Yuriko Backes, Luxembourg's Minister for Gender Equality and Diversity; Credit: MEGA

On Monday 24 March 2024, Luxembourg’s Minister for Gender Equality and Diversity, Yuriko Backes, invited stakeholders concerned with LGBTIQ+ rights equality to a conference aimed at developing the National LGBTIQ+ Action Plan, a priority outlined in the coalition agreement “Lëtzebuerg fir d’Zukunft stäerken" (Strengthening Luxembourg for the Future).

According to the Ministry for Gender Equality and Diversity, the conference, which gathered over 120 participants, had a dual objective: to inform partners about the current situation of LGBTIQ+ individuals in Luxembourg and to engage them in collaborative work on the various themes to be included in the upcoming National LGBTIQ+ Action Plan (PAN LGBTIQ+).

In her welcome speech, Minister Backes reaffirmed her commitment, along with that of the government, to "upholding the human rights of all residents of Luxembourg". She declared: "Everyone must be able to live here safely. All individuals must be respected in their diversity, with the right to health and physical and mental integrity. This is why the government agreement includes a series of measures that will be implemented during this legislature."

At the conference, Associate at the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA), Miltos Pavlou, presented findings from recent research on the situation of LGBTIQ+ people in Luxembourg, shedding light on current challenges. According to the FRA, the 2023 survey highlighted a paradox: while there have been positive developments in the fight for equality, such as greater openness regarding sexual orientation and safer public spaces, discrimination against LGBTIQ+ individuals remains high. The 2023 report noted that, despite years of efforts by the EU, member states and civil society, issues such as daily harassment, bullying, hate crimes, online hate campaigns and violence in public spaces continue to pose significant challenges for the LGBTIQ+ community. These trends are also observed in Luxembourg, where policies have had a positive impact and signs of progress are evident, but discrimination persists, requiring continuous action.

Expert at the Ministry for Gender Equality and Diversity, Romaine Boever, provided an overview of the first National Action Plan for the Promotion of the Rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex People (PAN LGBTI), which was adopted by the Luxembourg Government in July 2018. The 2023-2028 coalition agreement includes an update to the action plan to reflect current challenges and needs.

The second part of the conference was dedicated to workshops, where participants engaged in discussions across fourteen thematic areas, focusing on grassroot needs and potential solutions.

In her closing remarks, Minister Backes thanked all participants for their commitment and stated: "We have deliberately chosen a collaborative and consultative approach today. Listening to a wide range of representatives from civil society, government and NGOs is essential for building an inclusive society where all needs are considered and all rights are respected."

The ministry confirmed that, based on the reports from the thematic workshops, it will continue working, in collaboration with Luxembourg’s Inter-Ministerial LGBTIQ+ Committee, on adapting the national action plan, which is set to be approved by the Luxembourg Government Council (Cabinet) in July 2025.

SM