Less than a year after EuroPride 2025 in Lisbon, proposals in the Portuguese Parliament now risk rolling back fundamental rights for trans, non-binary and intersex people. Portugal has long been seen as a leader in LGBTI+ equality, but these developments risk reversing that progress and sending a harmful signal across Europe.
This is a critical moment. The legislation is not yet final, and action now can still make a difference.
EPOA calls for all Pride organisers and LGBTQIA+ organisations to stand with trans, non-binary and intersex communities in Portugal and to sign our open letter.
Organisations are added as signatories as soon as possible.
Open Letter: Defending Trans, Non-binary and Intersex Rights in Portugal
To:
The President of the Portuguese Republic
Members of the Assembleia da República
The Mayor of Lisbon
We, the undersigned organisations, Pride committees, civil society groups, and institutions from across Europe and beyond, write to express our deep concern at the recent parliamentary approval, at first reading,of legislative proposals that would significantly roll back the rights of trans, non-binary and intersex people in Portugal.
These proposals, introduced by PSD, Chega, and CDS-PP, seek to amend the existing legal framework on gender identity and bodily autonomy. As currently presented, they would:
- Reintroduce mandatory medical requirements for legal gender recognition
- Restrict access to gender-affirming healthcare, particularly for minors
- Undermine the principle of self-determination
- Risk legitimising harmful practices affecting intersex people
If adopted, these measures would constitute a serious regression in human rights protections and place Portugal in contradiction with established European and international standards, including those of the Council of Europe and the European Union.
Portugal has long been recognised as a leader in advancing LGBTI+ equality. These developments risk reversing that progress and sending a harmful signal, not only domestically, but across Europe, at a time when trans, non-binary and intersex rights are increasingly under coordinated attack.
We are particularly alarmed that this moment comes less than a year after Lisbon hosted EuroPride 2025, a powerful demonstration of the country’s stated commitment to inclusion, dignity, and equality.
We therefore call for:
1. Presidential Action
We respectfully urge the President of the Republic to veto these proposals or refer them to the Constitutional Court, considering their potential incompatibility with fundamental rights protections.
2. Legislative Responsibility
We call on Members of Parliament to reject any measures that undermine the dignity, autonomy, health, and safety of trans, non-binary and intersex people during the upcoming legislative stages.
3. Local Leadership
We call on the Mayor of Lisbon to publicly reaffirm the city’s commitment to human rights and to oppose these regressive measures.
This is a moment that requires leadership, clarity, and courage.
Across Europe, we are witnessing a growing pattern of attempts to restrict the rights of trans, non-binary and intersex people. It is essential that Portugal does not follow this path but instead upholds its longstanding role as a defender of human dignity and equality.
We stand in full solidarity with trans, non-binary, and intersex communities in Portugal, and with the organisations working tirelessly to defend their rights.
We remain ready to engage constructively and to support efforts that protect and advance fundamental rights for all.
Signatories:
European Pride Organisers Association (EPOA) – Europe
EuroPride Lisbon 2025 – PT
Portugal Pride – PT
Porto Pride – PT
InterPride – Global
CSD Deutschland e. V. – DE
Pride Network Netherlands – NL
Ojen Orgulloso – ES
Rainbowfriends.be – BE
CSD Bielefeld – DE
Zurich Pride Festival – CH
Athens Pride – GR
EuroPride Ireland 2028 – IE
The Outing Winter Pride Festival – IE
West Pride – SE
St. Gallen Pride – CH
Prague Pride – CZ
MADO Madrid Pride – AEGAL – ES
Pride in Gloucestershire – GB
Art That Matters Foundation – NL
CSD Rhein-Neckar – DE
Stichting Pride Amsterdam – NL
CSD Magdeburg e.V. – DE
CSD Harz – DE
CSD Dessau-Roßlau e.V. – DE
Christopher-Street-Day Sachsen-Anhalt e.V. – DE
Vestischen-Christopher-Streetday e.V. – DE
To add your organisation’s signature, please complete this form: Open Letter: Defending Trans, Non-binary and Intersex Rights in Portugal – Fill in form