Across Europe and Central Asia, there has been an alarming and gradual return to the criminalization of LGBTQI+ people. No longer through direct bans, but through a complex web of “propaganda” laws, restrictions on funding for organizations, and the shrinking of civil society space.
ILGA-Europe’s annual review clearly reflects this new reality. Based on data from more than 200 activists and experts in 55 countries, the report highlights not only developments but also the trends shaping the present and future of human rights.
Despite some positive developments in 2025—such as initiatives to improve healthcare, legal rulings recognizing families, and steps toward institutional equality—the overall picture is deeply concerning. The erosion of rights, democracy, and the rule of law is now visible and accelerating.
A new form of exclusion
Across different political systems, certain common practices are repeated:
- Laws that criminalize the “promotion” of LGBTQI+ identity
- Restrictions on funding for organizations
- Administrative obstacles leading to the closure of collectives
- Constitutional amendments that recognize only two genders
At the same time, restrictions on freedom of expression and assembly are often justified in terms of “protecting children” or “public order.” In practice, however, these measures determine who has the right to be visible, to express themselves, and to participate in society.
From theory to practice
The consequences are not abstract. People face criminal prosecution, activists are targeted, and organizations are forced into inaction. In several countries, pressure is exerted through legal proceedings, smear campaigns, or administrative obstacles that make action nearly impossible.
At the same time, a discourse is being reinforced that reduces the concept of gender to strictly biological terms, excluding trans, intersex, and non-binary individuals from legal and social recognition. This “invisible erasure” often begins in education, where the absence of inclusive narratives sends the message early on that some people do not belong.
The Other Side: Resistance and Hope
Despite the pressures, there are also signs of progress. Local and national initiatives continue to defend rights, while civil society remains active, even under difficult conditions. Pride events are on the rise, sending a powerful message of visibility and advocacy.
Experience shows that regression is not inevitable. When institutions choose to act with consistency and political will, they can protect and strengthen fundamental rights.
What’s at stake for everyone
The key message is clear: rights are not a given. They can be won, but they can also be lost. And when the rights of one group are curtailed, it paves the way for broader restrictions on democracy and freedom.
The discussion about inclusion isn’t just about the LGBTQI+ communities. It’s about who has a voice, who is recognized, and who can participate equally in society.
At a time when pressures are mounting, defending diversity and equality is not merely a matter of principle—it is the foundation of a just and democratic society.
