What we know about the government’s anti-LGBT+ hate plan

On Monday 10 July, the government will detail its new 2023-2026 plan to combat LGBTphobia. These continue to increase, up to 5% compared to 2021 according to the latest data from SOS Homophobia. The plan is part of the continuity of the various actions implemented in the last five years: PMA for all, opening up of blood donation to homosexuals, prohibition of conversion therapy, etc.

In total, Isabelle Rome, minister responsible for equality between women and men, diversity and equal opportunities, will present a hundred measures aimed at curbing this scourge. What to remember? Let’s make the point.

Better trained law enforcement

Among the priorities of the plan, strengthen the initial and continuous training of the police forces and the gendarmerie. The government aims to train 100% of the workforce on these subjects by May 2024. Questioned by our colleagues from Info FranceIsabelle Rome explains: “It is very important to help the police correctly identify the homophobic nature of an act that may have been committed or comments that may have been made. »

Today reporting is still rare: only 20% of victims of threats or violence file a complaint and only 5% of victims of insults. in question ? a lively” discrepancy between the highly protective legal framework and the effective application of the law ” he pointed out last January to relationship of the Dilcrah. We also note the difficult reception of LGBT people in police stations when making complaints.

Strengthened support to reception and reception centres

The budget for LGBT+ centers will be increased, the minister announced. 10 million euros will thus be added to the 3 million already promised last summer. The State thus intends to co-finance the opening of 10 new reception and support centers by 2027.

There are currently 35 LGBT+ centers in France, most of which are run by associations. Places of fundamental information, connection, listening and support, these centers are still too often the subject of intimidation campaigns. The center of Tours is a prime example of this: in 2023 alone it was targeted by six LGBT-phobic attacks.

Zero tolerance for lgbtphobic insults in stadiums

Another axis of the plan is the tightening of regulations in the event of homophobic statements, particularly in sports halls. On the set of FranceInfo the Minister detailed this provision: “ We expect that when a conviction is made for a homophobic act or remark, there is in principle the further condemnation of a stadium ban “.

Even today homophobic songs are tough in the stands. For example: Four matches had been stopped by their referees in August 2019, as homophobic slurs rang out in the stadium. Several months of public debate followed, but few effective measures have really made it possible to address the homophobia that plagues this sporting environment.

Towards greater inclusiveness in schools

Another field of application of the 2023-2026 plan is the school environment: the government intends to combat LGBT-phobic school bullying by providing adult referents in colleges and high schools.

The establishments will also be equipped with inclusive forms so that the children of same-parent couples can inform their two parents as legal representatives. Finally, the plan intends to further train the training of health and education professionals on the topics of inclusion and the fight against anti-LGBT+ hate.

While these measures are encouraging, there is still a long way to go. The associations SOS Omofobia and Le Refuge particularly regretted that trans rights, and in particular the issue of judicialising the change of marital status of people, is a blind spot in the 2023-2026 plan. “ We need to move forward on the trans issue “, they alerted the Parisian. Hoping they are heard.

Do you like our articles? You will love our newsletters! Sign up for free on this page.