National LGBTIQ Equality Plan. Needs and Guidelines.

NACIONALINIS 

N A T I O N A L 

LGBTIQ 

EQUALITY LYGIATEISIŠKUMO PLAN 

PLANAS 

NEEDS AND 

GUIDELINES 

FRIEDRICH 

59 

EBERT 

STIFTUNG

N A T I O N A L 

LGBTIQ 

EQUALITY PLAN 

NEEDS AND 

GUIDELINES 

60 61

National LGBTIQ Equality Plan. Needs and Guidelines. 

This publication was produced in partnership with 

the Friedrich Ebert Foundation (Friedrich Ebert Stiftung, FES) and 

is part of the project “LGBTI Equality – A Shared Responsibility”. 

This publication commemorates the thirtieth anniversary of the beginning 

of the open LGBTIQ rights movement in Lithuania and the Lithuanian Gay 

League. 

Compiled by 

Monika Antanaitytė, Eduardas Platovas, Vladimir Simonko 

Reviewed and contributed by 

Vytautas Valentinavičius 

Edited by 

Eglė Kuktoraitė 

Photo courtesy: 

Saulius Žiūra, Augustas Didžgalvis 

The statements and conclusions are the sole responsibility 

of the authors of this publication. 

CONTENTS 

1. Equality for LGBTIQ persons and the implementation 

of the principle of non-discrimination 6 

2. A brief overview of the LGBTIQ and human rights 

situation in Lithuania 14 

3. Highlights of the history of the LGBTIQ community 

in Lithuania: Significant events since the restoration of 

Lithuanian independence 22 

4. LGBTIQ rights issues in the context of the strategic 

planning of human rights in the Republic of Lithuania 28 

5. Recommendations (guidelines) for a National Plan 

on LGBTIQ Rights in Lithuania 38 

5.1. Legal recognition and strengthening the legal framework 39 

5.2. LGBTIQ inclusion 41 

5.3. Security 42 

5.4. Health 44 

5.5. International relations 46 

6. Conclusions 50 

Print run: 50 copies 

ISBN 978-609-420-798-3 

© Lithuanian Gay League, 2023 

2 3

4 5

1 

EQUALITY FOR LGBTIQ PERSONS AND 

THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PRINCIPLE 

OF NON-DISCRIMINATION 

The realisation of the right to non-discrimination and the development 

of human rights, in general, are achieved through social and political processes, 

1 which include: 

Social awareness: human rights progress often begins with increased 

public awareness of inequality and discrimination; 

Legislative and policy developments: legislative and policy developments 

can help to institutionalise the right to non-discrimination and 

provide legal protection against discrimination in all its forms. Judicial processes 

can make significant improvements to the human rights situation 

through landmark decisions and legal precedents. Courts can interpret laws 

in ways that extend or strengthen the protection of rights; 

International influence and treaties: countries frequently ratify international 

treaties and amend their legislation to align with international 

standards, resulting in advancements in the protection of human rights; 

Education and training: education and training are crucial for ensuring 

the long-term sustainability of human rights progress. Long-term change 

often requires a shift in cultural attitudes and beliefs; 

Civic movement and community participation: communities and 

civic movements often become the forefront of change; 

Monitoring and accountability: regular monitoring and accountability 

mechanisms ensure the protection, promotion, and progression of rights. 

Equality for LGBTIQ individuals must be ensured at various levels, including 

international, regional, and national, through legally binding and non-legally 

binding human rights instruments. 

Regarding the protection of human rights at the international level, the Office 

of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights stresses 

that the protection of LGBTI persons from violence and discrimination does 

not require new legislation or standards in the field of human rights. States 

have a legal obligation to ensure the protection of LGBTI persons, which 

is based on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international 

human rights treaties. The main obligations of States in relation to 

the protection of the human rights of LGBTI persons include obligations to: 

protect individuals from homophobic and transphobic violence; prevent 

torture and cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment; abolish laws criminalizing 

same-sex relationships and transgender people; prohibit discrimination 

based on sexual orientation and gender identity; and ensure freedom 

of expression, association, and peaceful assembly for LGBTI persons. 2 

The Constitutional Court of the Republic of Lithuania has emphasised that 

the constitutional order of the Republic of Lithuania is based on the priority 

1 Donnelly, J. (2013). Universal Human Rights in Theory and Practice (NED-New edition, 3). 

Cornell University Press. 

2 United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. (2019) 12 . Sexual 

orientation, gender identity and sex characteristics in international human rights law: Born 

free and equal (2nd ed.). https://www.ohchr.org/Documents/Publications/BornFreeAndEqualLowRes.pdf 

1. EQUALITY FOR LGBTIQ PERSONS AND THE IMPLEMENTATION 

1. EQUALITY FOR LGBTIQ PERSONS AND THE IMPLEMENTATION OF 

6 OF THE PRINCIPLE OF NON-DISCRIMINATION 

THE PRINCIPLE OF NON-DISCRIMINATION 

7

of the rights and freedoms of the human being and the citizen as the highest 

value. 3 

Discrimination against LGBTIQ persons is incompatible with the principle 

of equality of persons enshrined in Article 29 of the Constitution of the Republic 

of Lithuania. Although this article does not directly include sexual 

orientation or gender identity among the protected grounds, it is also important 

to note the jurisprudence of the Constitutional Court, the only institution 

that has the discretion to interpret and clarify the content of constitutional 

norms: “There is no exhaustive list of human rights and freedoms in 

the Constitution”. This is confirmed by Article 18 of the Constitution, which 

states that “human rights and freedoms are inherent”. “No law can establish 

an exhaustive list of natural rights and freedoms.” 4 

The Constitutional Court has emphasised that Lithuania’s foreign policy is 

guided by the generally recognised principles and norms of international 

law. It seeks to ensure the country’s security, independence, and the 

well-being of its citizens, as well as their fundamental rights and freedoms. 

Additionally, it contributes to the development of an international order 

based on law and justice. 5 

Article 138(3) of the Constitution states that international treaties ratified 

by the Seimas are an integral part of the legal system of the Republic of 

Lithuania. The Constitutional Court has explained that this provision means 

that international treaties ratified by the Seimas acquire the force of law. 6 

The Court has stated that the provision cannot be interpreted in a way that 

allows the Republic of Lithuania to be non-compliant with its international 

3 Constitutional Court ruling of 23 November 1999 (reiterated in ruling of 13 December 

2004). 

4 Opinion of the Constitutional Court of 24 January 1995 

5 Spruogis, E. (2023). Lithuania’s international commitments. In Universal Lithuanian 

Encyclopedia, available at https://www.vle.lt/straipsnis/lietuvos-tarptautiniai-isipareigojimai/ 

6 Order of 17 October 1995, Judgment of 25 April 2002, Order of 5 September 2012; 

Judgment of 4 November 2014 

treaties if its laws or constitutional laws provide for a different legal regime 

than that laid down in the international treaties. 7 

Article 14 of the European Convention on Human Rights also contains a 

general prohibition of discrimination. Article 21 of the EU Charter of Fundamental 

Rights explicitly prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation. 

