As the European Parliament prepares to vote on the report on EU–US political relations, Forbidden Colours has warned that the current draft report fails to address several major developments affecting democracy, fundamental rights and the sovereignty of the European Union.
Among others, the amendments highlight reporting that the U.S. State Department is considering funding ideologically aligned think tanks and political actors within the European Union, including organisations critical of EU digital regulation. Forbidden Colours warns that such initiatives risk undermining the EU’s democratic sovereignty and institutional autonomy.
The amendments also raise concerns about investigations targeting progressive philanthropic organisations in the United States, including the Open Society Foundations founded by George Soros. Public rhetoric surrounding these investigations has echoed conspiracy narratives with antisemitic undertones and risks contributing to the politicisation of law enforcement and the targeting of civil society actors.
In addition, the proposed amendments address recent policies targeting LGBTIQ+ communities in the United States, particularly transgender people. These include Executive Order 14168 restricting transgender equality protections and proposals to incentivise reporting of trans equality activists.
Finally, Forbidden Colours calls on the European Union to condemn the expansion of the Mexico City Policy (also known as the ‘global gag rule‘), which now extends restrictions on U.S. foreign assistance to programmes related to diversity, equity and inclusion and gender-affirming care. The organisation warns that these measures risk undermining global health programmes and weakening the multilateral system.
“The transatlantic partnership cannot be built on selective silence,” said Rémy Bonny, Executive Director of Forbidden Colours. “The current report is remarkably weak on several key developments that affect democratic sovereignty, civil society and fundamental rights. If the European Parliament wants to defend the values at the heart of the transatlantic partnership, it must also be willing to address when those values are being undermined.”
Forbidden Colours is urging Members of the European Parliament to strengthen the report through the proposed amendments. The deadline for amendments is March 6th at 12PM (CET). The full set of amendments submitted to MEPs can be consulted by clicking here.
What Forbidden Colours strives for
Forbidden Colours strives to ensure that all LGBTIQ+ people can live in freedom, with self-respect and dignity.
The organisation advocates for and supports projects that create positive change for LGBTIQ+ communities across Europe. Its aim is for every LGBTIQ+ person to wake up each morning feeling that it is acceptable to be who they are. To achieve this, Forbidden Colours uses its extensive network within the European institutions, several EU member states and the corporate world to respond to and counter setbacks in LGBTIQ+ rights.
Through its international media contacts, the organisation also exposes anti-LGBTIQ+ initiatives. By mobilising media attention, Forbidden Colours has succeeded in bringing several cases higher onto the political agenda.
Why Forbidden Colours
The name reflects the belief that every form of love has its own colour, and that no one has the right to erase it.
Forbidden Colours draws inspiration from the Hidden Flag organisation, an international group of LGBTIQ+ activists who reveal the rainbow flag in countries where the community faces heavy repression by wearing coloured football shirts.
A life without the freedom to love and live as one is born is a life without colour. Forbidden Colours therefore opposes all forms of repression, discrimination and exclusion affecting LGBTIQ+ people, working to ensure that sexual orientation is never a barrier to living freely.
Hosted by the King Baudouin Foundation
Forbidden Colours is the first LGBTIQ+ fund hosted by the King Baudouin Foundation, which was established in 1976 by the late King of the Belgians, Baudouin.
Project selection and follow-up are overseen by a Management Committee composed of representatives of the King Baudouin Foundation, the founders of Forbidden Colours and three external advisers.
Forbidden Colours cooperates with KBFUS, a U.S. public charity within the meaning of Sections 501(c)(3) and 509(a)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code.
On Sunday 1 March, I had another soft launch: Sidetrack.blog. Yes, over at WordPress.com.
Why? I gave Ghost a go, but WordPress just suits me better. I explain it better here.
I’ve syndicated a few posts, but it’s a bit time consuming.
So I kindly invite you to