The Member States, intergovernmental organisations and the more than 100 civil society organisations that comprise the Equal Rights Coalition (ERC) express their support for, and celebrate, the 2026 theme of the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT), which asserts that the fight for equal rights for LGBTI+ people is at the heart of democracy.

IDAHOBIT is a citizen-led initiative that has combated hatred towards LGBTIQ+ people for over twenty years by commemorating the depathologisation of homosexuality in 1990 by the World Health Organisation, and subsequently that of transsexuality in 2018.

On 17 May, we are reminded of the importance of tackling hatred, violence and discrimination faced by LGBTIQ+ people in different ways due to their race, poverty, disability, immigration status, age and other intersectional vulnerabilities, whether through physical attacks, hate speech or exclusionary practices within society and institutions. This year, the emphasis is on the fact that equality for LGBTIQ+ people is fundamental to inclusive and democratic societies, as there can be no talk of full democracy if LGBTIQ+ people are persecuted, whether by law or in social practice.

For this reason, the ERC expresses its concern at the rise in hate speech and hate crimes, as well as the proliferation of legislation that persecutes, stigmatises or criminalises LGBTIQ+ people, particularly trans people. This social and institutional regression, driven by movements that oppose the protection of human rights, not only threatens the dignity of LGBTIQ+ people but also fosters fear, deepens polarisation and undermines the rule of law, ultimately affecting equality and the well-being of society as a whole at an international level.

We also recall that the struggle for LGBTIQ+ equal rights is fundamental to ensuring full democracy.

We urge the international community to guarantee equality before the law and a life of dignity for LGBTIQ+ people, by rejecting and combating hate speech, ensuring legal avenues to prevent and punish discrimination and violence, repealing all legislation that criminalises sexual orientation or gender identity, and recognising the important work of LGBTIQ+ organisations.

We reaffirm our commitment to and support for equal rights for LGBTIQ+ people and for the consolidation of recognition of the diversity of gender expressions, sexual orientations, gender identities and diverse sexual characteristics.

Today, more than ever, it is essential to move decisively towards the clear objective: to guarantee real and effective equality for LGBTIQ+ people. No democracy can thrive whilst part of its population lives in fear, exclusion and violence.

ERC Member States that are cosignatories: Albania, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Israel, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Uruguay.

Statement from the Equal Rights Coalition (ERC)

The Equal Rights Coalition (ERC) expresses its deep concern at the growing trend towards the criminalisation of same-sex relationships. Since 2023, some countries have enacted or passed laws criminalising homosexuality, whilst in others, draft legislation aimed towards criminalisation is currently being considered.

The tightening of criminal penalties based on sexual orientation or gender identity contravenes international human rights obligations freely undertaken by States. Criminalisation violates the principle of equality and non-discrimination enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, in addition to prosecuting the promotion, support, and financing of LGBTIQ+ people, exacerbating the risks of persecution, violence and social exclusion against LGBTIQ+ people and, in the end, it promotes fear, fuels polarization, and stigmatizes differences thus posing a threat to rights, freedom and well-being of every individual.

These provisions may not only constitute a direct violation of human rights, but also restrict access to essential services such as healthcare and justice, and perpetuate structural cycles of violence and discrimination.

Furthermore, there is deep concern that such provisions contribute to creating and legitimising environments of violence. Criminalisation not only exposes LGBTIQ+ people to situations of abuse and vulnerability, but may also encourage acts of violence, harassment and discrimination by third parties, by reinforcing perceptions  that such conducts are legitimate. This context undermines social cohesion, erodes the rule of law and hinders access to mechanisms of protection and justice.

We at the Equal Rights Coalition urge all States to reconsider the adoption of bills that establish or increase prison sentences for consensual same-sex sexual relations, and to move towards decriminalisation, effective protection and the full guarantee of the human rights of LGBTIQ+ people. The adoption of measures that criminalise sexual diversity undermines the rule of law and erodes respect for the inherent dignity of all people. The universality and indivisibility of human rights demand that these standards be respected without exception, in all regions of the world.

We also urge the international community to promote the repeal of these legislative initiatives, to provide support and protection to LGBTIQ+ people at risk, and to strengthen cooperation with civil society organisations defending human rights.

The statement against the trend of criminalization of sexual orientation and gender identity has been signed, up to 21-04-2026, by Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, Montenegro, Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.

On Wednesday, 4 March, the Equal Rights Coalition Working Group on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the 2030 Agenda held a meeting with the aim of strengthening the inclusion of LGBTIQ+ rights in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

There was notable participation by the states of Spain, Australia, Canada, Italy, and Serbia, as well as civil society organisations from Nicaragua, Peru, Mexico, Argentina, Belize, and Ecuador. Currently, the group is made up of seven states, three multilateral organisations, and 41 civil society organisations.

