International Event :: Mutual Recognition of Registered Partnerships and Same-Sex Marriages within the Territory of the European Union - a Restriction on the Freedom of Movement of EU Citizens?
18 November 2011 - 19 November 2011, 9:00 AM
Married heterosexual couples constantly cross national borders within the E U without even a second thought. They are secure in the knowledge that their unions and the legal consequences of these unions are universally recognized
However, such is not the case for same-sex couples. Their right to freedom of movement is constantly ignored. Simply by crossing a national border, such couples may lose all their social and fiscal rights, their children may become orphans, they may even be prevented from obtaining official recognition of their couples or may lose their nationalities of birth.
It is precisely in order to discuss these unacceptable sexual orientation based discriminations that ILGA-Europe member, l'Autre Cercle, a national French LGBT association of professional men and women is organising a two-day International Conference in Strasbourg, a highly symbolic city that is home to several European Institutions whose mission is to guarantee the freedom and the rights of all European citizens.
The Autre Cercle Conference will enable participants to enrich their knowledge base on this important theme which has already been the subject of two half-day seminars organised by the European Parliament's LGBT Intergroup and a Podcast released on June 1st by ILGA-Europe. It is also at the heart of a Green Paper consultation launched earlier this year by the European Commission on the mutual recognition of civil status documents.
Conference participants will be able to share the results of some ground breaking research on the cross-border rights of same sex partners conducted in 34 European countries, hear the testimonies of European same sex couples whose rights have been denied and learn how business and public organisations deal with the issue of international staff transfers where candidates for transfer live with their same sex partners.
For more information on the Autre Cercle Conference you can visit the conference website at www.mutualrecognition.eu where you can consult the detailed programme for the two days, read more about Strasbourg and how to get there and learn more about l'Autre Cercle.
Registration for the conference is obligatory but free of charge (with the exception of meals and coffee breaks). You can register on-line at www.mutualrecognition.eu and will, of course, receive an e-mail confirming that your registration has been recorded.
Capacity is limited, so register today. We are looking forward to welcoming you to Strasbourg in November !
Venue
Strasbourg, France
Marriage Equality is a proud member of NELFA