By ratifying the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural 

Rights (ICESCR) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political 

Rights (ICCPR), Lithuania has made the human rights provisions enshrined 

in them legally binding. These covenants implicitly prohibit discrimination 

on the grounds of sexual orientation or gender identity, establishing 

a non-exhaustive list of protected grounds (Art. Article 2(1) ICCPR, Article 

2(2) ICCPR). The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (Article 2) and the 

Convention on the Rights of the Child (Article 2) also enshrine the principle 

of non-discrimination. The UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural 

Rights, whose mandate includes the interpretation of the ICESCR, has specifically 

stated in its General Comments 20, 22, and 23 that sexual orientation 

and gender identity are included among the prohibited discrimination 

grounds. Human rights are inalienable, indivisible, and universal. 

In 2007, experts in human rights from different countries developed the Yogyakarta 

Principles. These principles interpret existing international human 

rights treaties to secure the rights of LGBTIQ people. Ten years later, the Yogyakarta 

Principles were updated to include the rights of transgender and intersex 

people (Yogyakarta Principles plus 10). Although not legally binding, 

the principles aid in the interpretation of binding human rights standards. 

On 12 November 2020, the European Commission adopted the LGBTIQ 

Equality Strategy 8 , which aims to improve the protection of LGBTIQ people 

7 Decisions of the Constitutional Court of 14 March 2006, 5 September 2012, quoted 

from Limantė, A. (2015). The conclusion of international treaties and other international 

agreements in Lithuanian and foreign law: in search of best practice. Legal Problems, 

3(89), 33-64 

8 Communication from the European Commission to the European Parliament, the 

Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions, 

Brussels, 12 November 2020 COM(2020) 698 final 


1. EQUALITY FOR LGBTIQ PERSONS AND THE IMPLEMENTATION OF 


THE PRINCIPLE OF NON-DISCRIMINATION 

9

from discrimination. The Strategy forms the basis for the Commission’s 

work in this area in the period 2020–2025. It will be complemented by measures 

to promote LGBTIQ equality in areas where EU Member States have 

competence. The primary responsibility for implementing these provisions, 

and thus for guaranteeing, protecting, and enforcing human rights on their 

territory, lies with the individual States, which are called upon, among other 

things, to adopt national action plans for LGBTIQ equality. 

The purpose of this publication is to provide guidance to decision-makers in 

Lithuania on formulating a coherent human rights policy and achieving sustainable 

qualitative change in the field of LGBTIQ human rights. The text 

aims to reflect the main expectations for a document of this kind. 



11

12 13

2 

A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF THE LGBTIQ AND 

HUMAN RIGHTS SITUATION IN LITHUANIA 

According to the World Rule of Law Project’s index 9 , which is used by the Organisation 

for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Lithua nia 

is ranked 18 out of 140 positions in 2022. Lithuania’s index increased by 1.7% 

over the year, but the overall global index fell by 61%. The rise of anti-human 

rights, and anti-democratic narratives in the region before and during 

the pandemic, as well as Russia’s launch of a war against Ukraine, has led to 

an increased need to consolidate inter-sectoral cooperation and strengthen 

the implementation of the rule of law and human rights principles. 

It should be noted that in international rankings of human rights monitoring, 

Lithuania is ranked below the European Union average. In the EU 

Equality Index 10 Lithuania scored 64.1 out of 100 possible points in 2023, 

6 points below the EU average. International human rights monitoring 

mechanisms repeatedly issue recommendations to Lithuania, including 

recommendation to protect LGBTIQ persons in Lithuania. 

In the 2023 LGBTIQ Equality Index by the international LGBTIQ rights organisation 

ILGA-Europe, 11 Lithuania scored 24% ranking 23rd out of 27 EU countries 

(among EU countries, only Latvia, Bulgaria, Romania and Poland had lower 

scores). The lowest compliance with ILGA-Europe’s LGBTIQ equality standards 

9 WJP Rule of Law Index | Lithuania Insights (worldjusticeproject.org) 

10 https://eige.europa.eu/gender-equality-index/2023/LT 

11 https://rainbow-europe.org/country-ranking 

is in the areas of protection of family relations (0%), intersex persons’ right to 

physical integrity (0%), and the right to asylum (17%). 

Meanwhile, in the most recent (2023) Transgender Rights Map, 12 compiled 

by the international transgender rights organisation Transgender Europe, 

Lithuania meets 4 out of 30 indicators (among the EU Member States, only 

Latvia and Romania meet fewer indicators). 

According to the EU Fundamental Rights Agency’s LGBTIQ Survey (2020) 13 , 

the inclusion of LGBTIQ people in Lithuania falls behind the European 

Union average in many areas. These include: 

• 73% of Lithuanians avoid holding hands often or always with a 

same-sex partner, compared with an EU average of 61%. 

• 41% of Lithuanians often or always avoid certain places for fear of 

being attacked. The EU average was 33%. 

• 16% of respondents in Lithuania are often or always open about being 

LGBTIQ, compared to an average of 47% in the EU Member States. 

• In 2019, 55% of respondents in Lithuania felt discriminated against 

in at least one area of their lives in the year before the survey. In 

the EU Member States, the figure was 42%. 

• 1 in 5 transgender and intersex people had been physically or sexually 

assaulted in the five years before the survey, twice as often as 

other groups in the LGBTIQ community. 

• Only 8% of respondents reported discrimination to an equality body 

or other organisation in Lithuania, compared to an EU average of 11%. 

Various international and national reports have identified persistent issues 

with LGBTI rights in the country that require political and legislative 

solutions: 

12 https://transrightsmap.tgeu.org/home/ 

13 FRA LGBTI Survey Data Explorer: https://fra.europa.eu/en/data-and-maps/2020/lgbti-survey-data-explorer# 

2. A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF THE LGBTIQ AND HUMAN 


14 RIGHTS SITUATION IN LITHUANIA 

RIGHTS SITUATION IN LITHUANIA 

15

• Gender identity and (or) gender expression is not explicitly included 

among the protected grounds at the legislative level. 14 

• In Lithuania, there is no possibility for same-sex couples to marry and 

(or) enter into a civil partnership (civil union), while married transgender 

individuals must obtain a divorce to change their gender indicators 

in their civil status documents through judicial procedure. 15 

• Same-sex marriages concluded abroad are not registered in Lithuanian 

civil registry offices. The same-sex spouse of a Lithuanian 

citizen is only granted a residence permit in Lithuania under the 

EU Movement Directive. 

