Different families, Same rights? Implications of the Hague Programme for LGBT Families

The recognition of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) families is one of the main focuses of ILGA-Europe’s work. We work for the elimination of discrimination in law, policies and practices relating to any form of partnership or parenting (including marriage, partnership, reproductive rights, adoption and parental responsibility): in particular, the elimination of restrictions on the rights and responsibilities of parents based on sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression. Most importantly, the rights of the child are at the core and guide ILGA-Europe’s demands for recognition of diverse families.

This publication is the second of a collection of booklets related to different aspects of LGBT families ranging from social and legal issues to more practical consequences of the non-recognition of LGBT families. It focuses on the implications the Hague Programme has for LGBT families in the areas of freedom and justice. 

The areas of justice and freedom are not to be considered in isolation from other obligations and policies in the EU. Primarily, the Charter of Fundamental Rights recognises the right to family life and the right to non-discrimination on the grounds of gender and sexual orientation. Other policies are developed at EU level which have an impact on the definition of families, such as the Alliance for Families and the increasing consideration given to the question of demographic changes. The EU is also giving more consideration to children’s rights and their basic right to a family.