ALDE asks for EU Envoy LGBTI rights - Hoofdinhoud

Dutch Members of the European Parliament Sophie in 't Veld and Marietje Schaake (ALDE/D66) ask the European Commission to react to the Vatican's non-response to the appointment of an openly gay French ambassador. The Vatican has remained silent about the candidacy for three months, even though procedures like this take up to six weeks on average. The MEPs want clarification from EU foreign affairs chief Mogherini about how this relates to the diplomatic relationship between the EU and the Vatican. In addition, they want a clear statement from Mogherini that the LGBTI toolkit for external relations will be applied to all third countries, including the Vatican.

Fundamental rights

Schaake: "The protection and promotion of fundamental rights doesn't stop at the borders of the EU, as it is one of the priorities of the EU in its external action. We have crystal clear EU agreements about safeguarding LGBTI rights worldwide, and the Vatican is not an exception to this. We expect Mogherini to take a firm stance against discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation."

EU envoy LGBTI rights

The two MEPs also plead for the appointment of an EU LGBTI rights envoy, who needs to defend and promote the rights of LGBTI people worldwide. In 't Veld: "Human rights are universal and apply to everybody, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. The appointment of an EU envoy for LGBTI rights will give a positive impulse in the battle against violence, exclusion and discrimination around the world."