International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association

Europe's leading LGBT rights organisation, ILGA-Europe has criticised Serbia and Turkey for their handling of LGBT community rights in its latest Rainbow Map and Index.

The report says the pushbacks LGBT communities are facing in these countries "can also be seen in the challenge to freedom of assembly amid the rise of anti-democratic forces".

Turkey ranked the second worst country in Europe for LGBT equality policies and laws, with Azerbaijan and Armenia scoring first and third last respectively, a report conducted by the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA) in Europe has said.

The delegates at ILGA-Europe's 22nd Annual Conference, held in Brussels between October 24th and 27th, designated Sofia to host the largest political LGBTI forum in Europe in 2020. So the capital becomes the first European city to host the ILGA-Europe Annual Conference for the second time!

In 72 countries around the world same-sex relations continue to be outside the law, while in 45 of them are seen as a crime. In 9 countries same-sex relations could lead to a death sentence and in dozens could lead to prison.

In a new bill that was passed unanimously, Malta has become the first European country to ban gay conversion therapy, and any medical professional found guilty of prescribing it will be slapped with a hefty fine or sent to prison.

Last weekend, Istanbul hosted its 12th LGBTI Pride Parade. Thousands, not just members of the LGBTI community but also "straights" defending their rights, marched in the city's busiest street, Istiklal Avenue in Beyo?lu. Unfortunately, the colorful parade was cut short when the police began dispersing people with water cannons and batons.