The UN Human Rights Council has approved the first resolution establishing full equality of rights for all human beings, regardless of sexual orientation.
“This historic resolution presented by South Africa,” he explains Stefano Bucaioni, head of foreign affairs for Arcigay, "affirms the universality of human rights and highlights with concern acts of violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The resolution calls on the High Commissioner for Human Rights to prepare a study on homophobic and transphobic violence and discrimination, and calls for a roundtable discussion at the Human Rights Council to discuss the study's findings in a constructive and transparent manner.".
“The resolution, voted with 23 votes in favour and 19 against”, – he explains, adds Paolo Patanè, president of Arcigay, "marks significant progress in the fight for LGBT rights and places the Italian Parliament at a crossroads. It must choose whether to side with the totalitarian states, which strongly opposed the resolution, or align itself with the great democracies.".
“"We hope for the second option, and the triumph of Europride confirms that the entire country, unlike the political class, is on the side of the most advanced democracies and is questioning the choices the parties will make regarding LGBT rights, also with a view to future alliances," Patanè continues.
“We ask Parliament and the Government to significantly accelerate the full equalization of the rights of Italian citizens through gay marriage, the fight against discrimination in the workplace, and the extension of the Mancino Law to include homophobic crimes.
The call for greater courage extends to those who come after this majority. Whoever governs this country must understand that adhering to the principles expressed in the UN resolution can only benefit the country and the full realization of democracy.
We hope that the Government will immediately take note of the UN resolution and withdraw the prejudices that would like to undermine the Law against Homophobia", concludes the president of Arcigay.
Further information
UN. Text of resolution on sexual orientation
