BRUSSELS – May 15, 2025 Yesterday, May 14, a delegation of Italian LGBTQI associations met with representatives of the European Parliament in Brussels. The meeting, held in view of the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Lesbophobia and Transphobia (IDAHOTB), which falls on May 17th, served to discuss the challenges and concerns facing the community in Italy, with a particular focus on the current political climate.
Promoted by the Vice-President of the European Parliament Pina Picierno (PD) and from Antonello Sannino (President of Antinoo Arcigay Naples), the event saw the participation of representatives of the associations Antinoo Arcigay Naples, Arcigay National, Mario Mieli Circle, AGEDO, Rainbow Families, Gaynet, MIT And ILGA Europe. Several European and Italian political figures were present at the meeting, including Pasquale Tridico for the 5 Star Movement, Alessandro Zan (PD Rights Manager), and Marc Angel (Quaestor and co-president of the LGBTQI intergroup of the European Parliament).
During the meetings, the main critical issues experienced by LGBTQIA+ people in our country were discussed and the potential contribution of the EU in defending the rights jeopardized by the center-right government was evaluated, with particular attention to the rainbow families and the transgender population.
Among the most urgent critical issues raised by the associations is the situation of the National Office Against Racial Discrimination (UNAR). According to what was discussed, the’UNAR It currently operates without the minimum conditions of true independence, autonomy, and transparency required by current European directives, remaining bound by government policies and appointments. This situation has been defined as "unacceptable," especially considering the fundamental role UNAR should play in protecting rights and combating discrimination.
In this regard, the Vice-President of the European Parliament, Pina Picierno, said: “The Meloni government's policies are fueling a hostile climate toward the LGBTQI community, jeopardizing years of civic achievements. During meetings held in Brussels with Antonello Sannino, President of Antinoo Arcigay Napoli, several critical issues emerged, one of the most pressing of which concerns UNAR – the National Office against Racial Discrimination. Today, this body operates without the minimum conditions of true independence required by European law, remaining tied to political agendas and appointments. This is unacceptable, especially considering the fundamental role UNAR should play in protecting rights and combating discrimination. We are already preparing a parliamentary question on this issue to submit to the European Commission. It is essential that the Commission take an active and timely role on this issue, especially in light of the forthcoming strategy for the protection and promotion of LGBTQI rights. It is essential that the European institutions demonstrate a clear political will to combat all forms of hatred and discrimination, promoting a truly inclusive Europe that respects the dignity of all.”.
Ahead of the Day on May 17, the meeting reinforced the call for European and national institutions to step up their efforts to ensure equality, parity, and safety for all LGBTQIA+ people, actively combating all forms of discrimination, and promoting a more welcoming Europe.
