Council of Europe Publishes 2025 Review of LGBTI Equality
1st February 2026
Spotlight on Sport
At the end of 2025, the Council of Europe published the third comprehensive review of Recommendation CM/Rec(2010)5, marking 15 years since the landmark recommendation on measures to combat discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity was first adopted; the review was noted by the Committee of Ministers at the end of October.
The 2025 review provides an updated assessment of how member states are implementing the Recommendation across 12 thematic areas, including sport. Importantly, this latest review reflects an expanded understanding of equality, examining protections relating to sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics (SOGIESC).
In its official announcement, the Council of Europe describes a mixed and increasingly polarised picture across Europe. While some countries have made meaningful progress in strengthening equality protections, others have seen regression, particularly in areas such as legal gender recognition and freedom of assembly.
Crucially, the review is not only an assessment of challenges. The Council of Europe highlights that it also showcases best practices and sets out policy recommendations intended to guide member states’ future work. Sport is recognised as one of the 12 core areas where inclusion remains both essential and contested.
Within the sporting field, the review notes that progress has been uneven. Sport continues to be a space where debates around participation, particularly relating to transgender and intersex people, have become highly politicised. The report highlights the impact of hostile rhetoric and misinformation, especially around major sporting events.
At the same time, examples of good practice across Europe demonstrate how inclusive policies, awareness-raising initiatives and visible support structures (such as Pride House initiatives at major competitions) can foster safer and more welcoming environments for LGBTIQ+ athletes and fans. Good practices and progress are noted in many member states including amongst others, France, Germany, Spain, Iceland, The Netherlands, Ireland and Malta.
For Scotland and the wider UK sporting community, the findings resonate strongly. Regressions to policy around inclusion, fairness, safety and human rights in sport mirror the broader European picture described in the review.
Scotland has seen significant engagement from governing bodies, equality organisations and grassroots clubs in working towards inclusive sporting environments. However, as the Council of Europe’s review makes clear, inclusion in sport requires sustained commitment, evidence-informed policy development and strong leadership, particularly in times of heightened contested inclusion.
Fifteen years after the adoption of Recommendation CM/Rec(2010)5, the Council of Europe’s third review makes clear that progress cannot be taken for granted. Sport remains a powerful arena, not only for competition, but for belonging, visibility and equality. Read the full review here.
