Abstract
This paper tackles the prominent matter of online discrimination against sexual minorities, introducing a two-level strategy within the European Union (EU). Discrimination of sexual minorities has gained traction within academia since a positive correlation was determined between sexual orientation-specific stressors and psychological distress (DeBlaere et al., 2014). The establishment of such a negative impact entails the need for "policies that prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation" (Chang et al., 2021, p. 1). In recent decades, a gradual change in the legal framework has begun to offer protection against mundane and structural discrimination (European Commission, 2017). However, the spectrum of laws is not sufficiently far-reaching to cover critical mental and physical safety in modern times. Except for the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, no other international legal document protects against discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation. Even though most Member States, to some degree, have included sexual orientation in their national anti-discrimination laws (European Commission, 2015), the shortage of attention to this matter on the international level has caused gaps in both the EU and national legislation.
Lessons for practice
Keywords: Discrimination online, sexual minorities, EU, policy proposal
Citation: Rajeckyte, L. (2022). Mitigation of Discrimination Acts Online Concerning Sexual Orientation: A two-level strategy for feasible and desirable change. Public Note, 10(1), 4-7.
This paper tackles the prominent matter of online discrimination against sexual minorities, introducing a two-level strategy within the European Union (EU). Discrimination of sexual minorities has gained traction within academia since a positive correlation was determined between sexual orientation-specific stressors and psychological distress (DeBlaere et al., 2014). The establishment of such a negative impact entails the need for "policies that prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation" (Chang et al., 2021, p. 1). In recent decades, a gradual change in the legal framework has begun to offer protection against mundane and structural discrimination (European Commission, 2017). However, the spectrum of laws is not sufficiently far-reaching to cover critical mental and physical safety in modern times. Except for the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, no other international legal document protects against discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation. Even though most Member States, to some degree, have included sexual orientation in their national anti-discrimination laws (European Commission, 2015), the shortage of attention to this matter on the international level has caused gaps in both the EU and national legislation.
Lessons for practice
- Although there are laws protecting against discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation, no international regulation covers such misconduct in the digital space.
- Considerable cooperation with society members is desired for the EU to achieve a credible strategy to mitigate discrimination against sexual minorities.
Keywords: Discrimination online, sexual minorities, EU, policy proposal
Citation: Rajeckyte, L. (2022). Mitigation of Discrimination Acts Online Concerning Sexual Orientation: A two-level strategy for feasible and desirable change. Public Note, 10(1), 4-7.
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