In its 10th year of operation, the European Center Right LGBT+ Alliance is an increasingly strong voice in the political arena. This weekend (November 9-11) new leadership was elected and a strong comprehensive political platform covering LGBT+ politics was adopted.
The new leadership in the Alliance consists of President Helge Ytterøy L’orange (Høyre, Norway), First Vice President Gerben Horst (CDA, Netherlands) and Second Vice President Kevin Maas (CD&V, Belgium). In addition, the Alliance’s board consists of 1 member from each of the other member organisations – in total 11 members. Former President Fredrik Saweståhl (Moderaterna, Sweden) was appointed Secretary General of the Alliance.
Helge Ytterøy L’orange (54), has been the alliance’s vice-president for 5 years. He is also a leader in Åpne Høyre and has extensive experience as an elected representative from the cities of Bærum, Oslo and Haugesund.
– Our two most important goals are to develop EPP’s, policy for diversity and inclusion and to create a better understanding of LGBT+ matters among the member parties which today do not have an active LGBT+ group or in-depth policies, explains President Ytterøy L’orange.
The alliance, gathered for its annual meeting in Dublin this weekend, adopted a comprehensive political platform that covers most aspects of the LGBT+ area, and makes clear recommendations related to, among other things, a ban on conversion therapy, better training and knowledge about LGBT+ among kindergarten and teaching staff, strengthened mental health services, protection against discrimination and hate violence and, not least, strengthened understanding of and health services for trans people. You will find a presentation of the platform here.
The alliance also works closely with the members of the European Parliament, and in particular the members of the LGBTI Intergroup, a group of parliamentarians with a special interest in LGBT+ issues. During the annual meeting in Dublin, the alliance met with MEP Maria Walsh who is vice president of the Intergroup and discussed important issues regarding LGBT+ in the European Parliament.
– It is very interesting to hear about the debate on different issue. It is obvious, that we can learn from each other and also help sister organisations to be prepared for different perspectives coming up, concludes Helge Ytterøy L’orange.
The program for the Annual Meeting also covered a meeting with the Cathaoirleach of the Seanad Éireann Senator Jerry Buttimer, and meeting with Irish LGBT-groups and activists.
