14 Aug 2009
Gays for Lisbon
There are many reasons why I shall endorse the Lisbon Treaty and the guarantees agreed to by Europe on the 2nd of October. Many of them are listed in a deliciously tongue in cheek manner here.
However, this entry shall attempt to outline, why I, as a gay man, am backing the motion.
The reasons for being a pro EU gay are multiple. Everyone is fully aware of the fabled Norris V Ireland case that brought us one giant leap closer towards equality in the late 1980s. It is still somewhat astonishing to see the look of wonder on a continental European’s face when you tell them your sexual orientation was illegal in your country as late as 1993.
Then there’s the slightly lesser known case of one Rocco Buttiglione, who, in 2004 was Italy’s nominee to be a European justice commissioner. The fact that our Rocco was frequently quoted as saying homosexuality was a sin caused the European Parliament to flex its democratic muscle in defence of equality and core European values and eventually ensure that Italy nominated someone else instead.
But again, I’m dancing around the issue at hand – Lisbon. The opening few pages of the treaty are positively littered with references to sexual equality most of which have their origin in previous treaty’s but are, of course, no less relevant today.
The text also gives legal recognition to the Charter of Fundamental Human Rights. Under article 20 of which “any discrimination” on the grounds of sexual orientation or otherwise is strictly prohibited.
In a more roundabout way, the treaty also allows for further European expansion. EU law now says that any would be member has to have fully legalised homosexuality and have legislation in place that protects its citizens on grounds of sexual orientation in both public and private sector employment. This has been a lifeline to gay communities up and down Eastern Europe in the past few years.
As a footnote the rules outlined above would deem both the United States and Russia ineligible for EU membership at the moment.
For further information on the Yes to Europe campaign please visit www.irelandforeurope.ie.