Seminar at the University of York

I am really pleased to post details of an event that we will host at the University of York. Please get in touch if you would like to attend or want more details.

Sexual Orientation and the European Convention on Human Rights: Voices and Perspectives

Friday 16th May 2014, 10am–3pm

University of York

Heslington Hall, The Feilden Room (H/G09)

The Department of Sociology at the University of York is pleased to host a one-day seminar organized to explore sexual orientation and human rights in contemporary Europe. The seminar will bring together a range of stakeholders – from the European Court of Human Rights, the legal profession, academia, and LGBT NGOs – to discuss the current state of rights relating to sexual orientation under the European Convention on Human Rights.

Individuals began making complaints under the European Convention on Human Rights about sexual orientation discrimination in 1955. Since the first successful complaint in 1981, the European Court of Human Rights has issued judgments in respect of a wide range of issues relating to discrimination experienced by gay men and lesbians. Whilst the Court has often upheld complaints about sexual orientation discrimination and evolved human rights protection for sexual minorities, it also continues to reject many complaints on crucial issues such as discrimination in respect of marriage and aspects of family life.

This round-table seminar is designed to encourage in-depth, cross-disciplinary and focused discussion on a range of pressing issues relating to sexual orientation discrimination in the 47 states of the Council of Europe. We welcome attendance from all those who have an interest in sexual orientation, human rights and the European Convention on Human Rights.

Confirmed participants are:

Nikita Ivanov, Registry of the European Court of Human Rights

Dr. Marc de Werd, Justice in the Amsterdam Court of Appeal

Dr. Loveday Hodson, University of Leicester

Prof. Robert Wintemute, King’s College London

Jeffrey Dudgeon MBE, LGBT activist and applicant in Dudgeon v the UK 

Participation is free, and refreshments/lunch will be provided, but places are limited. To book a place please email paul.johnson@york.ac.uk

A full programme will be available soon

A flyer is available here