IDAHOTB is the largest LGBTI solidarity event to take place throughout the globe with over 1,000 events taking place in more than 120 countries worldwide. Major international institutions (UN, EU, World Bank) mark the Day annually.

May 17 is now celebrated in more than 130 countries, including 37 where same-sex acts are illegal, with 1,600 events reported from 1280 organizations in 2014. These mobilisations unite millions of people in support of the recognition of human rights for all, irrespective of sexual orientation or gender identity or expression.

Across the world, the situation for many LGBT+ individuals is extremely bad, same-sex relationships are still illegal in 72 countries, the death penalty is implemented in 4 middle-eastern countries with many more countries including it on their statute.

2,343 reported killings of trans* and gender-diverse were documented by Trans Murder Monitoring in 69 countries worldwide between the 1st of January 2008 and the 31st of December 2016, 1,834 of which were reported in Central and South America.

In Europe, 41 countries recognise a trans person’s gender identity, with only 4 countries which have such provisions basing their procedures on self-determination. 23 European Countries require a proof of sterilization in gender identity recognition.

The understanding and acceptance of sexual and gender diversity are growing, 87% of World countries are moving towards stronger social approval of homosexual behaviour.

In Ireland, efforts to eradicate homophobia, transphobia and biphobia continue.

Earlier this year, Senator Fintan Warfield introduced the Prohibition of Conversion Therapies Bill 2018 to the Seanad. 

Today Senator Warfield has called on Minister for Justice and Equality Charlie Flanagan to bring forward robust hate crime legislation as a matter of urgency.

Senator Warfield said:

“I’d like to commend the LGBTQI activists and our allies across Ireland in their efforts in eradicating Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia this year. However, this state remains the only western European jurisdiction without standard hate crime legislation.

“Hate crime is a manifestation of prejudice and bigotry amongst a society and it’s no longer acceptable to leave LGBTQI people or other marginalised communities in Ireland vulnerable.

“This week, the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA) released their European Rainbow Map an annual benchmarking tool, which ranks 49 countries in Europe on their LGBTI equality laws and policies. The state has fallen to 15th and it’s noted in the ILGA report that the copious absence of hate crime legislation in Ireland is the main reason for its poor ranking.

“I am calling on Minister for Justice and Equality to bring forward robust hate crime legislation as a matter of urgency.”