Anniversary 15th ILGA-Europe’s Annual Conference
02 11 2011

On 30 October, the 15th ILGA-Europe’s Annual Conference concluded in Turin. 343 lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex (LGBTI) activists, European and national politicians, representatives of other organisations from 43 countries gathered in Turin, Italy between 27 and 30 October 2011 for the largest annual event on LGBTI rights in Europe.

The Conference theme "Human Rights and "Traditional Values": clash or dialogue?” and other issues were debated in a number of panel discussions, workshops and self-organised groups. As this year the organisation celebrates its 15th anniversary, the Conference reflected on the history of the European LGBTI movement and the challenges ahead.

The Annual Conference adopted a declaration regarding the situation in Northern Cyprus which remains the only territory in Europe where consensual sexual acts between adult men are still criminalised.

This year’s Annual Conference received a support message from Giorgio Napolitano, the President of the Republic of Italy, and enjoyed the patronage of the Italian Senate, Chamber of Deputies of the Italian Parliament, Minister of Equal Opportunities, the Municipality of Turin, the province of Turin and Esperienza Italia 150º.

Martin K.I. Christensen, Co-Chair of ILGA-Europe’s Executive Board, said:

“We are very pleased with the attention ILGA-Europe’s Annual Conference received from the Italian authorities. While Italy is one of the founding Member States of the European Union and the Councils of Europe, when it comes to the rights of LGBT people, it remains one of the least advanced countries in Europe according to our Rainbow Europe Map and Index.”

During the Annual Conference, representatives of ILGA-Europe membership also elected new members to the Executive Board.

Source:http://ilga-europe.org/home/news/for_media/media_releases/anniversary_15th_ilga_europe_s_annual_conference_concluded_in_turin