Sphere+ Cooperation Against LGBTIQ+ Hate Speech in Political and Public spheres

ongoing

The SPHERE+ project addresses the urgent need to counter the growing prevalence of hate speech and hate crimes against LGBTIQ+ individuals in Europe, particularly within political and public discourse. Hate speech from public officials and elected politicians sets a dangerous precedent by signalling to society that such behaviour can occur without repercussions, thereby normalising discriminatory rhetoric and actions (Council of Europe, 2021). Recent data from the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA), the Council of Europe, ECRI, and others like ILGA- Europe, highlight the pressing need for strategic interventions in this area. In response, SPHERE+ is a comprehensive multi-stakeholder initiative that unites civil society organisations, public authorities, politicians and their staff, learning specialists, hate speech and communications experts to form a strong coalition against LGBTIQ+ hate speech. We have the support from European CSO networks, the 304-member Council of Europe Congress of INGOs, LGBTIQ+ advocacy networks IGLYO, and Brussels-based Forbidden Colours. The project builds cooperation via needs-responsive work package activities and meetings in Strasbourg and Brussels, which serve as crucial platforms for significant engagement, fostering cross-border collaboration, sharing best practices, and ensuring alignment with European legislative and policy frameworks. The project’s targeted training for CSOs, politicians and public officials, the development of a sustainable training platform, and a Sphere+ code of conduct will directly impact over 1,500 politicians and their staff, 100 CSOs of which 70 are LGBTIQ and Human Rights Organisations and indirectly influence 50,000 citizens through awareness-raising activities.