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Political Representation and National Action Plans
social prejudice and misconceptions about the nature and moral character of LGBT persons.”
—UNGA (2019, para. 33)
Civic and political participation should be equally accessible to all, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, or sex characteristics.2 Gaining inclusive political representation is a source of motivation for sexual and gender minorities and a fundamental step in advancing inclusion. Moreover, sexual and gender minority representation in political life can positively impact legal reform and eliminate prejudice and bias against this vulnerable group. It also allows citizens to enjoy a feeling of familiarity with their elected representatives and relate to their causes (Magni and Reynolds 2019).
Only 6 of the 16 countries reviewed (Canada, Costa Rica, Japan, Mexico, South Africa, and Uruguay) have at least one member of parliament or a comparable national representative body who openly self-identifies as a sexual or gender minority. Information from local experts suggests that none of the analyzed countries has more than 10 elected representatives who identify as sexual and gender minorities. None of the surveyed countries mandate quotas for sexual and gender minority members of parliament.
National action plans on SOGI issues are fundamental in complementing the work of the government and other relevant institutions. They help countries establish clear goals and guidelines for incorporation into their agendas. Moreover, national action plans set priorities and establish an internal control mechanism that facilitates the implementation of the defined goals. They can also inspire lawmakers to understand the guiding principles of the law.
Most of the studied countries’ equality bodies, including NHRIs, lack national action plans on SOGI. Only Bangladesh, Costa Rica, India, and Uruguay have introduced such plans. The National Human Rights Commission of Bangladesh introduced a five-year strategic plan that includes sexual minorities and people living with HIV.3 Costa Rica’s National Development Plan 2019–22 introduced a strategy to develop training and awareness campaigns for public officials. These efforts are intended to improve services as well as respect for sexual and gender minority rights and ensure that sexual and gender minorities are treated with dignity.4 India’s Human Rights Commission published a National Action Plan for 2019–20 that addresses sexual and gender minorities’ rights.5 In Uruguay, the National Coordinating Council for Public Policies on Sexual Diversity, created in 2015, acts within the framework of the Ministry of Social Development. Composed of representatives of all ministries, the Mayor’s Council, and CSO representatives, the council advises the executive on integrating sexual diversity in all areas of public policy (figure 5.1).6
