Ukraine recognises LGBTQI+ protection as one of Ukraine’s state policy

The protection of LGBTQI+ people’s rights has been enshrined as one of Ukraine’s state policy priorities, the LGBTI Consortium of Ukraine reported. In the new National Human Rights Strategy, the community is included among groups that may face an increased risk of human rights violations or additional obstacles to exercising them.

On 12 October 2026, the president of Ukraine signed Decree No 1038/2026 approving the new National Human Rights Strategy. The full LGBTQI+ acronym was used in the document for the first time.

“In the introductory section of the document, LGBTQI+ people are mentioned alongside other groups whose rights require special attention from the state, in particular people with disabilities, veterans, internally displaced persons and representatives of national minorities and indigenous peoples of Ukraine,” the consortium said.

A separate operational goal, No. 14, “Preventing and combating discrimination, hate speech and criminal offences motivated by intolerance, ensuring LGBTQI+ rights”, is dedicated to protecting human rights for LGBTQI+ people. The strategy establishes that LGBTQI+ people remain one of the groups facing an increased risk of discrimination, hate speech and other manifestations of intolerance.

All four characteristics associated with the protection of LGBTQI+ people’s rights are also stated in the document, the organisation noted:

“Sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics require clearer and more consistent reflection in legislation, particularly in provisions governing liability for criminal offences motivated by intolerance, and in mechanisms of protection against discrimination.”

Operational goal No 14 provides for changes in legislation, the work of law enforcement agencies, judicial practice and the support system for victims of discrimination and hate crimes.

“Part of this work is already under way. Specifically, Ukraine’s parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, is considering Draft Law No 13597, registered in August 2025. As of October 2026, the document is being processed in a parliamentary committee,” the consortium said.

However, the strategy does not contain a separate objective regarding the legal recognition of same-sex partnerships. At the same time, this issue is part of Ukraine’s international obligations.

ZMINA previously reported that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a decree approving the National Human Rights Strategy, taking into account measures to implement Ukraine’s European integration trajectory. The document entered into force on 15 October.

To gain EU membership, Ukraine must introduce the institution of civil partnerships to safeguard the rights of same-sex couples. This condition is stipulated in several documents, including the joint EU position of 12 June.

A shadow report prepared by a coalition of non-governmental organisations ahead of the European Commission’s 2024 report on Ukraine emphasised that the National Human Rights Strategy needed to be updated in line with proposals from the authorities and the public, as well as the challenges of 2025.

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