The Green Party is set to launch its LGBTQI European Election Manifesto in Brighton, which will focus on human rights.

The manifesto makes three pledges for elected Greens, who will seek to:

  • Make EU membership conditional upon granting rights for LGBTIQ citizens. Greens also support making LGBTIQ rights a core European competency, and would argue for a vote to enshrine a set of minimum rights for LGBTIQ people via legislation in parliament.
  • Support LGBTIQ rights, oppose racism, ableism, sexism and all other forms of oppression around the world.
  • Encourage the EU to work with and hear the voices of discriminated-against groups and their chosen representatives.

Keith Taylor MEP said: ‘Greens have an incredibly strong track record in fighting for LGBTIQ rights in Europe, and helping the EU to move successfully towards true equality. The Green Group of MEPs, more so than any other group, is completely committed to LGBTIQ equality.

‘As part of the European Parliament’s LGBT Rights Intergroup I have worked towards a world free from homophobic prejudice and will continue to do so if re-elected. Candidates must stand in solidarity with the struggles of all LGBTI people; we must continue to fight for equality across the world, whilst not forgetting the continued discrimination and prejudice faced by many.’

Green candidate Alexandra Phillips, who self-identifies as LGBTIQ, said: ‘The EU is strong in advancing LGBTIQ rights and the Greens have always been in the forefront of that. Voting Green means more voices in Europe being raised in support of true LGBTIQ equality. It’s one of the reasons why the Green Party is in favour of EU membership – to help us continue our track record of fighting for LGBTIQ rights across the continent.”

Both candidates have also signed ILGA Europe’s ‘Coming Out’ pledge to show their commitment to human rights and equality for LGBTIQ people throughout Europe.