Sharon Bowles MEP

Lib Dem MEP Sharon Bowles, who represents Brighton & Hove at the European Parliament, has proffered her support for a new initiative on LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) rights and the fight against homophobia.
 
European Commission documents relating to the Stockholm Programme - a four year action plan for cooperation on judicial matters - do not address mutual recognition of same-sex couples, either married, in a civil partnership, cohabiting, or de facto.
 
In the case of transsexual and transgender persons, some Member States of the EU still do not recognise sexual orientation as a binding reason to recognise asylum. Some Member States also have laws that consider information on same-sex couples as harmful to minors.
 
Sharon, who led a written declaration campaign on LGBT rights in the last parliament, said:
"It is clear that some EU citizens continue to face discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. This is unacceptable.
 
"I have today backed calls for the European Commission to provide details of concrete initiatives, actions and programmes that will address the issue of LGBT rights.
 
"In doing so, I support the creation of an 'EU Roadmap on LGBT rights' - a timetable of measures to ensure that LGBT rights are respected, protected and promoted in the EU and in the world."