Valletta, New York, The Hague

From 13-17 July 2023, a PGA Parliamentary Delegation from Kenya, Uganda, the Seychelles and Botswana participated in EuroPride Valletta 2023, in Malta. As part of its Campaign against Discrimination based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI Campaign), PGA seeks to provide a safe space for dialogue between Sub-Saharan African legislators and their peers from Europe and North America, and with Civil Society representatives, on the inclusion of LGBTQI+ persons.

Around 35 legislators from Europe and North America, including delegations from Canada, Hungary, Ireland, North Macedonia, Spain, Sweden, the United States and the European Parliament, attended events to discuss the Human Rights of the LGBTQI+ Community and the importance of political leadership.

On 14 September, PGA organized a plenary session in the Human Rights Conference titled “A lens on the LGBTQI+ community in Africa: A Platform for Legislators”. The event was an opportunity for African parliamentarians to share their experience in the fight for equality and inclusion of LGBTQI+ people in their respective countries and engage with stakeholders from other regions.

The parliamentary delegation was composed of Hon. Bernard Georges MP (Seychelles), Hon. Unity Dow, MP (Botswana), Hon. Fox Odoi, MP (Uganda) and Hon. Sabina Chege, MP (Kenya). Their engagement with participating legislators led to a greater understanding of the situation of the LGBTQI+ Community in different regions. These peer-to-peer exchanges allowed for a comparative analysis of the legislative and policy framework of different countries represented at EuroPride.

Hon. Fox Odoi, one of two legislators in the Ugandan Parliament voting against the Anti-Homosexuality Bill 2023, expressed the importance of having the opportunity to gather with like-minded colleagues, discuss Human Rights and the role of international organizations and friendly states in protecting minorities against hostile governments.

During a formal reception hosted by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Malta, Dr. Robert Abela, the delegation had an opportunity to exchange with him. In his speech, the Prime Minister highlighted the importance of progress on equality and diversity in Malta and abroad and reiterated the support of the Maltese government for the LGBTQI+ community worldwide.

The Human Rights conference gave the delegation opportunities to engage with Civil Society Organizations and activists and to listen to lived experiences from a variety of stakeholders within the LGBTQI+ Community.

Different stakeholders from the Commonwealth attended a round table discussion hosted by the Maltese Parliamentary Secretary of Equality, Hon. Rebecca Butigieg, MP, and the British High Commissioner to Malta, Katherine Ward LVO OBE, on the role of the Commonwealth in promoting Human Rights, Diversity and Equality. The event counted on the active participation of High Commission residents in Malta, and discussions revolved around strategies and ideas to uphold the respect for shared values and inclusion.

Side meetings  included a high-level meeting with European Union Commissioner for Equality, Dr. Helena Dalli, and with Members of the European Parliament, amongst which Ms. Kim van Sparrentak (the Netherlands), Mr. Cyrus Engerer (Malta) and Ms. Kira Peter Hansen (Denmark). Helena Dalli reminded the parliamentary delegation that the European Union is a partner in the fight for equality and non-discrimination and the Members of the European Parliament expressed support to legislators in hostile countries.

A panel discussion hosted by the Embassy of the United States, in collaboration with the International Institute of Justice, looked at the realities in  African countries represented by the delegation and assessed which outside forces were negatively influencing the progress of LGBTQI+ Inclusion. Hon. Unity Dow stated that legislators have a moral obligation to speak up when a small group of their peers is hijacking gatherings, and spreading hate towards the LGBTQI+ Community.

The Parliament of Malta welcomed a group of 35 legislators for its Third LGBTQI+ Inter-Parliamentary Plenary Assembly. Legislators gave short statements on the importance of inclusion, diversity, and anti-discrimination. The recorded statements of PGA delegation members are available below. The plenary assembly ended with a lunch organized by the Global Equality Caucus, focused on HIV/AIDS prevention.

EuroPride and WorldPride create important opportunities for parliamentarians to engage, share, learn and discuss diversity and inclusion of the LGBTQI+ Community. PGA has benefited from its official partnership with WorldPride Copenhagen 2021 and its participation in Sydney WorldPride 2023, giving its members additional platforms for increased engagement with peers and relevant stakeholders.