Recent rollbacks in the status of trans people in the United States and the United Kingdom show that understanding of gender diversity has, in some respects, taken a step backward in Western countries. JEF Finland is following with concern the developments that undermine trans people’s rights and human dignity. JEF Finland demands systematic action from the European Union against this backsliding.
According to a report by Trans Europe and Central Asia, in 2024 the rights of trans people were best realised in Europe in Iceland, Luxembourg and Norway. Rights are least realised in Eastern Europe and the Balkan countries. Among the Nordic countries, Finland ranks among the report’s top countries, but shortcomings remain, particularly in healthcare services and the recognition of a third gender. Within the European Union, equality and non-discrimination are fundamental rights that belong to everyone. This also covers sexual and gender minorities, who continue to face considerable discrimination, hatred and violence.
Article 21 of the European Union’s Charter of Fundamental Rights prohibits all discrimination based on, for example, sex or sexual orientation. Despite this, the rights of trans Europeans are continually violated in EU member states. To root out discrimination and advance rights, the EU should sanction member states more strictly for these violations. This concerns the fundamental rights of EU citizens, which the Union and its member states must focus on defending more than they currently do. The legal rights of trans people must be recognised more broadly across EU member states than is currently the case.
Deviating from minority rights has no place in states governed by the rule of law. While the rest of the world takes steps backward on trans people’s rights, the EU must be able to systematically safeguard the rights of its citizens.
For more information:
Nea Baarman
President