• There are still legal barriers to transgender people’s access to 

certain occupations and (or) positions: for example, the Code of 

Health Requirements 16 places the code F64.0 (“transsexualism”) 

between codes F60-F69, indicating that medical conditions within 

these codes imply a possible unsuitability for a particular job or 

position, and it needs to be assessed on an individual basis. Code 

F64.0 is not listed separately, but it is mentioned in other pieces of 

legislation, namely the Criteria and Methodology for the Assessment 

of Fitness for Military Service, Rifleman’s Combat Squad, or 

Intelligence Officer’s Service on the Basis of Medical Condition. 17 

• There is currently no legislation in place that enables transgender 

individuals to exercise their right to gender recognition through 

a quick, transparent, accessible, and non-discriminatory administrative 

procedure. 18 

14 Leonaitė, E., Valentinavičius, V., Osičnaitė, F. V., Jurevičiūtė, G., Balčiūnaitė, M., Bylaitė, 

G. (2023). 2022 Human Rights Monitoring Report. Seimas Ombudspersons’ Office. 

15 Article 2.27 of the Civil Code of the Republic of Lithuania. 

16 Point 5 of the Code of Health Requirements, approved by Order No 1V-380/V-618 of 

the Minister of Health of the Republic of Lithuania and the Minister of the Interior of the 

Republic of Lithuania of 21 October 2003 

17 Criteria for suitability for military, rifleman’s combat squad or intelligence officer’s 

service on the basis of medical condition, approved by the Order of the Minister of National 

Defence of the Republic of Lithuania No V-449 of 3 June 2020 

18 Leonaitė, E., Valentinavičius, V., Osičnaitė, F. V., Jurevičiūtė, G., Balčiūnaitė, M., & Bylai- 

• Hate crimes based on multiple characteristics (such as the victim’s 

sexual orientation and ethnicity) are not recorded as such in the 

register of criminal offences. 

• The “anti-gay propaganda” provision has not been repealed 19 . Article 

4(2)(16) of the Law on the Protection of Minors against the 

Detrimental Effects of Public Information, has been used on several 

occasions since 2010 to disproportionately restrict or censor 

LGBTIQ-related information, including the Baltic Pride social advertisement 

on national television. 20 

• The healthcare 21 and personal name change 22 measures for transgender 

individuals at the sub-statutory level are inadequate. 

These measures are based on the outdated diagnosis of “transsexualism” 

and are only accessible to adults. Minors are not able 

to access these measures, even with parental consent. 23 

• Article 3(4) of the Law on Strengthening the Family of the Republic 

of Lithuania establishes the principle of “complementarity of 

fatherhood and motherhood” 24 . It states that “when providing 

support and assistance to the family, the child’s natural need to 

have a father (adoptive father) and a mother (adoptive mother) 

must be taken into account”. This promotes a “traditional” family 

model at the state level and may indirectly create negative attitudes 

towards “non-traditional” family structures. 

tė, G. (2023). 2022 human rights monitoring report. Seimas Ombudspersons’ Office, p. 27. 

19 Pankūnas, G. (7 November 2023). The Seimas has rejected a proposal to scrap a provision 

prohibiting minors from talking about homosexual relationships. Delfi.lt 

20 https://www.lgl.lt/naujienos/nepilnameciu-apsauga-ar-lgbt-turinio-cenzura/ 

21 Order of the Minister of Health of the Republic of Lithuania on the approval of the 

description of the procedure for the diagnosis and treatment of gender identity disorder 

(transsexualism), 4 August 2022. No V-1307 

22 Order of the Minister of Justice of the Republic of Lithuania “On Approval of the Rules 

for Changing a Person’s Name and Surname“, 28 December 2016, No. 29704, point 4 

23 Ibid, p. 27. 

24 Law on Strengthening Education, TAR, 06-11-2017, No 17495 




RIGHTS SITUATION IN LITHUANIA 

17

At the same time, it is important to note that certain religious communities 

hold significant influence in the country, particularly those affiliated with 

the Roman Catholic Church, and they actively resist efforts to enhance the 

protection of LGBTIQ rights. For example, on 9 March 2021, representatives 

of six traditional Christian communities issued an appeal calling for 

the non-ratification of the Istanbul Convention and for the denial of family 

status to forms of cohabitation that are not based on gender or the principle 

of complementarity of paternity and maternity mentioned above. 25 

Politicians can also influence the discourse surrounding LGBTIQ rights. 

During a meeting of the Committee on Human Rights of the Seimas of the 

Republic of Lithuania in 2021, Andrius Navickas, a member of the Human 

Rights Committee of the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania, referred to 

the national LGBT rights organisation LGL as “fundamentalists”. 26 Additionally, 

Petras Gražulis and several other members of the Seimas are known 

for making constant homophobic statements. In September 2023, a lawful 

protest by LGL was disrupted by an organized group of hostile individuals, 

including parliamentarian Gražulis. The law enforcement authorities failed 

to respond appropriately to the potential risks. 27 

The social and political climate for the protection and promotion of LGBTIQ 

rights remains challenging due to emerging negative trends. The existing 

legal framework in Lithuania is not sufficient to ensure the protection of 

transgender people from discrimination on the grounds of gender identity 

and (or) gender expression, and Lithuania has high discrimination rates in 

the EU context. This implies the need to integrate measures to strengthen 

LGBTIQ rights (legal, social, educational, awareness-raising, etc.) into the 

objectives of the state strategic planning documents. 

25 Lithuanian Bishops’ Conference. Appeal of Traditional Christian Communities of Lithuania, 

9 March 2021, https://lvk.lcn.lt/naujienos/,453 

26 https://www.ilga-europe.org/files/uploads/2022/04/annual-review-2022.pdf 

27 https://www.lrt.lt/naujienos/lietuvoje/2/2089921/pozela-ivertino-pareigunu-veiksmus-lgbt-proteste-galejome-padaryti-geriau 



19

20 21

1993 

3 

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE HISTORY OF THE 

LGBTIQ COMMUNITY IN LITHUANIA: 

SIGNIFICANT EVENTS SINCE THE 

RESTORATION OF LITHUANIAN 

INDEPENDENCE 

Abolition of criminal liability for male sexual relations. Origins of the open 

LGBTIQ rights movement in Lithuania. 

1994 

The first-ever international LGBTIQ rights event in Lithuania was the Eastern 

European Regional Conference of the international LGBTIQ rights organisation 

“ILGA”, which took place in Palanga. 

1995 

Same-sex couples’ first public coming out stories in Lithuanian newspaper 

“Lietuvos Rytas”. 

2004 

Harmonisation of the minimum age of consent. 

2005 

The Law on Equal Opportunities prohibits discrimination based on sexual 

orientation not only in the labour market but also in goods, services, and 

education. 

2007 

The first ILGA-Europe conference in Lithuania, organised by the international 

LGBTIQ rights organisation “ILGA-Europe” in cooperation with LGL, 

took place in Vilnius. 

The first-ever Rainbow Days LGBTIQ cultural festival is held to mark the 

International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia. 

As part of the EQUAL project “Open and Safe at Work”, LGL planned to 

launch a publicity campaign in May 2007. The slogans “A lesbian can work 

in a school” and “A gay man can work as a policeman” were to be displayed 

on trolleybuses in Vilnius and Kaunas. The initiative failed due to opposition 

from the municipalities of both cities, as well as from drivers and the company 

that runs the buses. No legal arguments were provided to justify the 

refusal to provide the advertising service. 

2009 

Criminal liability is established for hate crimes committed based on sexual 

orientation. 

2010 

Around 350 people took part in the first Baltic Pride march in Vilnius, 

Lithuania. 

The Law on the Protection of Minors against the Detrimental Effects of 

Public Information entered into force and has since been used repeatedly 

to disproportionately censor or restrict LGBTIQ-related public information. 

3. HIGHLIGHTS OF THE HISTORY OF THE LGBTIQ COMMUNITY IN LITHUANIA: 


22 SIGNIFICANT EVENTS SINCE THE RESTORATION OF LITHUANIAN INDEPENDENCE 

SIGNIFICANT EVENTS SINCE THE RESTORATION OF LITHUANIAN INDEPENDENCE 23

2013 

LGL successfully litigated against the Vilnius City Municipality over the possibility 

of holding a second Baltic Pride march in the centre of Vilnius, and 

progressive national case law is being developed for future similar cases. 

