Euro Map: A Comprehensive Guide to LGBTI Rights in Europe
The Euro Map, published annually by ILGA-Europe, provides a comprehensive overview of the legal and policy landscape for LGBTI people across 49 European countries. The map uses a scoring system from 0-100% to rank countries based on their progress in areas such as equality, non-discrimination, family rights, and legal gender recognition. This detailed analysis allows for comparisons between nations and highlights both advancements and setbacks in LGBTI rights protection.
While some European countries champion LGBTI rights, others lag behind, creating a complex and often contrasting picture across the continent. Authoritarian regimes frequently utilize the scapegoating of LGBTI individuals to consolidate power and mobilize support, while other nations demonstrate a strong commitment to human rights.
Malta continues to lead the way in LGBTI rights, holding the top spot on the Euro Map for nine consecutive years. Iceland made significant strides, jumping to second place with an impressive score of 83%, thanks to progressive legislation banning conversion therapy and ensuring depathologized trans-specific healthcare. Belgium, with a score of 78%, also banned conversion therapy and secured the third position.
Conversely, Russia, Azerbaijan, and Turkey occupy the bottom three positions on the Euro Map, with scores of 2%, 2%, and 5% respectively. Russia’s score plummeted due to legislation banning legal gender recognition and trans-specific healthcare. Within the European Union, Poland remains at the bottom with a score of 18%, followed by Romania (19%) and Bulgaria (23%). These disparities underscore the significant challenges that remain in ensuring equal rights for LGBTI individuals across Europe.
Key findings from the Euro Map reveal significant gaps in legal protections and societal acceptance for LGBTI people across various categories: only ten countries have banned conversion practices; six countries offer no legal protection against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity; and marriage equality is legal in only 21 countries.
Full legal recognition of trans parenthood exists in only six countries. Germany, Greece, Iceland, Malta, Portugal, and Spain are the sole nations prohibiting unnecessary medical interventions on intersex children. Ten countries lack any legal framework for legal gender recognition, while Bulgaria, Hungary, and Russia have enacted laws rendering it impossible. Only eleven countries permit legal gender recognition based on self-determination. These statistics reveal a critical need for continued advocacy and legislative action to ensure fundamental human rights for LGBTI individuals. Freedom of assembly and association for LGBTI communities face restrictions or active threats in at least thirteen countries.
Furthermore, sexual orientation and gender identity are recognized as valid criteria for seeking asylum in 27 countries, while only six countries offer legal protection for intersex asylum seekers. The Euro Map highlights the precarious situation faced by many LGBTI individuals seeking refuge from persecution. The right to live openly and freely without fear of discrimination or violence remains a distant reality for many in Europe.
The Euro Map categorizes its findings into specific areas such as Asylum, Civil Society Space, Intersex Bodily Integrity, Legal Gender Recognition, Hate Crime & Hate Speech, Equality & Non-Discrimination, and Family. Each category provides a detailed breakdown of country-specific legislation, policies, and societal attitudes affecting LGBTI rights. This allows for a granular understanding of the challenges and progress made in each specific area.
[Image of a map visualizing LGBTI rights in Europe.]