In April 2024, 30 Ukrainian human rights organizations, including Gender Stream, sent a letter to the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, expressing concerns about the delay in adopting legislation on LGBTQI+ rights in Ukraine as part of its path toward European integration, specifically referring to the draft law 5488.
Just a month later, in May, on behalf of Ursula von der Leyen, European Commission representative Wolfgang Nazar responded, emphasizing that the Commission will insist on ensuring LGBTQI+ equality in political dialogue and will support measures aimed at combating violence, hatred, and discrimination against LGBTQI+ people in candidate countries for EU accession.
European Commission’s Response:
“Fundamental rights, including equality and non-discrimination, are core values of the European Union and part of the criteria for EU accession.
[…]
The European Commission will continue to examine fundamental rights issues during Ukraine’s membership negotiations, as well as in regular discussions on human rights, monitoring legislative measures, implementation, and enforcement of national laws. We are also ready to further assist Ukraine in its reform efforts and implementation of reforms.”
Why Is Ursula von der Leyen’s Response a Major Victory for Us?
Civil society does not always have direct access to representatives of ruling parties or the Office of the President, but official representatives of our partner countries do. We requested support for the adoption of this draft law during Ukraine’s EU membership negotiations—and we received a positive response.
Passing this draft law is an EU requirement for our accession. Therefore, this is not only about supporting specific people or vulnerable groups but also about securing the future of our country. The adoption of the draft law No. 5488 is a crucial step toward aligning Ukraine’s legislation with EU standards. It will facilitate integration and strengthen the country’s commitment to European values and policies.
Draft law No. 5488 is not about promoting a particular orientation or gender identity—it is about ensuring safety for vulnerable groups, including national minorities, people with disabilities, and LGBTQI+ people.
Now, more than ever, we need people within the country, and after victory, we will require every possible human resource, including people from various national backgrounds (except for hostile nations like Russia and Belarus), people with disabilities, and people of different sexual orientations and gender identities. Every person in Ukraine is a step toward rebuilding the country on economic, social, and cultural levels. If we deprive people of the ability to live safely, marry, and raise children, we take away their desire to stay in this country.
Why the adoption of the draft law No. 5488 is critically important
Every person is born with a full set of constitutional rights and responsibilities, regardless of citizenship, gender, social status, sexual orientation, or other characteristics. However, Ukraine currently lacks mechanisms that ensure equal rights for all, particularly for LGBTQI+ individuals.
The adoption of the draft law No. 5488 is not about privileges—it is about equality and safety. This law brings Ukraine closer to EU standards, strengthens the legal system, and protects the fundamental rights of every citizen.
Organizations That Signed the Letter:
Gender Stream, LGBT+ Military, Gender Zed, Gender in Detail, NGO Girls, TERGO, Trans Generation, Kwitne Kwitnequeer, Charity Organization “Insha,” Gay Forum of Ukraine, Spectrum Kharkiv, NGO “Information and Educational Center ‘For Equal Rights,’” Theatre of Change, Human Rights LGBT Center “Our World,” NGO “ALLIANCE.GLOBAL,” Ukrainian Legal Aid Foundation, Insight LGBTQ NGO, League of the Strong, KyivPride, Sphere, Women Association, Women in Media, Social Action Centre, Fight For Right, Active Rehabilitation Group, Alliance of Liberal Youth, Center “Women’s Perspectives,” Gwara Media, Hromadske Radio.