2014 

Neringa Dangvydė’s fairy tale book “Amber Heart”, which tells the stories 

of characters from various underrepresented groups, including LGBTI, was 

removed from bookstores. 

2016 

The third Baltic Pride march takes place in Vilnius. 

2015 

LGL’s strategic litigation has led to the development of national case law on 

legal recognition (reassignment) of gender. 

2019 

The ruling of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Lithuania recognised 

the right of the same-sex spouse or partner of a Lithuanian citizen to 

obtain a residence permit in Lithuania on the basis of family reunification. It 

also stated that the constitutional concept of family is gender-neutral, and 

that Article 29 of the Constitution prohibits discrimination on the grounds 

of sexual orientation and (or) gender identity. 

Baltic Pride attracted 10,000 participants under the slogan “We are a family”. 

2020 

The European Court of Human Rights issued a judgment in the case of 

Beizaras and Levickas v. Lithuania, in which the applicants were represented 

by LGL. As a result of the judgment, pre-trial investigations of hate crimes 

against LGBTIQ persons have been initiated or reopened. 

2021 

The first Kaunas Pride march, organised by the May 1st Labour Union, was 

attended by approximately 2000 individuals. The event was heavily policed, 

with the city’s main street cordoned off by fences. During the event, 22 individuals 

were arrested for violating public order or inciting hatred. 

2022 

Vilnius hosted the fifth Baltic Pride festival, organised by LGL in cooperation 

with the municipalities of Vilnius and Oslo. The largest ever private 

and public sector support was consolidated, and around 15,000 people took 

part in the march. 

Private sector companies committed to diversity and inclusion supported 

the adoption of the Partnership Law. 

2023 

Three same-sex families went to court to defend their right to a family and 

to register their marriage for the first time in Lithuania. 

Following the ruling in Macatė v Lithuania, the Ministry of Justice of the Republic 

of Lithuania attempted to repeal a provision of the Law on the Protection 

of Minors against the Detrimental Effects of Public Information that 

discriminates against LGBTIQ persons, but the initiative did not receive 

support in the Seimas. 



24 SIGNIFICANT EVENTS SINCE THE RESTORATION OF LITHUANIAN INDEPENDENCE 

SIGNIFICANT EVENTS SINCE THE RESTORATION OF LITHUANIAN INDEPENDENCE 25

26 27

4 

LGBTIQ RIGHTS ISSUES IN THE CONTEXT OF 

THE STRATEGIC PLANNING OF HUMAN RIGHTS 

IN THE REPUBLIC OF LITHUANIA 

Since 2002, Lithuania has institutionalised strategic planning through the 

approval of the Strategic Planning Methodology. This methodology outlines 

the system and principles of strategic planning, the procedure for preparing 

strategic planning documents (such as strategies, programmes, and 

strategic action plans), the annual action plan, and the monitoring, evaluation, 

and reporting of the implementation of strategic planning documents. 

Strategic planning in municipalities has been carried out in accordance with 

the Recommendations on Strategic Planning in Municipalities adopted by 

the Government in 2014. Furthermore, the procedure for recognising projects 

as national importance projects, approved by the government in 2008, 

and the criteria for recognising regional social, economic development, and 

infrastructure projects as regional importance projects, approved by the 

government in 2015, are also relevant for strategic planning. 

In 2020, Lithuania’s strategic planning system underwent significant changes 

with the adoption of the Law on Strategic Governance. This law aims to 

establish the principles of the strategic governance system and define the 

levels and types of planning documents, their interrelationships, and their 

impact on the allocation of funds for progress and continuing activities. 

It also defines the participants in the strategic governance system, their 

rights, and duties, and establishes provisions for the governance of the 

strategic governance system. In 2021, the Government adopted the Strategic 

Governance Methodology, which consolidated strategic planning and 

invalidated previous planning documents adopted in Lithuania. 

The State Progress Strategy Lithuania 2030, defined as the main planning 

document that guides strategic decision-making and the development of 

state plans or programmes, lacks attention to the protection of human 

rights. The State Progress Strategy Lithuania 2030 focuses solely on citizenship 

as a means of respecting and protecting human rights, assuming that 

if “society is only a passive observer”, it will not be possible to reduce “social 

exclusion”, and “ensure gender equality”, among other things. 28 A draft 

resolution has been registered in the Seimas to approve the State Progress 

Strategy “Lithuania’s Vision for the Future Lithuania 2050”, recognising the 

State Progress Strategy Lithuania 2030 as obsolete. 

When commenting on the new strategic document, approved in accordance 

with Article 14(2) of the Law on Strategic Governance, the Seimas Ombudspersons’ 

Office noted that none of the strategic ambitions adequately 

addressed human rights, which are essential elements of a democratic 

society, or the aim to ensure compliance with international human rights 

obligations and recommendations. The document lacks a clear definition 

in terms of the content of human rights, fails to address numerous human 

rights issues, or deals with them in a way that is too abstract. The Seimas 

Ombudspersons’ Office has also observed that there are no indicators available 

to assess the sustainability of democracy, the human rights situation, 

civil society’s trust in democratic institutions, and civil society’s participation 

in decision-making processes. The selection criteria for indicators were 

also challenged, especially with regard to the national development strategy 

under preparation, “Lithuania’s Vision for the Future Lithuania 2050”, 

and the lack of specific content and a clear link to indicators. 29 

28 State Progress Strategy Lithuania 2030, Valstybės žinios, 30-05-2012, No. 61-3050 

29 Conclusion of the Main Committee on the Draft Resolution of the Seimas “On the 

Approval of the State Progress Strategy “Lithuania’s Vision for the Future “Lithuania 

2050““, 11 December 2023, No XIVP-2937(2), available at https://e-seimas.lrs.lt/portal/ 

legalAct/lt/TAK/daab74d097f711eea70ce7cabd08f150 

4. LGBTIQ RIGHTS ISSUES IN THE CONTEXT OF THE STRATEGIC PLANNING 

4. LGBTIQ RIGHTS ISSUES IN THE CONTEXT OF THE STRATEGIC PLANNING OF 

28 OF HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE REPUBLIC OF LITHUANIA 

HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE REPUBLIC OF LITHUANIA 

29

Meanwhile, the Strategic Planning Document - National Progress Plan 

2021–2030, approved by the Resolution of the Government of the Republic 

of Lithuania No. 998 of 9 September 2020 “On the Approval of the National 

Progress Plan 2021–2030“, 30 envisages only one goal that could be directed 

towards solving the problems of the LGBTIQ population, i.e. to increase 

the population’s social well-being and inclusiveness, to enhance health and 

to improve the demographic situation in Lithuania. However, the measure 

for this objective does not cover LGBTIQ issues. Furthermore, the Government 

of the Republic of Lithuania approved 28 National Development Programmes 

to achieve the progress objectives outlined in the National Progress 

Plan 2021–2030. The protection of human rights, including the protection 

of LGBTIQ persons, is not included in any of the approved development 

programmes for the period of 2021–2030. Some human rights issues 

are covered by the Social Mobilisation Programme, 31 the Inclusive Labour 

Market Development Programme, 32 and the Development Programme for 

Strengthening Family Policy. 33 However, none of these programmes provides 

targeted measures to promote equality for LGBTIQ persons. 

