UK tops LGBTI human rights report

The 2014 ‘Rainbow Europe’ human rights survey has been released by ILGA-Europe, the Europe-wide network of LGBTI organisations.

The UK has once again been ranked number one in Europe for LGBT rights.

ILGA-Europe’s Rainbow Europe Map reviews the standing of European countries against essential legal benchmarks for LGBTI equality, while the Annual Review of the Human Rights Situation of LGBTI People in Europe 2014 provides an analysis of trends and an overview of key political and social developments country-by-country.

ILGA tracks the status and promotes the rights of LGBT people, and publishes a new rights map each year.

Britain has taken top spot for the last three years scoring 82% this year, an increase of 5 percent over 2013.

Simon Kirby, MP for Kemptown & Peacehaven, said: “This ranking is excellent news and I congratulate all concerned on this achievement, which builds on being top in other years. The Government’s approach to ensure equalities is a key part of its work is clearly paying dividends. I am proud to represent an area with a large LGBT population and I am very proud that the UK is number one.”

Lib Dem MEP candidate for South East England and spokesperson for Liberals 4 Equality Giles Goodall, added: “I’m delighted that the UK has again come top of this ranking, thanks in part to equal marriage entering into law this year.

“It is also great news that the situation for LGBTI people has improved in the majority of the EU’s member states (18 out of 28) and in countries hoping to join the EU, such as Serbia and Montenegro.

“The EU is a huge force for progress but we must not be complacent. Homophobia and transphobia continue to blight thousands of lives around Europe and populist parties are threatening to roll back protection for LGBTI communities.”

“I hope that people will use their votes at the European elections on May 22 to make sure that we continue moving forward on LGBTI rights in Europe, and not backwards.”

Minister for Equalities Sajid Javid, concluded: “The UK has a strong record of protecting and promoting equality. I am pleased that our work to protect people from discrimination because of their sexuality has been recognized as some of the best in the world.”