Spain to co-chair the leading international alliance for the defence of LGBTI rights

Spain, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will assume the co-presidency of the Equal Rights Coalition, the leading international public-private alliance, comprising 45 States ​and civil society organisations, to defend and promote the rights of LGBTI people worldwide. The decision was made at the Coalition's biennial ministerial conference, taking place today and tomorrow in Berlin, and will give Spain, alongside Colombia, the co-presidency for a two-year period, starting on 1 January. 

For Spain, the promotion of human rights and, in particular, the defence of the equality and dignity of LGBTI people, is not only a foreign policy priority, but an ethical commitment stemming from our history and the values we share as a society. For this reason, the Spanish Government accepts this challenge, fully aware of the enormous challenges involved in the fight for the rights of LGBTI persons. 

Despite progress in many countries, 64 States still punish same-sex relations, several with extreme penalties, including the death penalty. In addition, hate speech, especially on social media, violence and discrimination continue to threaten the lives and dignity of countless people around the world based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Spain assumes the co-presidency with the firm commitment to strengthen this unique platform and to work relentlessly for the decriminalisation of same-sex sexual relations.  Diplomatic initiatives will be promoted to ensure that fewer countries have such unjust and anachronistic laws. There will also be cooperation with international organisations, such as the United Nations and the European ​Union, to ensure that decriminalisation is a central issue on global human rights agendas.

Spain would like to thank Germany and Mexico for their work as co-chairs and hopes that, with Colombia's collaboration and the support of all members, the Coalition will further strengthen its position not only as a symbol of hope, but also as an effective tool for change. This is because the world we dream of is not some far-off ideal. It is an achievable goal if we work together, guided by the values of equality, justice and dignity for all human beings.