During the meeting, the group presented a work plan structured around two main areas. The first, ‘Progress and non-discrimination,’ contemplates the explicit inclusion of LGBTIQ+ people in the generation of evidence, the strengthening of accountability with a differential approach, and the construction of specific indicators to measure concrete progress. The second pillar, ‘Inclusive societies,’ proposes strengthening coordination with civil society and promoting more just and peaceful societies. It was also specified that humanitarian issues will be addressed in a new specific space within the Coalition.

Among the activities agreed upon are:

• holding monthly meetings on the first Wednesday of each month;
• following up on member states’ commitments to the SDGs;
• recruiting new members to the group; and
• monitoring and dissemination of state reports related to these goals, for which The World Bank expressed its willingness to support the preparation of reports for states that request it.

The following tasks were identified as pending: strengthening the commitment to data production and use; expanding the influence of the ERC in multilateral spaces linked to the SDGs; bringing the work of the group closer to the Core Groups of States at the United Nations; and developing a strategic document to influence the preparation of Voluntary National Reviews and the Universal Periodic Review on LGBTIQ+ rights. Finally, the group proposed holding webinars on reports published by international organisations and influencing the agendas of international SDG forums to be held in Chile and the United States.

Webinar by the National Laws and Policies Thematic Group of the Equal Rights Coalition, on the topic of Legislation, Progress, Violence & Social Stigma on Trans Populations

The Secretariat of the Equal Rights Coalition is ecstatic to announce the launch of our new website!

This new version of the website expands our ability to directly share relevant information with our stakeholders and the general public. It now features a revamped media center, which improves the way we communicate and share updates about the ongoing work of the Coalition.

The new website also features landing pages for each of our Thematic Working Groups to share information about their work. With a fresher look and improved navigation, we hope the website also becomes more attractive for users to learn more about the Equal Rights Coalition and get involved with our activities.

The good news do not end yet, as we will be launching a couple more features in the coming months, which are now possible thanks to a more functional and robust website. First, a brand-new membership portal will facilitate interactions between the different members of government, civil society, and multilaterals part of the ERC. Second, we will also be launching an e-learning center later this year where you will be able to access valuable information on human rights, advocacy, and strategic partnerships via educational modules.

Our new website was made possible thanks to the generous support of the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office of the United Kingdom, and the Federal Foreign Office of the Federal Republic of Germany. We are also thankful to the members of the Executive Committee of the Equal Rights Coalition and the staff at ILGA World for their guidance, and Studio Lutalica, our web development partners, whose advice and participatory approach to collaboration shaped this new version of the website.

If you have any questions or comments about our website, kindly reach out to us via secretariat@equalrightscoalition.org.

The Equal Rights Coalition (ERC) notes with deep concern the recent legislative amendments introduced by the Government of Kazakhstan “banning propaganda of non-traditional sexual orientation”, and which will come into effect in March 2026. 

We note that these legislative amendments are not in keeping with Kazakhstan’s international human rights obligations and place limitations on fundamental freedoms, including freedom from discrimination, freedoms of opinion and expression, and freedoms of assembly and association. 

We also express concern about the risk of increased violence and discrimination to the LGBTIQ+ community in Kazakhstan stemming from this legislation. This builds on reported cases of violence, harassment, and failures in the administration of justice, including by the police and the courts, that already affect LGBTIQ+ activists and human rights defenders in Kazakhstan.  

The ERC strongly disagrees with the improper and highly objectionable links made in this legislation between sexual orientation and pedophilia, the latter being well-recognized globally as a serious crime. As a Coalition, we are concerned that this will foster an environment for stigma, intolerance, and misinformation towards individuals of diverse sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and sex characteristics in Kazakhstan.  

We strongly encourage the Government of Kazakhstan to abide by internationally agreed human rights standards and to repeal the so-called “Anti-LGBTQ Law” in order to respect the rights, dignity, and freedom of LGBTIQ+ individuals in the country.

However, failing to repeal the law, we expect that the forthcoming process of drafting secondary legislation and implementing regulations will uphold international obligations for the enjoyment of human rights and dignity for all.  

The Equal Rights Coalition of 44 member states, intergovernmental organisations and civil society organizations remains committed to safeguarding the human rights of LGBTIQ+ people, working in close cooperation with states and standing in solidarity with LGBTIQ+ persons globally.  

Statement by ERC Co-chairs Colombia and Spain. 

The Co-chairs of the Equal Rights Coalition welcomed its Executive Committee and Civil Society Core Group in Cartagena, Colombia, for a strategic in-person meeting to deliberate on their priorities for the Coalition for 2026.

Throughout this encounter, participants from Member States and civil society representatives from around the world discussed their vision for the ERC, as well as the Coalition’s work plan and those of its Thematic Working Groups. This meeting came at a critical time when we are witnessing increased backlash to LGBTQI+ rights worldwide.

