"Local and regional authorities must act to ensure the rights of LGBTI people by law, even in the face of powerful opposition. This report makes clear how they should do it - no ifs, buts or maybes", said Helen Belcher (United Kingdom, ILDG), co-rapporteur for the report "Free to speak, free to meet: guaranteeing the rights of LGBTI persons in local communities adopted by the Council of Europe's Congress of Local and Regional Authorities at its 51st session on Wednesday 28 October 2026.
The report comes in the context of a sharp rise in hate-motivated harassment against LGBTI people in Europe over recent years, up from 37% of respondents in 2019 to 55% in 2024.
Cities must protect Pride
In response to growing restrictions, hostility and violence targeting LGBTI people, the report sets out concrete actions Europe's cities and regions can take, including by authorising and protecting Pride marches and other peaceful LGBTI events to take place safely, without unnecessary restrictions, administrative delays or disproportionate requirements, and ensure adequate police protection where needed. Practical and financial support to LGBTI organisations and community spaces should be provided. Authorities should appoint a designated contact person for LGBTI equality and maintain regular dialogue with local LGBTI organisations to address concerns before they escalate;
Futhermore, the Congress has called for teachers, public officials and-law enforcement officers to be given the training they need to recognise discrimination, respond to hate incidents and treat LGBTI people with dignity and respect. Lastly, it is esstial that hate speech, threats and violence against LGBTI people be monitored and recorded, and use this evidence to identify local problems, improve protection and shape effective policies.
Human rights are for everyone
"We know that many cities and regions have taken great strides in championing LGBTI rights and inclusion, but progress is not universal. We are also witnessing backsliding and a refusal by some to uphold the rights to which every person is entitled. For those seeking guidance, this report can provide a clear path forward, and for those who are choosing to breach their responsibilities, it sets out clear standards against which those failures can be measured. Human rights are for everyone", said co-rapporteur Gudrun Mosler-Törnström (Austria, SOC/G/PD).
The Congress calls on national governments to give local and regional authorities the powers, resources and legal space they need to act, and to ensure that national legislation does not force them to restrict freedom of expression or peaceful assembly.
What's on in the current Congress session
Read the Congress LGBTI report in full
