, and Teleidea; and for the web portals, Il Cittadino Online, Ok Siena, Sienafree.it, Sienanews, and Valdelsa.Net.
The statements. "For several years," say Giovanni Bacaro and Serenella Pallecchi, presidents of the Arcigay Siena Pansexual Movement and the Siena Provincial Arci, respectively, "our two associations have been promoting awareness-raising initiatives on the issues of homophobia and transphobia. This year, on the occasion of the International Day on these issues, we wanted to propose something that goes beyond what has been done so far. The protocol presented this morning is the first step in a process aimed at increasingly involving the entire community, inviting a serious discussion on respect for the rights of homosexual and transgender citizens, who are too often judged and singled out for their sexual orientation based on unfounded and often offensive prejudices and clichés. 'Diversity' is an added value and a growth driver for our society. It is not a limitation or, worse still, an obstacle to individual freedoms, and to make this clear, the world of communications provides crucial assistance. We are very pleased with the strong response from the Siena provincial media, and we extend our thanks to each and every one of them." for the concrete support they will give us in addressing the issue of homophobia appropriately. Our intention is to continue this collaborative relationship, where the protocol is only a starting point for future actions and campaigns dedicated to combating homophobia and transphobia.
“"The Siena area," commented Simone Bezzini, President of the Province of Siena, "has a historic vocation to promote the rights of all citizens, without distinction, and the signing of this protocol is another important step in this direction. In a unique social moment like the current one, we cannot and must not lower our guard against discrimination, and we will continue our commitment to ensure that every person enjoys respect for the inalienable rights recognized by the Italian Constitution.".
“"The signing of this protocol by all provincial media outlets," adds Simonetta Pellegrini, Councilor for Equal Opportunities for the Province of Siena, "represents a very important step in raising public awareness of respect for individuals and their rights. In recent years, the provincial administration has encouraged and supported the implementation of programs in schools aimed at recognizing and promoting mutual respect among children and preventing and combating homophobia and homobullying. We will continue to work on these issues, counting on the work of the Provincial Anti-Discrimination Observatory's local office, through the awareness-raising and reflection activities it is already implementing and, from now on, also through the protocol and the support of the media that disseminate this information every day.".
The protocol was also welcomed by the Prefect of Siena, Renato Saccone. "I gladly accepted the invitation to attend the presentation of this protocol to demonstrate the State's commitment to combating all forms of discrimination and because I am convinced that the language of daily news reporting must always be respectful of human dignity and, wherever possible, careful and objective in its reporting of events.".
