Europe takes a stand and validates measures of the "Zan" bill against homotransphobia and discrimination

The EU has given the green light to a directive introducing new measures against hatred and violence based on sexual orientation, gender identity and disability. The text takes up the spirit of the Italian "Zan" bill.

The "Zan" bill is a law against homotransphobia, misogyny and validism that was buried in the Italian Senate in 2021. At the time, it was clear that, at least in Italy, these words no longer had the right to a place. The bill also included measures to protect people with disabilities from discrimination and violence.

The European Parliament has now taken up the baton and, in a historic move, has given the green light to a directive strengthening the rights of victims of crime. This text introduces specific guarantees in cases of sexual violence and hate crimes linked to sexual orientation, gender identity or disability.

The text, which in practice incorporates the principles of the "Zan" bill, must now be transposed by Member States within two years.

What the directive entails

One of the central points of the new regulations is the obligation for national authorities to assess the protection needs of victims on a case-by-case basis, taking into account not only their personal situation, but also any possible intersectional discrimination, i.e. discrimination linked to several factors simultaneously.

Particular attention is also paid to sexual and reproductive health. Victims of sexual violence must have rapid access to specialized health services, including emergency contraception, exposure prophylaxis (post-exposure treatment for HIV), screening for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and, in countries where it is authorized, voluntary interruption of pregnancy (abortion).

In terms of practical assistance, Member States will be required to set up free, confidential victim support services via the single European number 116 006. This number will be supplemented by online platforms, applications and dedicated websites.

All that's needed for the directive to come into force is formal adoption by the Council of the European Union, which has already expressed its political agreement with the text approved by Parliament. Once the directive has been published, Member States will have two years to incorporate the new rules into their respective national legislation.

Source : European Parliament