Report Cites Lack of Political Will in Solving Problems of Sexual Minorities
A recently published report on the legal situation of sexual minorities in Estonia found that the state lacks a coherent strategy to combat discrimination.
The report by Estonia's Human Rights Center found that the state's institutions support various actions against discrimination but are not working together and that ministries seldom show initiative.
The authors of the report name a lack of political will as the reason for the passivity of the state.
“This is expressed by allocating too little funding to the institution at the forefront of fighting against discrimination – the gender equality and equal treatment commissioner. Another expression of this is the fact that a bill that would solve the problems experienced by trans-gender people when changing sex is gathering dust at the ministry,” the report said.
The report emphasizes that public authorities normally lack the big picture when it comes to the situation of sexual minorities, especially regarding hate crimes committed and the inciting of hatred in the defense forces, in sports, and education and health services.
Changes to the Penal Code and initiating the legalization of same sex partnerships have taken years, the report said.
“It is apparent that changes to Estonian laws or practices regarding sexual minorities do not derive from the Parliament or political party initiatives,” said the report.
The report cites an example the drafting of a partnership law that deals with the inadequate support for same sex couples, and was initiated by recommendations by the chancellor of justice, not from any political party