LGBTI Policies
LGBTI (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex) persons are still often faced with various forms of discrimination related to their sexual orientation, gender identity or the variance of their sex characteristics.
The Ministry of Family Affairs, Integration and the Greater Region has been tasked with the coordination of policies in favour of LGBTI persons since 2015. In this context, the Ministry has coordinated the drafting of the first National Action Plan for the promotion of LGBTI persons’ rights.
The Ministry has signed a convention with the LGBTIQ+ Centre CIGALE, which is directed at LGBTI persons, their entourage, as well as the general public. The LGBTIQ+ Centre CIGALE runs an information, documentation and encounter centre, organises meetings and discussions, intervenes in school environments and accompanies people at their request.
At a European and international level, Luxembourg is also committed to advancing the rights of LGBTI persons. Thus, the Luxembourg government has signed several appeals and declarations during the IDAHOT Forums (International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia), and has supported the 'Appel ministériel à l'action pour une éducation inclusive et équitable (Call for Action by Ministers for an Inclusive and Equitable Education) of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).
In March 2018, Luxembourg joined the Equal Rights Coalition, an intergovernmental body of 42 countries dedicated to the protection of the rights of LGBTI persons.
National Action Plan for the Promotion of the Rights of LGBTI Persons
On 13 July 2018, the Luxembourg government adopted the first Plan d'action national pour la promotion des droits des personnes LGBTI (National Action Plan for the Promotion of the Rights of LGBTI Persons)
This plan is the result of a collaboration between ten ministries and the civil society.
It is a multi-annual plan that is structured around eight thematic chapters:
- Providing inclusive and equitable education for all students
- Guaranteeing equal treatment in employment and occupation
- Ensuring that every person may benefit from the highest level of health possible
- Protecting the diversity of family forms
- Reception and integration
- Combating discrimination, hate crimes and hate speech
- Ensuring equal rights for transgender people
- Ensuring equal rights for intersex people
In order to ensure the proper implementation of the action plan, the government has established an inter-ministerial committee under the chairmanship of the ministry that has family policies fall within its remit.
Governmental National Contact Point for LGBTI issues
The Solidarity Division of the Ministry of Family Affairs, Integration and the Greater Region represents Luxembourg as a member of the réseau informel des points de contact européens gouvernementaux LGBTI (informal European Governmental LGBTI Focal Points Network) at the Council of Europe. The members of this network meet up twice a year for round-table discussions. Policies that have already been implemented are presented to the delegates of the governments, and the latest political developments at the European level are reported.