On Friday 16th May 2014 the University of York is organising a one-day seminar on "Sexual Orientation and the European
Convention on Human Rights: Voices and Perspectives". The seminar will be hosted at Heslington by the Department of Sociology and will explore and discuss sexual orientation issues in relations to human rights in Europe. This is the seminar's abstract:
"The seminar will
bring together a range of stakeholders – from the European Court of Human
Rights, the legal profession, academia, and LGBT NGOs – to discuss the current
state of rights relating to sexual orientation under the European Convention on
Human Rights.
Individuals began making complaints under
the European Convention on Human Rights about sexual orientation discrimination
in 1955. Since the first successful complaint in 1981, the European Court of
Human Rights has issued judgments in respect of a wide range of issues relating
to discrimination experienced by gay men and lesbians. Whilst the Court has
often upheld complaints about sexual orientation discrimination and evolved
human rights protection for sexual minorities, it also continues to reject many
complaints on crucial issues such as discrimination in respect of marriage and
aspects of family life.
This round-table seminar is designed to
encourage in-depth, cross-disciplinary and focused discussion on a range of
pressing issues relating to sexual orientation discrimination in the 47 states
of the Council of Europe. We welcome attendance from all those who have an
interest in sexual orientation, human rights and the European Convention on
Human Rights.
Confirmed participants are: Nikita Ivanov, Registry of the European
Court of Human Rights; Dr. Marc de Werd, Justice in the Amsterdam
Court of Appeal; Dr. Loveday Hodson, University of Leicester; Prof. Robert Wintemute, King’s College
London; Jeffrey Dudgeon MBE, LGBT activist and
applicant in Dudgeon v the UK."
Participation is free, and
refreshments/lunch will be provided, but places are limited. To book a place
please email paul.johnson at york.ac.uk
A full programme will be available soon and
an event flyer is available here.
