Fragmented and Fragile: LGBTQIA+ Rights across the EU
LGBTQIA+ rights in the EU are fragmented and inconsistent - a true union would give everyone the opportunity to thrive.
Human rights are under threat, with attacks on reproductive rights, a rise in hate crimes against LGBTQIA+ people and unacceptable increases in islamophobia and anti-semitism. Meanwhile, new divides are being forged online by rampant disinformation, hate speech and the negative impacts of social media.
Volt aims to harness the resources and wealth that Europe already possesses to provide citizens with the opportunities that we all need to flourish. We will ensure that factors such as geography, socio-economic status, gender, ethnic background and disability no longer act as brakes on a person’s wellbeing. From education and housing, to reproductive and digital rights, Volt will provide the means to create a Union that works for all its citizens, not just those privileged by circumstance.
LGBTQIA+ rights in the EU are fragmented and inconsistent - a true union would give everyone the opportunity to thrive.
Everyone has a right to be protected against violence. Sex workers, however, not only face appalling levels of violent, but their vulnerability has been actively exacerbated by policymaking.
Europe prides itself on being a region of openness, equality and freedom, but that cannot be true until our Union is equally fair for all. Millions of Europeans still suffer discrimination based on their race, religion, sexuality and gender. Volt is committed to fighting discrimination and exclusion to build a Europe where we can all be who we are and live as we please.
Volt sees quality education at all stages of life as the driver behind social mobility and societal progress. As well as ensuring a high-quality education system for our youngsters, we need low-tuition universities, (re)training programmes and free daycare to make further education accessible for learners of all ages.
Most of us live in towns or cities. With the number of urban dwellers expected to grow, it’s time we created liveable, affordable and well-connected cities. Volt has a plan to make metropolitan areas better places to live by radically reimagining the housing market, investing in public and low-carbon transportation and advocating for 15-minute cities.
We are living in a digital era, but citizens’ rights are far from being fully protected in the digital space. It’s vital that everyone enjoy the same rights online as they do offline, protected from hate speech, tracking or misuse of data. Volt is committed to championing digital rights in Europe and ensuring that no individual or company is above the law when it comes to protecting online freedoms.
Volt has defined 5+1 fundamental Challenges that need to be tackled in each European country and in Europe as a whole.
Why 5 + 1 Challenges?
The 5 Challenges are basically the same for every country, but their implementation can be adapted on the national level to take into account local realities.
The +1 Challenge – our proposal to reform and strengthen the EU – is identical across all our national programmes.
Education and digitalisation are key elements of the 21st century
An innovative economy must be the engine of society's progress
No-one should be left behind - no matter their gender, income, religion. or origin
Europe needs to assume responsibility for its role in global challenges
People must be empowered to influence politics beyond elections alone
We love the EU - this doesn't mean there is no room for improvement