Our Mission
In the past few years, the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals in Europe have been declining against the backdrop of an increase in populism and political opportunism.
Several countries have enacted laws that restrict LGBTQ+ rights, often under the guise of national security or public morality. In other cases, countries have failed to provide sufficient safeguards, for instance against inhumane practices such as "conversion therapies". Only 10 countries in Europe ban such practices.
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These developments deny LGBTQ+ communities and individuals key human rights guarantees, be it under the European Convention on Human Rights or EU Law. Yet, victims and LGBTQ+ communities often do not have the specialist expertise or resources to vindicate their rights successfully.
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It is this gap that Lavender Common seeks to fill. By providing pro-bono legal services, strategic litigation guidance, and a network across like-minded organisations in Europe, Lavender Common seeks to uphold and advance the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals across Europe.
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"The very essence of the Convention is respect for human dignity and human freedom."
- European Court of Human Rights, Pretty v United Kingdom (2002) 35 E.H.R.R. 1 [65].
Our Work
Legal Research
We undertake in house research to identify developments within ECHR and EU law that can be utilised to protect and expand LGBTQ+ rights in the jurisdictions we serve.
Charity Engagement and Support
We work with charities to better understand the situation on the ground, and how the protection and advancements of LGBTQ+ rights can be tailored to a respective jurisdiction.
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We also support local charities with specialist advice and expertise in LGBTQ+ rights law.
Strategic Litigation
We initiate and intervene in strategic LGBTQ+ rights cases that develop and promote LGBTQ+ rights on a European level.
Strategic Communications
We work to promote the work of our legal and charitable partners to bring attention to the LGBTQ+ litigation work undertaken.