The Lithuanian authorities have not yet developed or adopted a national 

action plan for LGBTIQ rights or a separate human rights plan to reflect the 

broader spectrum of human rights issues. However, in 2002, a detailed draft 

National Action Plan for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights 

30 Government Resolution “On the Approval of the National Progress Plan 2021–2030“, 

TAR, 16-09-2020, No. 19293 

31 Government Resolution “On the Approval of the Development Programme for Social 

Mobilisation of the Ministry of Social Security and Labour of the Republic of Lithuania, 

Manager of the Development Programme for the period 2021-2030“, TAR, 12-11-2021, 

No 23473. 

32 Government Resolution “On the Approval of the Inclusive Labour Market Development 

Programme of the Ministry of Social Security and Labour of the Republic of Lithuania, 

Manager of the Development Programme for the period 2021-2030“, TAR, 12- 

11-2021, No 23471 

33 Government Resolution “On the Approval of the Development Programme for the 

Strengthening of the Family Policy Development Programme of the Ministry of Social 

Security and Labour of the Republic of Lithuania, the Manager of the Development Programme 

for the period 2021-2030“, TAR, 12-11-2021, No 23472. 

in the Republic of Lithuania was presented to the Seimas. 34 The document 

included specific measures, responsible institutions, and planned funding 

for each measure. However, it was never adopted. 

On 18 August 2014, the Government of the Republic of Lithuania approved 

(Minutes No. 44) the establishment of a plan for Business and Human 

Rights in the Republic of Lithuania. It included the Government’s actions 

and measures for the implementation of the United Nations Principles set 

out in the United Nations Human Rights Council Resolution No. 17/4 of 16 

June 2011 on “Human Rights and Transnational Corporations and Other 

Business Enterprises”. In 2019, Lithuania established a working group to develop 

a National Plan on Business and Human Rights. The plan aims 

to outline the State’s actions for implementing the United Nations Guiding 

Principles on Business and Human Rights (2011). 35 The group did not include 

representatives of civil society, such as organisations that advocate for LG- 

BTI rights. Additionally, the Principles do not offer explicit guidance on enhancing 

the protection of LGBTI individuals. 36 The Lithuanian Government 

considers this a developing public policy strategy. As the draft plan has not 

yet been presented to the public, it is difficult to assess the relevance of its 

content. 

Of note is the Action Plan for the Promotion of Equal Opportunities 

2024–2026 37 and its measures. The preamble of the Plan considers the 

continuing and systemic problems related to the prevalence of discrimination 

against LGBTIQ persons in Lithuania. However, the Plan was adopted 

without effective consultation with representatives of the non-governmental 

sector, including organisations representing LGBTIQ rights. 

34 Draft Resolution of the Seimas “On the Approval of the National Action Plan for the 

Promotion and Protection of Human Rights in the Republic of Lithuania“, 6 November 

2002. No IXP-2005(2SP) 

35 The UN Guiding principles on business and human rights, United Nations, 2011 

36 Order of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania of 20 December 

2019 No V-411 “On Establishment of a Working Group“ 

37 28 July 2023 No A1-507 Order of the Minister of Social Security and Labour of the 

Republic of Lithuania on the Approval of the Equal Opportunities Action Plan 2024–2026 





31

The specific measures of the Plan are outlined below: 

Measure 1.2 – Funding of projects of non-governmental organisations 

working in the field of equal opportunities through a call 

for proposals. The priorities of the call for proposals organised by the 

Ministry of Social Security and Labour (hereafter referred to as MSSL) have 

remained unchanged in recent years. Although the preamble of the plan 

recognises LGBTIQ issues, LGBTI equality is not a priority in the funding 

schemes, and the rules for applicants set out in the call for proposals do 

not always ensure that all NGOs participating in these activities compete 

effectively, transparently, and on an equal basis. It is worth noting the negative 

practice of MSSL in organizing project calls in 2017. Taking into account 

the list of projects for institutional strengthening of associations of nongo 

vernmental organisations financed in 2017 38 and the list of projects for 

institutional strengthening of associations of non-governmental organisations 

reserved for 2017, 39 the applicant LGL, which had received the highest 

number of points for its project proposal, was placed on the reserve list. 

Following regulations, funds from the state budget were to be allocated to 

the projects with the highest number of points. LGL was granted funding 

only after undergoing a complaint procedure. 

It should be noted that the European Commission’s progress report 

on the implementation of the EU Strategy for LGBTI Equality 

2020–2025 40 mentions that Lithuania has allocated budget funds to ci vil 

society projects, including those related to LGBTIQ issues, as part of its 

non-discrimination action plan. Furthermore, it is stated that Lithuania has 

planned structured funding opportunities for LGBTIQ organizations within 

the country. However, the report on the implementation of the Action Plan 

38 Annex 1 to Order No A3-130 of the Chancellor of the Ministry of Social Security and 

Labour of the Republic of Lithuania of 19 July 2017 

39 (The Ministry of Social Security and Labour of the Republic of Lithuania, Chancellor 

of the Ministry of Social Security and Labour of 19 July 2017, by Order No. A3-130, 

Annex 2) 

40 https://commission.europa.eu/system/files/2023-04/JUST_LGBTIQ%20Strategy_Progress%20Report_FINAL_WEB.pdf 

for the Promotion of Non-Discrimination 2021–2023 41 indicates that only 

one NGO project was funded, which was not submitted by an organisation 

explicitly representing LGBTIQ rights. 

Action 4.1 – Review the legal framework for equal opportunities 

and protection against discrimination. It should be noted that another 

measure of the Plan (No. 6.1) outlines certain plans for legislative initiatives 

of the MSAL. This includes drafting an amendment to the Law on Equal Opportunities 

to include discrimination based on skin colour as an additional 

ground. It is unclear why the initiative is limited to introducing this new protected 

ground. The preamble acknowledges the prevalence of discrimination 

against transgender people, so it would be beneficial to address this issue 

comprehensively. Adding gender identity and gender expression as protected 

grounds would improve the protection of transgender individuals against 

discrimination and provide them with better remedies in case of human rights 

violations. This could also encourage transgender individuals to seek assistance 

from relevant authorities more actively when their rights are violated. 

The Action Plan for Equal Opportunities 2024–2026, like the Action Plan for 

the Promotion of Non-Discrimination 2020–2023, 42 only includes quantitative 

expressions of the results of the plan, such as the number of events 

to be organised. It does not refer to any qualitative indicators of 

progress to be achieved. The Plan presents data indicating a very low 

number of projects to be funded by NGOs working in the field of equal opportunities, 

with only one project yearly in 2024, 2025, and 2026. This would 

not likely lead to significant progress in the field of equal opportunities for 

LGBTIQ persons. 

