The Renew Europe Group in the European Committee of the Regions (Renew Europe CoR) supports the European Parliament Resolution on the declaration of the EU as an LGBTIQ Freedom Zone and commits to step up the European Committee of the Regions’ work to protect LGBTIQ rights and freedoms across cities and regions.

In a joint statement, the presidents of Renew Europe CoR, the Party of European Socialists, European Alliance and the Greens in the European Committee of the Regions warmly welcome the European Parliament Resolution as well as agreed and co-signed to “request the European Commission and the Council to use all tools at their disposal to ensure the effective protection and non-discrimination of LGBTIQ people and their families”.

The Renew Europe CoR President, François Decoster, Mayor of Saint-Omer and member of the Regional Council of Hauts-de-France, argued:

“The defense of LGBTIQ citizens to be themselves with full rights is a top priority for our group. For over a year we have been working on a series of initiatives, including letters signed by many members of our network sent to 30 Polish municipalities to work with them promoting diversity as a source of strength for any local or regional community, we have worked with the French Secretary of State for EU Affairs ahead of his recent visit to Poland, and our member, the CoR rapporteur on this strategy, Kate Feeney has contributed significantly to the resolution in the European Parliament. More than ever, we embrace equality and diversity and we stand together in our support of freedom for LGBTIQ citizens across Europe.”

The political groups support the social media action launched by the LGBTI Intergroup in the European Parliament to accompany the declaration of the EU as a “LGBTIQ Freedom Zone” with posting pictures of rainbow flags and signs from across Europe with the hashtag #LGBTIQFreedomZone.

For more information, follow Renew Europe CoR on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

The @Europarl_EN declares the 🇪🇺 a #LGBTIQFreedomZone! 👏

With @PES_CoR, @Greens_CoR & @EA_CoR we also send a strong signal to all #LGBTIQ people that we will not remain silent in front of intolerance and violence.

Check out our statement 🏳️‍🌈 ⬇https://t.co/ZSMMqEYdxu! pic.twitter.com/zUsBKvKXOq

— Renew Europe CoR (@RenewEuropeCoR) March 11, 2021