The President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, issued the following statement for the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia:
«The topic “At the heart of democracy”, chosen for today’s International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia, stresses the responsibility we hold in supporting the principles of respect for the dignity of every single person in civil society.
The principle of equality and the Republic’s duty to remove the obstacles that hinder people’s freedom and dignity are pillars of the Italian Constitution. They embody an ever-present commitment that involves society on the whole.
The quality of democracy is gauged in everyday life and in the ability to recognise each person as part of the community, with no exceptions, nor prejudice.
In many parts of the world, millions of people are still criminalised because of their sexual orientation and gender identity, exposed to violence and marginalised, stripped of the freedom to express themselves. Discriminatory language and behaviour still persist – even in Europe and in Italy.
Laws and policies can lay the essential foundations, but for the most profound change to come about they must result in behaviour, language and choices aimed at building relationships based on respect».
Rome, 17 May 2026