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Freemuse

Freemuse is an independent international organization advocating for and defending freedom of artistic expression.

Lobbying Activity

Meeting with Marie Frenay (Cabinet of Vice-President Věra Jourová), Monika Ladmanova (Cabinet of Vice-President Věra Jourová)

8 Sept 2020 · Freedom of expression, Artistic freedom, Media freedom

Response to LGBTI equality

10 Jul 2020

Freemuse welcomes the European Commission’s initiative to develop an LGBTI+ Equality Strategy in order to tackle discrimination and challenges faced by LGBTI+ persons. This Strategy is an opportunity to demonstrate the EU’s commitment to ensuring the respect of the values and principles of the European Union and the European Charter of Fundamental Rights by tackling gaps in particular with regards to anti-discrimination and restrictions on freedom of expression which are disproportionately targeting LGBTI+ persons. Alongside media and academic freedom, artistic freedom is an integral part of the freedom of expression. Freemuse’s research demonstrates that artistic freedom is under growing attack in Europe and worldwide. Against the backdrop of the rise of nationalism and populism, state authorities are identified as the main violator with a view to controlling narratives and silencing dissenting and alternative views. The extension of nationalist narratives is especially targeted at lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or intersex (LGBTI+) artists or those producing artwork containing LGBTI+ themes. These narratives emphasise the role of family values, essentially promoting heteronormative ideals across Europe. Historically marginalised, LGBTI+ experiences of inequality, discrimination and intolerance from state actors and non-state actors are further reinforced in the current political climate. As well as impacting the individual artists who are vilified and silenced and depriving the public of the right to enjoy cultural and artistic expression, this strikes at the core of the European values of cultural diversity, social cohesion, and democracy. Freemuse calls on the European Commission to address these issues in its Equality Strategy. Further details and links to relevant reports are provided in the attached file together with recommendations.
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