Generation Brexit

Loss of Free Movement

by
Ji Eun Hong
Ji Eun Hong | 6 months ago | in LGBT+ rights

One of the greatest impact Brexit will have on the LGBT community is the ability to freely move between EU states, especially with a partner who is not a European citizen. Currently, EU citizens in the LGBT community are able to bring their partners to another EU state because of the “LGBT inclusive” definition of family. After Brexit, the EU seems to want to further improve these policies and make it easier for LGBT peoples to travel. How will the UK help the LGBT community after Brexit? Or will LGBT people have to migrate out of the UK?

Ji Eun Hong 6 months ago

Source: https://research-information.bristol.ac.uk/fi...URE_VERSION.pdf

Reply 2

Alexander Dossche 6 months ago

I do not think 'migration' will have to happen. For the EU citizens in the UK I believe nothing will change. I cannot- at this point- believe that the UK will revoke such LGBT rights as set out by the EU due to the political controversy this would bring and also because the UK is planning to bring EU laws in UK legislation.

Reply 3

Ann Nguyen 6 months ago

I agree with this argument since the inclusion of LGBT+ rights have been increasingly crucial in the social climate of countries. However, I think it is important to analyze the current state of America in regards to these rights, as new leadership has pushed to decrease them. Will the UK use this as a catalyst to improve their own citizens' rights or as an example to push for less rights?

Reply 2

Jay Shin 5 months ago

Yes, Ji Eun's argument seems to deliberate mainly on the fact that British gay couples may find difficulty travelling within the EU, but I don't think it is a reason to move out of the UK. On the otherhand, I doubt the EU LGBTQ community, will face any trouble in the UK. Operationally, I find that it will be very tough for immigration control to screen out and reject the free movement of people's due to their sexuality as there are no barriers in place at train stations nor airports in any country at the moment.

Reply 2

Ji Eun Hong 5 months ago

I do agree that migration might not be mandatory, but I do believe that LGBT+ policies will be pushed further down the list of priorities due to the number of other issues the UK must focus on, and this is may impede on progress towards equality.

Reply 0

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Dharaa Rathi 5 months ago

This is a huge concern, especially when rights for LGBT partners aren't as clearly defined as they are for heterosexual married couples. If no legislation is passed, it is possible that LGBT Brits may face this problem. The UK is already looking to tighten borders, rather than allow freer movement. I wonder if this will affect all married couples, straight or gay.

Reply 2

Ji Eun Hong 5 months ago

I completely agree, and I fear that progress towards equality for the LGBT+ community may be stalled.

Reply 1

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