Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 July 2020
332. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the steps taken at EU level to protect the LGBT community in Poland; if measures have been taken by the EU against Poland in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13739/20]
View answerI am concerned regarding developments relating to the LGBTI+ community in Poland. The principles of equality and non-discrimination are enshrined in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. It is important that these principles are protected and promoted throughout the Union.
At EU level, the European Parliament has adopted a number of Resolutions relating to LGBTI+ rights including some with specific references to Poland. This includes a Resolution adopted in December 2019 on “public discrimination and hate speech against LGBTI people, including LGBTI+ free zones”.
In February of this year, European Commissioner for Equality Helena Dalli reiterated that the Commission condemns any form of violence, hatred or discrimination against LGBTI+ people, and that the Commission will not hesitate to take any necessary action within the limits conferred on it by the Treaties. More recently, the European Commission has written to the heads of regional government in a number of Polish provinces to remind them of their responsibility to comply with the principle of non-discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
Advancing human rights is central to Ireland’s foreign policy, The Global Island. Ireland is committed to promoting the rights of LGBTI+ persons who continue to suffer disproportionate levels of violence and discrimination around the world. Ireland continues to support initiatives in international fora which promote and protect the rights of LGBTI+ persons, and which condemn violence and discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.
The Embassy of Ireland in Poland also undertakes a number of initiatives to raise awareness of and facilitate discussion on the rights of LGBTI+ individuals. This includes taking part in the Warsaw Equality Parade each year. The Embassy is also one of a number of diplomatic representations who sign an annual letter in support of the Warsaw Equality Parade and other such parades around Poland. The letter, in addition to affirming the inherent dignity of every individual in line with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, also expresses support for efforts to raise public awareness of issues affecting the LGBTI+ community and other communities in Poland. The letter is presented to the Prime Minister’s Chancellery. The Embassy also works collaboratively with different NGOs in Poland to facilitate discussion around the issues facing LGBTI+ communities.
We will continue to work both bilaterally and at the EU level to promote and protect the rights of LGBTI+ communities across the EU and beyond.
