The Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, led by Minister Paulo Rangel, confirmed the signing of a joint declaration on International LGBTQIA+ Pride Day, celebrated on June 28. This document is open for endorsement by other nations.
Alongside Portugal, the declaration was signed by Spain, Colombia, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Cape Verde, Canada, Chile, Slovenia, Iceland, Ireland, Norway, the Netherlands, and Uruguay.
The declaration, accessed by Lusa, emphasizes a commitment to “act together to defend the rights of LGBTQIA+ individuals.”
“At a time when hate speech and crimes are on the rise, and in response to efforts to strip LGBTQIA+ people of their rights, we reject all forms of violence, criminalization, stigmatization, or discrimination against LGBTQIA+ individuals that lead to human rights violations,” the document states.
The foreign ministers call for international support for measures to decriminalize and prevent all types of harassment, including homophobic and transphobic harassment.
Proposed actions include promoting diversity policies, combating discrimination, and encouraging the inclusion of LGBTQIA+ individuals, especially transgender people, in society and the workplace.
“We recognize that LGBTQIA+ people face multiple and intersectional forms of discrimination, particularly when they are part of other historically marginalized groups, such as indigenous peoples, people of African descent, people with disabilities, migrants, the elderly, or those living in poverty,” the foreign affairs leaders state.
Advocating for full and effective LGBTQIA+ inclusion requires “an intersectional approach that structurally addresses these inequalities,” signatories commit to “joining forces” to work for the equal rights of this community and to “end the criminalization of same-sex relationships worldwide.”
“We urge all States to join us in this effort by repealing discriminatory laws and refusing to adopt new laws that criminalize same-sex relationships or penalize individuals for their sexual orientation or gender identity. We call for an end to the persecution of LGBTQIA+ people, particularly the use of imprisonment and the death penalty,” they declare, also calling for the cessation of so-called “conversion therapy” practices aimed at altering a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity.
The foreign ministers stress the importance of full respect for human rights and human dignity, strengthening equality, diversity, and prosperity “leaving no one behind,” ensuring that the equality of LGBTQIA+ individuals under the law “is unquestionable” and that no one is prosecuted or discriminated against for their sexual orientation or gender identity.
“We celebrate sexual diversity and family diversity, believing that inclusive, equitable, and tolerant societies, based on solidarity, are also stronger, healthier, and more resilient,” they express.
