LGBTI+ rights to be modernised

Cyprus will collaborate with the UK to promote LGBTI+ rights and modernise the relevant national legislation, Law commissioner Louiza Christodoulidou-Zannetou said on Tuesday.

In a tweet following her meeting with UK special envoy on LGBTI+ rights Nick Herbert (Lord Herbert of South Downs), Zannetou said the pair had an “interesting discussion” on the cooperation between the two states for the improvement of LGBTI+ laws, practices and procedures.

“I am looking forward to our next cooperation steps,” Zannetou said.

The meeting was also attended by Foreign Minister Nikos Christodoulides, Justice Minister Stephie Dracou and Adviser to the President for issues of Multiculturalism, Acceptance and Respect to Diversity Costas Gavrielides.

Herbert visited Cyprus on the occasion of the signing of the cooperation protocol between the UK and Cyprus for the protection and promotion of the rights of LGBTI+ people in Europe and the Commonwealth.

During the meeting, officials discussed the responsibilities of the law commissioner regarding suggestions to the government for the review and modernisation of Cypriot legislation.

The Commissioner will be involved in the final formulation of the bill on Gender Identity promoted by the interior ministry.

For his part, Lord Herbert briefed on how LGBTI+ issues are handled in the UK, with specific reference to health, prisons, sports, marriage and adoption.

Lord Herbert is the first openly gay man to be elected to a Conservative seat.