OEA - CP- Resolución CP INF 10946

OEA/Ser.G CP/INF.10946/26 15 May 2026

Original: Portuguese

NOTE FROM THE PERMANENT MISSION OF BRAZIL REQUESTING THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE ATTACHED CIRCULAR NOTE, WHICH PROVIDES INFORMATION ON THE STATEMENT OF THE EQUAL RIGHTS COALITION, TO WHICH BRAZIL HAS ADHERED,

EXPRESSING DEEP CONCERN OVER THE GROWING TREND TOWARD

THE CRIMINALIZA TION OF SAME-SEX RELATIONSHIPS

PERMANENT COUNCILPERMANENT MISSION OF BRAZIL

TO THE

ORGANIZATION OF AMERICAN STATES

No. 125

The Permanent Mission of Brazil to the Organization of American States presents its compliments to the Chair of the Permanent Council and has the honor to request the distribution of the attached circular note to the permanent missions of the member states and the permanent observer missions. The circular note provides information on the statement of the Equal Rights Coalition, to which Brazil has adhered, expressing deep concern over the growing trend toward the criminalization of same-sex relationships.

The Permanent Mission of Brazil avails itself of this opportunity to convey to the Chair of the Permanent Council the renewed assurances of its highest consideration.

Washington, D.C., May 13, 20262PERMANENT MISSION OF BRAZIL

TO THE

ORGANIZATION OF AMERICAN STATES

No. 126

The Permanent Mission of Brazil to the Organization of American States presents its compliments to the permanent missions and permanent observer missions to the Organization and has the honor to attach a copy of the statement issued by the Equal Rights Coalition, an intergovernmental alliance composed of states and civil society organizations committed to ending violence and

The Permanent Mission of Brazil to the Organization of American States presents its compliments to the permanent missions and permanent observer missions to the Organization and has the honor to attach a copy of the statement issued by the Equal Rights Coalition, an intergovernmental alliance composed of states and civil society organizations committed to ending violence and discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and other persons of diverse sexual orientations and gender iden tities around the world, expressing deep concern over the growing trend toward the criminalization of same-sex relationships.

In the statement, the coalition underscores that the strengthening of criminal penalties on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity violates the international human rights obligations freely assumed by states. It also warns that criminalization not only exposes LGBTIQ+ persons to situations of abuse and vulnerability but may also encourage acts of violence, harassment, and discrimination by third parties by reinforcing perceptions of legitimacy regarding such conduct. The statement also calls on the international community to promote the repeal of these legislative initiatives, provide support and protection to LGBTIQ+ persons at risk, and strengthen cooperation with civil society organizations that defend human rights.

The Permanent Mission of Brazil to the Organization of American States takes this opportunity to convey to the permanent and observer missions to the Organization of American States the renewed assurances of its highest consideration.

Washington, D.C., May 13, 20263ANNEX

Statement of the Equal Rights Coalition (ERC) on the rise in the criminalisation of sexual orientation and gender identity

The Equal Rights Coalition (ERC) expresses its deep concern at the growing trend towards the criminalisation of same -sex relationships. Since 2023, some countries have enacted or passed laws criminalising homosexuality, whilst in others, draft legislation aimed towards criminalisation is currently being considered.

The tightening of criminal penalties based on sexual orientation or gender identity contravenes international human rights obligations freely undertaken by States. Criminalisation violates the principle of equality and non-discrimination enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

currently being considered.

The tightening of criminal penalties based on sexual orientation or gender identity contravenes international human rights obligations freely undertaken by States. Criminalisation violates the principle of equality and non-discrimination enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, in addition to prosecuting the promotion, support, and financing of LGBTIQ+ people, exacerbating the risks of persecution, violence and social exclusion against LGBTIQ+ people and, in the end, it promotes fear, fuels polarization, and stigmatizes differences thus posing a threat to rights, freedom and well-being of every individual.

These provisions may not only constitute a direct violation of human rights, but also restrict access to essential services such as healthcare and justice, and perpetuate structural cycles of violence and discrimination.

Furthermore, there is deep concern that such provisions contribute to creating and legitimising environments of violence. Criminalisation not only exposes LGBTIQ+ people to situations of abuse and vulnerability, but may also encourage acts of violence, har assment and discrimination by third parties, by reinforcing perceptions that such conducts are legitimate. This context undermines social cohesion, erodes the rule of law and hinders access to mechanisms of protection and justice.

We at the Equal Rights Coalition urge all states to reconsider the adoption of bills that establish or increase prison sentences for consensual same -sex sexual relations, and to move towards decriminalisation, effective protection and the full guarantee of the human rights of LGBTIQ+ people. The adoption of measures that criminalise sexual diversity undermines the rule of law and erodes respect for the inherent dignity of all people. The universality and indivisibility of human rights demand that these standards be respected without exception, in all regions of the world.

We also urge the international community to promote the repeal of these legislative initiatives, to provide support and protection to LGBTIQ+ people at risk, and to strengthen cooperation with civil society organisations defending human rights.

The statement against the trend of criminalization of sexual orientation and gender identity has

We also urge the international community to promote the repeal of these legislative initiatives, to provide support and protection to LGBTIQ+ people at risk, and to strengthen cooperation with civil society organisations defending human rights.

The statement against the trend of criminalization of sexual orientation and gender identity has been signed, up to 21 -04-2026, by Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, Montenegro, Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.