Estonia's MFA, foreign missions fly Pride flag to support LGBT+ community

Estonia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its foreign representations worldwide are flying Pride flags Saturday in honor of the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT), observed annually on May 17.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Margus Tsahkna (Eesti 200) said that IDAHOBIT is a reminder that while marriage equality was legalized in Estonia last year, it must still continue to work to end discrimination and persecution against people for their gender identity or sexual orientation.
"The rainbow flag raised on the main building of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and our foreign representations symbolizes a clear principle: no one should experience discrimination, exclusion, bullying or violence because of their sexual orientation or gender identity," Tsahkna emphasized.
On #IDAHOBIT, we reaffirm: no one should face bias, isolation, or violence based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.
— Margus Tsahkna (@Tsahkna) May 17, 2025
Estonia stands for LGBTQI+ rights, freedoms & inclusion - at home & abroad. Human rights are universal & apply equally to everyone, everywhere. pic.twitter.com/nwlWeOFaYs
"The promotion and protection of the rights of the LGBT+ community, including their freedom of expression, association and assembly, both at home and on the international stage, is an important part of Estonia's foreign policy," he continued. "Everyone must be ensured the right to love and self-expression."
Estonia is a founding member of the Equal Rights Coalition (ERC), an intergovernmental body of 45 member states founded in 2016 and dedicated to the protection of the rights of LGBT+ persons.
The ERC is currently chaired by Spain and Colombia.
Estonia also cosigned a joint statement issued by 30 members of the Council of Europe to mark the occasion.
On #IDAHOT Day Estonia reaffirms its commitment to advancing and protecting the human rights of LGBTQI+ persons everywhere.
— Estonia in the Council of Europe (@EstoniaCoE) May 17, 2025
Read the joint statement of 30 @coe member states ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/9wsubPJMc3
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Editor: Aili Vahtla