According to the Equal Opportunities Ombusperson Office, the measures 

of the Action Plan for the Promotion of Equal Opportunities 2024–2026 “are 

not comprehensive, on the contrary, they are fragmented and do not even 

41 Source: https://socmin.lrv.lt/uploads/socmin/documents/files/veiklos-sritys/socialineintegracija/lygios%20galimyb%C4%97s/Nediskriminavimo%20skatinimo%20VP%20 

2022%20ataskaita.pdf 

42 https://e-seimas.lrs.lt/portal/legalAct/lt/TAD/d18f32643b2a11eb8c97e01ffe050e1c?jfwid=- 





33

cover many of the grounds provided for in the Equal Opportunities Law. 

The impression is that most of the measures in the Plan are rather low-impact 

and short-term.” 43 Similarly, “a fragmented set of measures is not 

enough for the Action Plans to be meaningful, beneficial, and have a lasting 

impact. The plan coordinated by the Ministry of Social Security and Labour 

of the Republic of Lithuania lacks system and comprehensiveness.” 44 

The Head of the Seimas Ombudspersons’ Office of the Republic of Lithuania, 

Dr Erika Leonaitė, also commented on the Action Plan for the Promotion 

of Equal Opportunities 2024–2026. 45 She welcomed the change in the 

title of the plan from “non-discrimination action“ to “equal opportunities“, 

which shows respect for LGBTIQ and other vulnerable groups. Dr Leonaitė 

noted that the new plan includes a task to organise public education, equal 

opportunities activities, and initiate legislative initiatives to promote the 

rights of LGBTIQ persons. Additionally, the plan includes a new measure 

to train health professionals on the specific healthcare needs of LGBTIQ 

persons and new measures integrating the protection of LGBTIQ persons, 

such as training of judges and surveying police officers on their personal 

attitudes towards groups affected by hate crimes. The Head of the Seimas 

Ombudspersons’ Office has highlighted that the new plan includes a specific 

task to safeguard the rights of LGBTIQ individuals. This includes the initiation 

of legislative measures to promote their protection. However, there 

are currently no measures in place to correspond with this task. The number 

of participants in training courses for young people, youth workers, and 

representatives of municipal administrations on promoting non-discrimination, 

respect for human rights, equal opportunities, and related issues 

was reduced by half. The proposed measures in the plan are considered 

inadequate, confirming the need for a national action plan, either specific 

to LGBTIQ rights or a national human rights plan that includes targets for 

LGBTIQ equality. 

43 Letter from the Office of the Equal Opportunities Ombudsperson Office to the Lithuanian 

Gay League 2023-09-11 No (23)PAK-462)S-454 

44 Ibid. 

45 30 October 2023 Round Table Discussion at the Seimas Ombudpersons’ Office, presentation 

by the Head of the Office, Dr Erika Leonaitė. 



35

36 37

5 

RECOMMENDATIONS (GUIDELINES) 

FOR A NATIONAL PLAN ON LGBTIQ 

RIGHTS IN LITHUANIA 

Article 33 of the Lithuanian Constitution enshrines the right of all citizens 

to participate in the governance of their country, either directly or through 

democratically elected representatives, thus enshrining the principle that all 

people should participate in society on an equal basis. To ensure equal opportunities 

for LGBTIQ persons, the Lithuanian State should consolidate its responsibilities 

by formulating a coherent human rights policy and by developing 

a national human rights agenda that includes, inter alia, LGBTI issues. To 

promote respect for human rights and create an inclusive society, Lithuania 

should adopt a National Action Plan on LGBTI Rights. The National LGBTIQ 

Equality Plan should include measures to combat hostility towards LGBTI 

individuals, as well as political and legal developments in the field of LGBTI 

rights. The following are recommendations for specific targeted measures to 

be included in the National LGBTIQ Equality Plan across five policy areas: legal 

recognition, LGBTIQ inclusion, security, health, and international relations. 

The recommendations in this chapter are presented in the context of the 

Lithuanian legal and social environment, where LGBTIQ rights are still inadequately 

protected. The recommendations have been formulated based on 

an analysis of the official responses to LGL’s queries sent between July and 

September 2023. The queries were related to the integration of the objectives 

of the EU Equality Strategy 2020–2025 into national policy measures 

and other related issues. The responses were received from various institu- 

tions of the Republic of Lithuania, including the Ministry of Social Security 

and Labour, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry 

of the Interior, the Ministry of Health, the Department of Education 

of the Ministry of Education, Science and Sport, and the Office of the Equal 

Opportunities Ombudsperson. 

5.1. LEGAL RECOGNITION AND STRENGTHENING THE LEGAL FRAMEWORK 

RECOMMENDATIONS: 

1. Amend the Law on Equal Opportunities and the Penal Code to include 

gender identity as a distinct ground of prohibited discrimination. 

2. Introduce an administrative procedure for gender recognition based on 

the principle of self-determination. 

3. Develop and implement family law reform, including the recognition of 

the right to family for LGBTIQ persons. Abolish the principle of “gender 

complementarity” in the Law on Strengthening the Family of the 

Republic of Lithuania. Review laws aimed at strengthening the family, 

such as the Law on Assistance for the Acquisition or Rental of Housing 

of the Republic of Lithuania and abolish any existing discriminatory preconditions. 

Protect the legitimate material and social interests of children 

raised in same-sex couples’ families. 

4. Provide a compensation mechanism for transgender individuals who 

were required to divorce to exercise their right to gender recognition 

following the implementation of legal reform. 

5. Review Lithuania's national procedures for asylum seekers and individuals 

entering the country for humanitarian reasons, with a focus on 

addressing the specific needs of LGBTIQ individuals. This includes ensuring 

safe accommodation and reducing the risk of multiple discrimination 

in all related policies and procedures. 

5. RECOMMENDATIONS (GUIDELINES) FOR A NATIONAL 


38 PLAN ON LGBTIQ RIGHTS IN LITHUANIA 

PLAN ON LGBTIQ RIGHTS IN LITHUANIA 

39

6. Strengthen the legal framework to expand the scope of national 

non-discrimination legislation, enabling both LGBTIQ individuals and 

organisations representing their interests to better defend their rights. 

To improve the labour market, positive action measures should be implemented. 

For instance, transgender individuals who have begun the 

gender recognition process should be retained in the workplace. Additionally, 

equal opportunities and social guarantees should be provided 

for LGBTIQ families, as some private sector entities have already implemented. 

Furthermore, LGBTIQ individuals and organisations should 

be enabled to defend their violated rights in legal relations related to 

services and rent specifics. 

7. Strengthen the principles of diversity and inclusion in the public sector. 

8. Strengthen ombudspersons’ offices and ensure appointment and discretion 

of ombudspersons in line with the Paris Principles. 

9. Strengthen the competence and political independence of the Office of 

the Equal Opportunities Ombudsperson. In 2021, the Office of the Office 

of the Equal Opportunities Ombudsperson launched an investigation 

into alleged violations of equal opportunities principles in organizing 

IT courses for people who are not employed or in education or training 

(NEETs). These courses were part of a social inclusion project implemented 

by LGL. The courses were provided free of charge and were considered 

project activities, falling outside the legal definition of services. 

However, the investigation failed to consider this and ignored the social 

impact and necessity of these courses. This investigation posed a threat 

to the constitutional principle of freedom of association, which affects 

the ability of NGOs to act in accordance with their statutes, represent 

the interests of vulnerable groups, and carry out social impact projects. 

