Citizens' Dialogue on Facebook with Commissioner Helena Dalli

Commissioner Helena Dalli held an online dialogue on 15 May to discuss measures taken by the EU to counter the impact of the coronavirus on the LGBTI+ community, such as the situation caused by children in lockdown with homophobic parents.

The Commissioner explained that the Commission has been very active in this field, alongside parliamentarians, NGOs and individuals. It will soon present its first strategy based on the experience had during the crisis. Commissioner Dalli also said that since some people suffer from different discriminations, this new strategy will provide an intersectional approach to make sure that it addresses multiple realities.

“It is important to stop the instrumentization and discrimination of the LGBTI+ community during crises”, Commissioner Dalli said.

Two critical questions were then asked about measures planned in Hungary  on the ban of trans-people, and the new law in Poland on LGBTI+ free zones.

Commissionner Dalli expressed her incomprehension and condemnation of the fact that “legislators can still do that today”. She also said this a clear violation of European values based on article 21 prohibiting any form of discrimination.

Other questions concerned the impact of Coronavirus on “rainbow families” in the EU and actions taken by the European Commission to recognise children of same sex parents.