People belonging to the
lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community in Italy
are among the most discriminated in Europe, according to a study
by the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA)
published Tuesday.
Some 54% of LGBT people in Italy said they suffered
discrimination, putting the country ahead of only Lithuania,
Croatia, Poland and Cyprus.
Further, just 8% are always open about their sexual
orientation as a result of the hostility, FRA said.
Italy also performed badly with regard to the use by
politicians of offensive language, everyday jokes and the
absence of legislation upholding gay rights.
The study was presented on the occasion of the first-ever
high-level EU conference on LGBT rights called by the current
Italian presidency of the Council of the EU in Brussels.
"The EU has a clear responsibility to promote equality,
respect and tolerance for everyone, including LGBT people," said
Italian Reforms Undersecretary Ivan Scalfarotto.
"With this important conference the Italian Presidency
wants to show its commitment to working with our EU partners to
combat LGBT discrimination and build a more inclusive society
for all."
"Too often, too many LGBT people face discrimination and
hostility for simply being themselves," said FRA Director Morten
Kjaerum.
"The tide is changing and there has been positive momentum
in many Member States. We must build on this. As the new
European Parliament and Commission take office, the time is now
ripe to put equality and non-discrimination of LGBT people back
on the EU's agenda".
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