Rep.Lewis and Panel of European Leaders to Discuss LGBTQ+ Rights

June 29, 2021 - Representative Jack Patrick Lewis (Framingham) is speaking in the virtual, international webinar #LoveWhereILive a Progressives for LGBTQ+ Freedom Cities and Regions on June 29 at 12pm EST.

As recent months have shown an alarming increase in withdrawals of LGBTQ+ rights across the globe, including in Europe with Hungary and Poland experiencing a rise of homophobic and transphobic policies. These attempts by right-wing governments challenge the freedoms of countless members of the LGBTQ+ community in these countries. However, despite this kind of harmful legislation, March of 2021 saw the European Parliament take an impactful step in LGBTQ+ history by declaring the EU an “LGBTIQ Freedom Zone.” This decision caused a ripple effect to the impacted areas, as one week later brought the same action at the local level by the Lisbon City Council, and soon thereafter many other European cities had done the same.

The protection and promotion of LGBTQ+ rights must start at a local level, which is why discussions that facilitate understanding and action must first incorporate local leaders. Rep. Lewis will speak at this global, virtual event on best practices and strategies advocating for and protecting LGBTQ+ rights based on his work as the founding executive director of OUT MetroWest and his work in the Massachusetts House of Representatives.

Rep. Lewis will be bringing a US-perspective to the panel, and will be joined by progressive leaders from the European Union, tentatively including European Commissioner for Equality Helena Dalli, Mayor of Paris, France Anne Hidalgo, Mayor of Malmӧ, Sweden Sara Katrin Stjernfeldt Jammeh, Mayor of Lisbon, Portugal Fernando Medina, and many more.

“It is a great honor to be invited by my European friends and colleagues for this important conversation,” said Rep. Lewis. “The work we have done locally and statewide in Massachusetts is a global model in protecting, supporting, and celebrating our LGBTQ+ neighbors''.

In cooperation with the Global Progressive Forum, this event will be sponsored by the PES Group in the European Committee of the Regions, Rainbow Rose and the Party of European Socialists through their campaign “LGBTIQ Freedom Cities and Regions”.

This event will be taking place virtually on June 29 at 12pm EST. Anyone interested in attending can register here.

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