May 17 - International Day against Homophobia

The principle of equality and non-discrimination is a fundamental element of human rights protection. It is enshrined in the European Convention on Human Rights (article 14) and Protocol No. 12 to the Convention, the provisions of which prohibit discrimination on any ground by public authorities.

Unfortunately, the manifestations of homophobia observed in many member States of the Council of Europe indicate systematic violations of the fundamental rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people. In most cases, these violations occur with the approval of the authorities, who are obliged to protect citizens from all types of discrimination, and sometimes with their active assistance.

The Committee of Ministers, the Parliamentary Assembly and the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe have developed a number of recommendations and resolutions calling on Governments and local authorities to fight homophobia.

The information is taken from this website