Gay And Lesbian Rights

Jean Lambert is a member of the European Parliament’s Intergroup on Gay and Lesbian Rights and believes that everyone should be granted their basic human rights, including the ability to express their own sexuality.

Religious Homophobia
Homophobic Persecutions
Violence against Gay Pride
International Day Against Homophobia

Religious Homophobia
Jean Lambert called for an investigation into Government attempts to weaken a EU directive that prohibited workplace discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation.

The Employment And Work Conditions Directive (2000) banned workplace discrimination unless the difference on which the different treatment was based was a 'genuine and determining occupational requirement'. But Jean warned that Government proposals to enshrine this exception into UK law will create a loophole allowing any religious organisation to discriminate against employing homosexuals in any role at all.

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Homophobic Persecutions
Marking the first anniversary of the hanging of two gay teenage boys in Iran Jean Lambert spoke out in anger against Iran's homophobic persecution.
Jean supported the 24 global protests organised as part of the international day of action against Iran's execution of gay people and children and said she was extremely disturbed by such brutal acts.

"The publicised executions of gay people in Iran seem to evolve into a media circus where the supposed crimes are exaggerated to ensure the public support the authorities and as in so many cases, it becomes an uphill struggle for the accused to get the truth of their case heard.”
Jean Lambert MEP
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Violence against gay pride
Following fascist attacks on Russia's first Gay Pride demonstration and Bucharest's experience of violent homophobia in 2006 Jean warned that outbreaks of violence towards Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) communities across Eastern Europe were a grave step backwards for equality and human rights.

“We know that at least 80 countries around the world still forbid homosexual acts by law but there is no place for this narrow-mindedness in a modern Europe. There is no excuse for the violent reception the LGBT communities in Russia and Romania have received and such homophobic events cannot be seen as acceptable anywhere in the world.”
Jean Lambert MEP

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International Day Against Homophobia
Jean gave her support to IDAHO, the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia, and emphasised the importance of eliminating homophobia from the world completely. Jean said the day would give hope and encouragement to Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Communities in those countries still allowing discrimination and homophobic behaviour.

"Everyone is equal regardless of their sexuality, gender or race. IDAHO gives us all a chance to make a stand against homophobia and show our support for all LGBT Communities across the UK and Europe. Standing together we can celebrate diversity and ensure LGBT communities have the rights they deserve.”
Jean Lambert MEP