Labor problems of homosexuals in Greece

Dear Minister,

As part of the effort to address all forms of discrimination against our fellow citizens, I have started a series of meetings with organizations representing the LGBTQ community (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transsexual) in Greece, with the aim of highlighting the community’s problems and addressing them. With this letter, I would like to kindly ask you to consider and provide solutions to some of the issues faced by members of the LGBTQ community.

a) Draft Law – Implementation of equal treatment regardless of racial or ethnic origin, religious or other beliefs, disability, age, or sexual orientation

A detailed reference was made to the new Draft Law, which incorporates into Greek legislation directives 43/2000 (on the implementation of the principle of equal treatment of individuals regardless of their racial or ethnic origin) and 78/2000 (for the establishment of a general framework for equal treatment in employment and work). It is generally acknowledged as a law that could mark a milestone in the fight against discrimination in our country.

There are, however, objections regarding the reference made to the discrimination experienced by members of the LGBTQ community. Specifically, objections exist concerning the use of the term “genetic orientation,” which is intended to cover members of the LGBTQ community. It has been observed that this term causes a number of misunderstandings, even among judges, as it often creates the impression that the term refers to reproduction rather than sexual preference. As a result of this misunderstanding, the claim of homosexuals that they face discrimination based on their sexual preference is not accepted, with the reasoning that they cannot procreate, and therefore the issue of “genetic” orientation does not arise. It is evident that this is a great injustice against the members of the LGBTQ community, which nullifies the positive developments at the legislative level and takes us back to earlier times. For this reason, I believe it would be advisable to replace the term “genetic” with the term “sexual orientation.”

In addition, there are concerns about the absence of reference to each type of discrimination separately in certain articles. It is notable that Chapter II, which covers equal treatment, limits its application to discrimination based on racial or ethnic origin, neglecting the other categories of discrimination mentioned in the title of the Draft Law. As a result, members of the LGBT community are not protected by the relevant provisions.

One could argue that Chapter II faithfully implements Directive 43/2000, which specifically addresses discrimination based on racial or ethnic origin. However, the impression that arises is that the Ministry’s intention is to recognize only the minimal rights possible for victims of discrimination in our country, complying with the absolutely necessary treaty obligations, rather than acting on the basis of common sense or its moral obligation to protect all citizens without discrimination.

b) Inclusion of HIV-positive individuals and transsexuals in the special social groups of OAED (Manpower Employment Organization)

In recent years, the effort made by the Labor Force Employment Organization to prevent and combat social exclusion has been recognized and appreciated. In the special social groups, which are threatened with exclusion from the labor market but also from socialization in general, care has indeed been taken to include vulnerable population groups, such as people with disabilities, people dependent on substances, etc. However, I believe that two more should be added to these groups: HIV-positive (carriers of the AIDS virus) and transsexuals.

The problems faced by HIV-positive individuals in their efforts to find employment have been known since the early years of the disease’s emergence. Although scientific knowledge reassures us regarding the modes of transmission, social stereotypes continue to be directed against HIV-positive individuals, depriving them of a normal social life and pushing them to the margins. The services provided by OAED to the aforementioned special categories—such as psychosocial support, dissemination of information, awareness-raising, and activation of social partners and society at large—can significantly assist both HIV-positive individuals and society in the effort to achieve a society of equal opportunities for all.

The problem faced by transsexuals is particularly acute. As their appearance reveals their identity, they face continuous discrimination and exclusion in every attempt to function as equal members of society. The difficulties they encounter start with the completion of simple, everyday tasks, such as finding an apartment to rent or even hailing a taxi, and reach the point of complete exclusion, even from their own families.

Transsexuals report that even in their attempts to attend school or acquire vocational training, they encounter insurmountable obstacles. Without education, without any support, not even from their families, finding employment becomes impossible, and prostitution becomes the only solution. For these reasons, I believe it is essential to include transsexuals in the special categories of OAED, so that they can benefit from its programs and services and be given an opportunity for smoother integration into our society.

Dear Minister,

Discrimination and social exclusion, particularly when they concern employment, have enormous consequences both for their victims and for society as a whole. With the development pace that our country has and seeks to maintain, there is no room for exclusion. Everyone who wants to work should be able to contribute. In the context of this effort, I am addressing you and your proven sensitivity to the issues of workers and unemployed individuals, requesting that you take the necessary actions to eliminate the aforementioned problems and strengthen equality of opportunity for all citizens in Greece.

Looking forward to your positive response,

With deep respect,

Anna Karamanou