The role of the Equal Opportunities Ombudsperson should be to facilitate 

the actual implementation of the principle of equity, rather than 

adopting a formalized approach to equality. The equality body should 

enhance its competence, collaborate and consult with NGOs that represent 

vulnerable groups. Human rights and equality bodies play a crucial 

role in democracies, especially in countries where the human rights situation 

is complex and compromised. For example, in Hungary, the Ombudsperson’s 

office has produced reports on procedural shortcomings 

in the legal recognition of gender. These reports have been useful in the 

European Court of Human Rights case R.K. v. Hungary. Therefore, it is 

crucial to ensure the political independence of national human rights 

and equality bodies for the progress and development of human rights. 

5.2. LGBTIQ INCLUSION 

LGBTIQ individuals continue to face stereotypes, prejudice, exclusion, 

discrimination, and violence, hindering their ability to participate fully in 

social life. The National LGBTIQ Equality Plan should include measures to 

promote the visibility and recognition of LGBTIQ individuals, families, activists, 

and organisations, as well as gender diversity. 


1. Strengthen political and financial support for LGBTI organisations. 

2. Implement targeted research and analytical activities to assess the 

situa tion of LGBTIQ people, with a particular focus on the under-researched 

situation of intersex individuals. 

3. Strengthen measures to combat discrimination on multiple grounds. 

4. Strengthen social dialogue between state institutions, organisations 

representing vulnerable groups, and religious communities to promote 

acceptance and inclusion of LGBTIQ people. 

5. Strengthen national education programmes and policies to promote 

LGBTIQ inclusion and education on sexual orientation and gender diversity, 

and to promote adult education on diversity and inclusion. 





41

6. Increase youth inclusion by considering the needs of LGBTIQ and 

non-binary young people. 

7. Develop policies for promoting inclusion and measures against homophobia, 

biphobia, transphobia, racism, and misogyny in sports. The organization 

of major international sporting events should strictly comply 

with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights sustainability 

standards. 

8. Strengthen existing measures aimed at protecting older people, paying 

particular attention to their unique experiences and the needs of LGB- 

TIQ individuals in this area. This includes education, services tailored to 

older LGBTIQ individuals, and support for single persons. 

9. Promote inclusive culture and policies of remembrance and historical 

justice. It is crucial to recognise the repression that LGBTIQ people faced 

during the Nazi and Soviet occupations and measures should be taken 

to commemorate their memory. Additionally, the history of LGBTIQ 

emancipation in Lithuania should be perpetuated by documenting, archiving, 

and exhibiting the history of Baltic Pride, other Pride marches, 

and milestone events of the LGBT community in national institutions. 

10. Evaluate the necessity of a compensation mechanism for victims of 

the Criminal Code provision that prohibited sexual relations between 

men, which was enforced during Lithuania’s period of independence 

until 1993. 

5.3. SECURITY 

The criminal liability for hate crimes in Lithuanian legislation is generally 

in line with European Union and international standards. However, hate 

crimes are often not reported and their legal classification under the Criminal 

Code of the Republic of Lithuania is problematic. Furthermore, there 

are no comprehensive official statistics on hate crimes. 

The results of an anonymous online survey conducted by LGL (2017) 46 

showed that of the 345 people who took part in the survey, more than half 

(54%) said they had experienced a hate crime and (or) hate speech in the 

last 12 months. Only 13% of victims in Lithuania reported these cases to 

law enforcement authorities. Meanwhile, threats against LGBTIQ organisations 

or activists are not considered serious enough by law enforcement 

authorities 47 . According to the Department of Information and Communications, 

28 cases of incitement to hatred under Article 170 of the Criminal 

Code (incitement against any national, racial, ethnic, religious, or other 

group of people) were registered in Lithuania in 2019, 11 of which were directed 

against the LGBTIQ community, indicating that the most common 

motivation for such acts is hatred, hostility towards or biased attitudes towards 

LGBTIQ people, despite the high latency of these crimes. 

As of June 2023, the Prosecution Information System has published data 

indicating that there are currently 105 prosecutors who specialise in hate 

crime and hate speech. However, there is still no separate specialisation for 

police officers in this area. 


1. Promote greater trust of the LGBTIQ community in law enforcement 

authorities and thus contribute to increased reporting of hate and (or) 

violence by members of the LGBTI community. 

2. Strengthen the skills and knowledge of law enforcement personnel 

on the special needs of members of the LGBTIQ community and other 

vulnerable groups, promote specialisation among law enforcement officers, 

and increase training in dealing with hate crimes. 

46 https://manoteises.lt/straipsnis/neapykantos-epidemija-lietuvoje-pranesti-ar-nepranesti/# 

47 https://www.jarmo.net/2022/08/lgl-darbuotojams-pamastymus-apie-dalgi.html 





43

3. Raise awareness among the LGBTIQ community and the public about 

remedies for violated rights. 

4. In cooperation with organisations representing LGBTIQ rights, examine 

what additional measures are necessary to implement the Council 

of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against 

women and domestic violence (Istanbul Convention) in relation to 

LGBTIQ persons. This should also consider the interests of LGBTIQ minors 

and the potential risks of domestic violence due to disclosure of 

sexual orientation or gender identity. 

5. Implement Article 16 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons 

with Disabilities to ensure that individuals are free from exploitation, 

violence, and abuse. 

6. Strengthen violence prevention measures, especially in custody, imprisonment, 

and other places of detention. 

5.4. HEALTH 

Traumatic experiences of violence and hate crimes, as well as the stigmatization 

and pathologization of LGBTIQ identities, have long-lasting negative 

psychosocial consequences for LGBTIQ individuals. It should be noted 

that healthcare available to transgender individuals is based on an outdated 

diagnosis of “transsexualism”, and surgical services remain unregulated 

and often difficult to access. Discrimination and stigmatization against 

LGBTIQ people living with HIV remain high. 

The guide to the implementation of the horizontal principle “Equal opportunities 

for all” of the National Progress Plan 2021–2030 48 also mentions 

the results of LGL’s 2017 survey on the LGBTIQ youth situation. However, 

48 Guide to the implementation of the horizontal principle “equal opportunities for all“ 

of the National Progress Plan 2021-2030, Ministry of Social Security and Labour of the 

Republic of Lithuania, 8 February 2023, version 1.0 

the 2022–2023 LGL survey results 49 indicate a significant decline in the situation 

of LGBTIQ students compared to the 2017 survey. In 2022, students’ 

fee lings of insecurity at school due to their sexual orientation have increased 

by 11.4 %. The overall feeling of safety at school has also decreased 

over five years (from 17.7% in 2017 to 15.6% in 2022). 64% of the surveyed 

LGBTIQ students reported hearing homophobic remarks at school “very often” 

or “often”. Only 34.1% of students reported that teachers respond to such remarks. 

Only 0.7% of students reported receiving helpful support from school staff 

when faced with bullying. 8.1% of respondents reported that they had missed 

classes in the last month because of feelings of insecurity at school. This sets the 

stage for a decline in LGBTIQ young people's emotional health and wellbeing. 

