KaleidoScot
Dan Littauer
Original Article: bit.ly/1zbZsGl
The European Parliament adopted a report in which it calls for inclusion of non-discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity in a future agreement with African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) states, yesterday (Thursday).
According to the European Parliament sanctions should follow for those states failing to respect human rights clauses.
The Parliament which is elected by citizens of Europe who are members of the European Union, also expresses its deep concern over anti-LGBTI laws, as found in the Gambia and Nigeria and as nullified by the Constitutional Court in Uganda.
ACP Member States
Currently, diplomatic, trade and aid relationships between the EU and ACP states are governed by the Cotonou Agreement. The Agreement includes a dialogue on “political issues of mutual concern or of general significance” in joint talks, including “discrimination of any kind” (Art. 8.4), yet fails to mention sexual orientation and gender identity specifically.
The report was adopted with a large majority of 575 in favour, while 64 voted against.
Full text of article available at link below: bit.ly/1zbZsGl
