The European Parliament today adopted its annual report on EU
citizenship - in which it laments that same-sex couples still face
disproportionate obstacles when moving inside the European
union.
In the EU Citizenship Report 2010: Dismantling the obstacles to EU
citizens' rights, the European Parliament "reiterates its previous
calls for Member States to ensure freedom of movement for all EU
citizens and their families, without discrimination on grounds of
sexual orientation or nationality".
Specifically, the Parliament reminds Member States that they must
implement the rights granted under the Free Movement Directive
(2004/38/EC), not only to married heterosexual couples, but also to
registered partners and same-sex spouses.
Currently, several Member States discriminate against same-sex
couples who want to move or travel to their territory, despite the
EU law asking that they be treated the same way as different-sex
couples.
The Parliament further "calls on the Commission [...] to ensure
that the Directive is strictly applied". The text had previously
been deleted, but was reintroduced today by a majority of
MEPs.
Adina-Ioana Vălean MEP, Rapporteur for the text, commented: "My
report makes clear what Parliament has known for over four years
now: same-sex couples face serious obstacles to their free
movement, which is a pillar of the European Union.
"If we are serious about the European project, the Commission
needs to address this situation, as well as other obstacles faced
by the citizens when exercising their rights, such as the
portability of social benefits, recognition of diplomas and
inheritance tax."
Michael Cashman MEP, Co-president of the LGBT Intergroup, further
explained: "A mother should never be refused entry to her child's
hospital room because her parental authority isn't recognised. We
are not trying to impose same-sex marriage across the EU. Quite
simply, what we want is what all decent, fair-minded people want:
that a family-any family-be able to travel or live anywhere in the
EU without the risk of being separated from their loved
ones."
2013 will be declared the European Year of EU Citizenship.
