Statement from the Equal Rights Coalition on the nexus between democracy and the human rights of LGBTI persons

On the occasion of the Summit for Democracy, the undersigned members of the Equal Rights Coalition (ERC) affirm that the revitalization of democracy within our own nations and around the world is essential to promoting and protecting human rights, especially for those most vulnerable including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) persons. Threats to the rule of law, rising levels of inequality, authoritarianism, and corruption are eroding democracy in every region, with grave consequences for LGBTI persons, among others. Persistent criminalization of LGBTI status and ongoing violence and discrimination undermine the ability of LGBTI persons to fully participate in democratic and political processes.Source