“Conversion therapy” practices are not currently prohibited in Lithuania, 

which implies that these practices, which aim to influence a person’s perception 

of his/her sexual orientation and (or) identity towards a heterosexual 

and (or) heteronormative one, may be used, and that such practices are 

not regulated. The harm caused to LGBTIQ people by such practices is not 

legally recognised in Lithuania. It should be noted that the Lithuanian Union 

of Psychologists has an LGBTQIA+ psychology group. Psychologists who 

are members of this organization may be able to assess the harm caused by 

“conversion therapy” and respond accordingly to cases of its practical application 

within the organization. However, it should be noted that not all psychologists 

are members of this organisation. Furthermore, the law governing 

the practice of psychology has not yet been adopted, which would establish 

a register of psychologists, qualification requirements, and a code of 

ethics. According to LGL, the adoption of this law could potentially aid in the 

investigation and assessment of the use of “conversion therapy” in accordance 

with the Code of Ethics for the Professional Practice of Psychologists. 

However, it would not alter the general legal prohibition on the use of “conversion 

therapies”. This is because individuals who may use or intend to use 

these practices may also belong to other fields and professions, such as those 

in the religious sphere, education sector workers, psychiatry, and others. 

49 https://www.tv3.lt/naujiena/gyvenimas/ekspertes-lgbt-moksleiviu-padetis-lietuvosmokyklose-blogeja-n1267757 





45


1. Introduce a ban on “conversion therapy” and implement measures at 

the legislative and (or) sub-statutory level to prevent these harmful 

practices. 

2. Apply the standards set out in Council of Europe Recommendation CM/ 

Rec(2010)5 50 in order to improve the provision of specific health services 

for transgender people, as well as to increase the accessibility of these 

services for transgender people on the basis of the principle of self-determination. 

3. Increase the availability of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP, antiviral 

drugs to protect against HIV infection) in Lithuania, provide for the 

regulation and reimbursement of PrEP at the public health facilities. 

Additionally, increasing public awareness of PrEP and reducing stigma 

against HIV-positive individuals in society is crucial. 

5.5. INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS 

The international Equality Rights Coalition (ERC) launched its Strategic 

Plan for 2021–2026. 51 The document, among other things, promotes cooperation 

between institutions and NGOs, strengthens legislative protection 

and practices in ERC Member States to more effectively protect LGBTIQ 

persons from discrimination and violence, calls on Member States to provide 

an administrative procedure for gender recognition, and strengthens 

the inclusion of LGBTIQ persons through the implementation of the Sustainable 

Development Goals (SDGs). At the ERC meeting held in Buenos 

Aires, Argentina in September 2022, attended by representatives from LGL 

as well as ERC member governments, good practices were shared. These 

good practices included providing public financial support for Pride festivals 

that cater to the needs of the LGBT community. 

50 https://search.coe.int/cm/Pages/result_details.aspx?ObjectID=09000016805cf40a 

51 https://equalrightscoalition.org/publications/equal-rights-coalition-strategic-plan- 

2021-2026/ 

Although not supported by the state budget or only supported to a very limited 

extent, the Pride festivals organised by LGL receive significant support 

from foreign missions residing in Lithuania, Lithuania’s strategic partners, 

and foreign investors. Although Pride festivals are significant human rights 

events in Lithuania, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania 

only contributed to the organization of Baltic Pride in Vilnius in 2013 and 2016. 

The project applications published by the Lithuanian missions abroad 52 do 

not cover the thematic priority of LGBTIQ equality or general human rights. 

It is particularly important to strengthen the advocacy activities of civil society 

organizations promoting LGBTIQ rights in Eastern Partnership countries, 

such as Armenia and Georgia (Sakartvelo). 


1. Enhance political and financial support for Pride events in Lithuania at 

the institutional level. It is recommended to include a strategic objective 

of organizing the “EuroPride” festival in Lithuania. 

2. Include a thematic priority for LGBTI rights for project calls organised by 

the Lithuanian state to strengthen democratic processes and civil society 

in the Eastern Partnership countries. 

3. Provide political support to the international initiative of civil society 

organisations in Spain, Belgium, Switzerland, Mexico, Denmark, Norway, 

and other countries, seeking to inscribe Pride on the list of Intangible 

Cultural Heritage protected by UNESCO. The initiative is organized 

within the context of “World Pride” 2026. 53 

52 The Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania to the Republic of Armenia calls to submit 

project applications for the implementation of the Development Cooperation and Democracy 

Promotion Programme in Armenia in 2023 

https://am.mfa.lt/am/en/news/the-embassy-of-the-republic-of-lithuania-to-therepublic-of-armenia-calls-to-submit-project-applications-for-the-implementation-ofthe-development-cooperation-and-democracy-promotion-programme-in-armeniain-2023?__cf_chl_tk=wcdUvStcm.nw_HZEQC3J87RT2Nhr0C8Z4gWxJP4mG8Q- 

53 https://worldpride.amsterdam/impact/ 





47

48 49

6 

CONCLUSIONS 

The adoption of the National LGBTIQ Equality Plan would reinforce Lithuania’s 

strategic commitment to safeguarding the rights of LGBTIQ individuals. 

The adoption of the Plan, which outlines strategic directions for action, 

should result in the development and prioritisation of specific measures. 

These measures should be implemented through an inter-institutional process 

that involves human rights NGOs. Including a coordinating body and 

clearly defined responsibilities is crucial for this process. 

It should be noted that the LGBTIQ Equality Subgroup of the High-Level 

Group on Non-Discrimination, Equality, and Diversity has developed 

Guidelines for Strategies and Action Plans to Enhance LGBTIQ Equality. 54 

These guidelines are intended to support concrete actions to strengthen 

the protection of the rights of LGBTIQ persons in EU Member States. 

It is recommended that policies, strategies, and (or) action plans that are 

inclusive of LGBTIQ people consider and address the following points: 

• Ensuring an accurate assessment of the LGBTIQ equality situation 

in support of evidence-based policymaking. 

• Identifying the main challenges of LGBTIQ equality, paying attention 

to the situation of the most vulnerable. 

• Setting clear, ambitious, and measurable priorities for promoting 

LGBTIQ equality and awareness-raising. 

• Ensuring effective legal protection of LGBTIQ people and proper 

law enforcement. 

• Transparent management, leadership, and coordination of LGB- 

TIQ equality matters, including mainstreaming and active involvement 

of civil society. 

EU Equality Commissioner Helena Dalli notes in the introduction to the 

Guidelines for Strategies and Action Plans to Enhance LGBTIQ Equality that 

“the protection and promotion of equality and human rights is our common 

value as well as our common task and responsibility.” 

The guidelines outline what LGBTIQ-inclusive policies, strategies, and action 

plans should contain to be useful and effective. They encourage EU 

Member States to follow the LGBTIQ Equality Strategy and highlight good 

practice tools for the adoption of national LGBTIQ equality plans in EU 

Member States. 

54 Guidelines for Strategies and Actions Plans to Enhance LGBTIQ Equality, European 

Commission, 2022. Available at: https://commission.europa.eu/system/files/2022-09/guidelines_for_strategies_and_action_plans_to_enhance_lgbtiq_equality_2022final16_05. 

pdf 

50 

6. CONCLUSIONS 6. CONCLUSIONS 

51

52 53

54 55

56 57

58 

FRIEDRICH 

EBERT 

STIFTUNG

National LGBTIQ Equality Plan. Needs and Guidelines.

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