On the occasion of the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia, France reiterates its commitment to the universal decriminalization of homosexuality and the defense of LGBT+ rights. We salute the measures that several countries from every continent have taken to protect LGBT+ people and combat the violence and discrimination that they face.
France calls on the countries whose criminal justice system still views homosexual relations as crimes to decriminalize them and reiterates its concerns regarding restrictions to the rights and fundamental freedoms of LGBT+ people, including access to sexual and reproductive rights and health care. We condemn the acts of violence and hate speech that are directed toward them.
France reaffirms its support for the men and women who courageously work to protect these rights on a daily basis under difficult conditions. In 2022, at the suggestion of Catherine Colonna, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, France appointed an LGBT+ Rights Ambassador, Jean-Marc Berthon, who is tasked with representing France in this field, in both speech and action, with the support of the entire French diplomatic network. In 2023, France, working together with the UN and the UNFPA in particular, will invest additional resources in field projects to help LGBT+ people.
As we prepare to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Paris signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights this year, France, alongside its partners from across the globe, will continue to defend the universality of human rights and respect for human dignity in both multilateral fora and our bilateral relations. We will issue a call for the universal decriminalization of homosexuality and create a support fund for foreign civil society organizations that fight to protect the rights of LGBT+ people.
Originally published at https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/french-foreign-policy/human-rights/news/article/international-day-against-homophobia-biphobia-and-transphobia-may-17-2023
