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International LGBT Solidarity A Trade Union Charter

Report type
Policy proposal
Issue date

This Charter for international Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender solidarity has been produced by the TUC on the advice of its LGBT Committee and was adopted on 11 February 2015, following a resolution adopted at the TUC LGBT Conference in June 2014 and its annual Congress in September 2014. The purpose of the Charter is to establish the principles on the basis of which trade unions should operate to protect and advance the rights to equality of LGBT people everywhere.

The central message of the Charter is that solidarity is at the core of trade union values, but that decisions regarding when, whether and how to act must be firmly in the hands of the LGBT communities in each country.

The Charter explains how unions can best support the struggles of LGBT people in the many countries where homosexuality is illegal, and subject to popular prejudice. It is still a crime to be lesbian, gay or bisexual in over 70 countries, with punishments including life imprisonment, flogging and the death penalty. Crucially, the Charter emphasises that:

  • Leadership must come from the LGBT communities.
  • LGBT communities in different countries will have varied approaches based on cultural and national sensitivities.
  • Trade unions should be prepared to offer practical support in whatever form is needed.

Download TUC Charter for International LGBT Solidarity [PDF]

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