Compared to the results from last year’s measure, Cyprus have accomplished great improvements when it comes to LGBTI rights. Compared to other the other Member states, Cyprus have made the greatest improvement (not considering the different levels of development). 2015, Cyprus was ranked at 37, and 2016 Cyprus was ranked 26 (see the fyll list here). 

What has been done during the period that has created the improvement?

In May 2015 public incitement to violence or hatred due to homophobia or transphobia was criminalised. Further, during the same month the Council of Ministers approved the Civil Union Bill. Later during the same year, the parliament also approved the bill. Under the new legislation, civil unions are open to different – and same-sex couples and the union features all of the rights of civil marriage, except for joint or second-parent adoption.

In June 2015, the second annual Pride festival took place in Nicosia. 5000 participated, among others the ambassadors from Australia, Austria, UK and US. The parade proceeded peacefully.

However, according to Eurobarometer 2015, perceived discrimination is still widespread (79 % of the respondents believe that discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation is widespread, compare to the EU28 average which was 58%).

This article is a summary of the report “Annual Review of the Human Rights Situation of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex People in Europe”. You can read the full report here, where you also find information about the other Member States and their development.