During the plenary session of the European Parliament in Brussels (17-20 May 2021), David SASSOLI, EP President, makes a statement on the International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, before the debates in plenary. This transcription speech is the result of an automatic process. Check against delivery.

Brussels

statement

plenary session

fight for the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex people (T)

SASSOLI, David Maria (S&D, IT, S&D, IT)

keynote speech

Opening remarks by David SASSOLI, EP President, on the International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia

SOUNDBITE (Original), David SASSOLI, EP President, <p>Good afternoon, colleagues. The 17th of May is a day which we celebrate the day for combating transphobia, homophobia and everybody who is committed to taking forward this battle. I would ask to join with me in continuing to be dedicated to giving everybody the right to love and to be loved as they wish. We cannot countenance violence and aggression, which is all too often evident in daily life, include against LGBTI people. This is a type of discrimination which is not acceptable. </p>

Our rights do not depend on our identity, our sexual orientation or gender or any other persuasion. So we celebrate diversity and above all, we stand together defending the rights of individuals in our union and we seek to affirm and reaffirm the rights of every individual, including LGBTI people. Thank you very much.