My Plenary Speech on protecting LGBTIQ+ persons and ensuring a discrimination-free Union

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My Plenary Speech on recent legislation targeting LGBTIQ+ persons and the need for protecting the rule of law and a discrimination-free Union

Dear President,

Dear Commissioner,

Dear colleagues,

In a Union of equality, there is no room for discrimination.

I ask the right side of this House:

Would you not be outraged if one of your relatives or friends was discriminated because of the colour of their skin, their religion, or their disability?

And why are some of you not shocked when people continue to suffer discrimination and violence on a daily basis because they are a lesbian, gay, bi, trans, non-binary or intersex person?

In a Union of equality, there is no place for double standards!

In Europe, the anti-gender movement, notably supported by the Putin, Orbán, Meloni and others, is getting increasingly vocal and is taking discriminatory measures against the LGBTIQ+ community.

Europe must counter this axis of hate actively oppose legislative measures that undermine equality, freedom and the rule of law.

Europe must denounce discriminatory laws and ensure compliance with EU law and the case law of the ECJ.

The Commission must not hesitate to launch infringement procedures.

We Socialists and Democrats will never sell our values for political gain!

We will never waiver in our commitment to workers’ rights, human rights, including LGBTIQ+ rights!

Thank you!