While in Cartagena, attendees also marked Trans Day of Remembrance alongside local activists and civil society through a touching memorial event remembering those lost to transphobic violence.

Colombia and Spain, in their capacity as co-Chairs of the Equal Rights Coalition (ERC), express their deep concern about the adoption of legal frameworks that penalize consensual sexual relationships between people of the same sex in several states over the last two years. Such provisions, recently adopted, contravene international human rights that are universally applicable in all regions of the world.

The criminalization of sexual orientation or gender identity not only violates the principle of equality and non-discrimination, as well as the right to be protected against unreasonable interference with privacy and arbitrary detention, enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, but also exposes entire communities to greater persecution, violence, and social exclusion. These measures erode the rule of law and weaken respect for the inherent dignity of every human being.

From the Equal Rights Coalition, we make an emphatic call to all States to refrain from advancing criminalizing legislation and, on the contrary, to redouble efforts towards decriminalization and full protection of the rights of LGBTI+ individuals. The universality and indivisibility of human rights demand that these standards be respected without exception, in all regions, as an indispensable condition for more just, peaceful, and inclusive societies.

The Equal Rights Coalition (ERC) welcomes the landmark ruling by the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court to strike down sections 132 and 133 of the Criminal Code of Saint Lucia which criminalised buggery and gross indecency, as inconsistent with rights protected under the Bill of Rights of the Constitution of Saint Lucia.

We note that this important achievement is the result of sustained advocacy and activism by LGBTQI+ civil society in Saint Lucia over several years, underscoring the crucial role of collective action and strategic litigation in advancing equal rights and freedoms for all.

With this ruling, Saint Lucia has joined the growing number of Caribbean countries that, in recent years, have successfully removed criminal penalties for same-sex acts, in line with calls for decriminalisation by the Inter-American Court of Human Rights.

As a Coalition of 44 Member States and over 100 civil society organisations, we hope this progress will inspire further action towards decriminalization in all remaining jurisdictions in the Caribbean and worldwide where same-sex relations are still criminalised. Decriminalisation is an important step in promoting the safety, health, and prosperity of all people.

Decriminalisation is a key priority for the Equal Rights Coalition which has a dedicated subworking group with representatives from both Member States and civil society organisations. For more information, kindly contact the ERC Secretariat via secretariat@equalrightscoalition.org.

Statement by the Co-chairs, Colombia and Spain, on behalf of the Equal Rights Coalition

For some time, Member States and civil society organisations of the Equal Rights Coalition (ERC) have wanted to address the humanitarian protection needs of LGBTQI+ people, and to acknowledge the growing impact of the anti-gender movement in generating crises that disproportionately affect this community.

At the most recent ERC Conference in 2024 in Berlin the issue of humanitarian protection was of keen interest. This initiative seeks to use the working group process of the ERC to address the critical protection challenges faced by LGBTQI+ individuals and communities in humanitarian crises, including armed conflicts, forced displacement, natural disasters, and climate-related emergencies.

This new Thematic Working Group on Humanitarian Protection aligns with the strategic objectives of the ERC, particularly:

• Eliminating violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, and sex characteristics.
• Ending the criminalization of LGBTQI+ persons.
• Expanding and strengthening the Coalition’s operational capacity.

With a structured approach, the group will focus on three interrelated areas:

1. Humanitarian Protection: The group will examine measures to ensure that humanitarian response mechanisms are inclusive and accessible to LGBTQI+ individuals at high risk, fostering collaboration between grassroots actors, UN agencies, multilateral institutions, and non-governmental organizations. Advocacy efforts will also be prioritized to effectively integrate SOGIESC-related considerations into traditional humanitarian response programs.
2. Crisis Response: The group will explore mechanisms for early identification and protection of highly vulnerable LGBTQI+ populations during crises, as well as ways to establish sustained collaboration with grassroots organizations. It will also address proactive planning strategies and post-crisis support, with the aim of facilitating reintegration and long-term safety.
3. Forced Displacement: The group will study how to improve access to legal documentation and durable solutions for displaced LGBTQI+ persons, asylum seekers, and refugees. Awareness-raising strategies for asylum adjudication bodies will be addressed, along with the identification of temporary and permanent protection measures — particularly for LGBTQI+ human rights defenders facing persecution.

As co-chairs, the government of Mexico and Rainbow Railroad are committed to the principles of equality, justice, and dignity for all people, and express confidence that this new thematic working group will strengthen the ERC’s capacity to respond to the humanitarian challenges faced by LGBTQI+ communities around the world.

The ERC Secretariat working in close collaboration with the co-chairs will soon call for expressions of interest for governments, civil society organisations and intermediaries to become active members of this new thematic working group.