About

The Equal Rights Coalition (ERC) is an intergovernmental body of 45 Member States dedicated to the protection of the rights of LGBTI persons. The ERC advances the human rights of LGBTI persons and promotes inclusive development, in both member and non-member countries, by engaging with civil society organizations, multilateral agencies, and activists from all over the world.

The 44 Member States of the ERC are: Albania; Argentina; Australia; Austria; Belgium; Brazil; Cabo Verde; Canada; Chile; Colombia; Costa Rica; Cyprus; the Czech Republic; Denmark; Ecuador; Estonia; Finland; France; Germany; Greece; Honduras; Iceland; Ireland; Israel; Italy; Lithuania; Luxembourg; Malta; Mexico; Montenegro; the Netherlands; New Zealand; North Macedonia; Norway; Portugal; Serbia; Slovenia; Spain; Sweden; Switzerland; Ukraine; United Kingdom; United States; Uruguay; and Thailand.

The ERC is co-chaired by two Member States, who coordinate the Coalition for a two-year term, before handing over to the next Co-Chairs. For the 2022-24 term, the ERC Co-Chairs are Germany and Mexico. The State Co-Chairs work in partnership with Civil Society Co-Chairs, who for this term are:

Governance of the Coalition occurs through the Executive Committee and Coordinating Committee, and governance of ERC civil society takes place in the CSO Core Group. 

The substantive work of the ERC is carried out in the Thematic Groups, which meet monthly to discuss thematic issues, share best practice, and produce outputs to help progress LGBTI rights.