Jeremy Corbyn calls for an end to the “horrors” of anti-trans discrimination
April 22, 2024Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has expressed his support for trans individuals globally.
The MP for Islington North addressed the Council of Europe, advocating for an end to the “horrors of transgender discrimination” during his speech on Thursday (18 April), according to ‘MSN’.
A parliamentary assembly convened by the Council of Europe was held to reaffirm commitment to protecting LGBTQ+ rights throughout EU member states and to discuss a resolution that was adopted.
The resolution, stemming from a report by Belgian politician Christophe Lacroix, denounces ongoing assaults on LGBTQ+ individuals’ freedom of expression and labels anti-queer policies as violations of European Court of Human Rights rulings.
In his address, Corbyn stated: “The bravery with which many gay people have spoken out over many years, to try [to] gain recognition and support within their society… we have come a long way from [those] very brave people over a very long time and we should all glory in that.”
Long an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, Corbyn, who secured a landslide victory as Labour leader in 2015, continued: “However, these gains are under threat all the time [from] populist right-wing politicians and much of our media. We have to stand strong, stand firm.
“A message from the Council of Europe in support of the plurality of our society, in support of sexual freedoms, in support of the recognition of LGBTI people and an end to the horrors of transgender discrimination, is very important.”
Image Credit: Canva
The resolution calls on member states to bolster actions to protect LGBTQ+ individuals, including intensifying efforts against hate crimes and formulating anti-discrimination laws. Sixty member states supported the resolution, with Hungary being the sole opposing vote.
Corbyn highlighted the importance of safeguarding marginalised groups’ freedoms, commenting: “After all, we’re here to defend the European Convention on Human Rights. We elect judges to the European Court of Human Rights.
“If we set that example then we’re doing a good job and I’m delighted to support this debate and the proposals put before us today.”
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