"Europe – succeeding together", that is the motto which Germany chose for its Council Presidency. "Europe – succeeding together", that means that we in Europe have to remind ourselves time and again of the positive aspects of diversity, respect, acceptance and tolerance. For diversity, respect, acceptance and tolerance are the key values on which we have built our common Europe. I therefore welcome the European Parliament initiative to put the issue of homophobia in Europe on today's agenda.
At first sight, acceptance of and tolerance towards homosexuality is more widespread today than ever before. In particular, the work of the relevant organizations has made a key contribution towards this. Lesbian and gay movements are ever better organized and encourage their members to openly declare their sexual orientation. After centuries of systematic discrimination, this is a welcome development. We Germans in particular have a special responsibility in the light of our history: 60 years ago homosexuals were among the victims of the National Socialist extermination policies.
However, if you look more closely it quickly becomes apparent that homophobia is still very much alive in many parts of Europe. Recent incidents have demonstrated this in a shameful manner. Homosexuals are still subjected to prejudice, intolerance and officially sanctioned discrimination. Torrents of hatred and violent attacks on sexual minorities are still the order of the day – and often these offences are not prosecuted.
I want to take this opportunity to say that I fully and wholeheartedly support the sentiments of Hans Winkler, who as the representative of the Austrian Presidency said to this House just under a year ago: "Wherever the safety and dignity of any man or woman living in the European Union are in jeopardy, so are the safety and dignity of all of us, and with it the credibility of our Union and its principles and institutions." Discrimination against homosexuals is a problem which we have to combat with every means at our disposal.
The fight against homophobia requires perseverance. Steady efforts are needed on the one hand to gradually overcome the prejudices and intolerance in people's minds. On the other hand, new structures based on acceptance, equality and respect have to be created. Although attitudes cannot be changed overnight, official standpoints and laws can and must be amended to ensure that fundamental human rights are protected. We in Europe have already made considerable progress in this respect.
The European Union is founded on the principles of freedom, democracy and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. In particular, the EC Treaty (Article 13) and the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights (Article 21) expressly prohibit any discrimination based on sexual orientation. Furthermore, as members of the Council of Europe the EU Member States have committed themselves to observing the European Convention on Human Rights.
Since the Amsterdam Treaty came into force in 1997, the European Union has had the power to take action against discrimination based on a comprehensive spectrum of grounds, including discrimination based on sexual orientation. Since then the European Union has adopted the Equal Treatment Directives, thus creating a broad range of regulations to combat discrimination throughout the EU. In the world of work for example, discrimination based on religion, disability or sexual orientation is prohibited by an EU Directive (Council Directive 2000/78/EC).
Even though we have made considerable headway in harmonizing legislation on protection against discrimination and on the promotion of equality at EU level, there is no reason to rest on our laurels. For even the most sophisticated legislation will be ineffective if the political will to translate it into long-term action is lacking and if it does not enjoy widespread public support.
The European Commission is called upon to act here. Its task is to examine whether directives such as the one I have named are implemented in good time and properly by Member States. In future, the newly established EU Agency for Fundamental Rights will provide additional support in this sphere as soon as it is fully operational.
However, responsibility does not lie with the European Commission alone. As political leaders at EU, national and regional level, we all can, and indeed must, help to set a good example by fostering tolerance, understanding, mutual respect and harmony. We have to closely observe the monitoring of the European Commission in the applicant countries and in potential applicant countries. Both within the scope of accession negotiations and the stabilization and association process all conditions have to be fulfilled. This applies in particular to the human rights of sexual minorities.
Finally, we are all called upon to try and change attitudes so that prejudice and intolerance in people's minds can be overcome. I am pleased that, on the joint initiative of the European Commission and the German Council Presidency, the first European Equality Summit was held in Berlin on 30 and 31 January 2007. This summit marked the launch of the European Year of Equality for All.
The European Year of Equality provides a unique opportunity to promote a more solidarity-based society and to mobilize everyone concerned in order to drive forward the European Union's new Framework Strategy on Non-Discrimination and Equal Opportunities, also after 2007. The programme is intended to raise public awareness of the right to equality, to step up the fight against discrimination and to spread the message that everyone, regardless of their gender, race or ethnic origin, religion or beliefs, disability, age or sexual orientation, has the right to equal treatment.
Let us use this to join forces to fight intolerance and discrimination and to promote the positive aspects of diversity, respect, acceptance and tolerance. Only if we work together can we ensure that the European Union can say with pride: "United in diversity".
Thank you very much!
