International Day Against Homophobia – OFII is committed to equality and diversity

On 17 May, International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia, the French Office for Immigration and Integration (OFII) is committed to fighting against all forms of discrimination.

Launched in 2005, and coordinated at the international scale by the IDAHO committee, this day is now celebrated in more than 60 countries around the world. On 17 May 1990, the WHO (World Health Organisation) removed homosexuality from the list of mental illnesses, thus reinforcing the fight against homophobia.         

Article 1 of the French law No. 2008-496 of 27 May 2008 defines discrimination as an unequal treatment based on a criterion forbidden by law, in fields such as employment, accommodation, education, public service, access to goods and services.

Gender identity and sexual orientation are listed among the 23 discrimination criteria along with sex, age, disability, physical appearance, and political and religious views.

OFII mobilised to fight against all forms of discrimination

The OFII is fully involved in this international mobilisation and is committed to fighting against all forms of discrimination as part of its missions. OFII is also supporting all actions for equal rights, inclusion, fraternity and republican cohesion. OFII is committed against discriminations through:

  • An Equality-Diversity Referent

The missions of the Equality-Diversity Referent within OFII are: reassure, assist, inform people on their rights, fight against stereotypes and raise awareness on equality issues to ensure a positive and inclusive working environment for anyone regardless of their gender or sexual orientation. The referent also coordinates actions to promote diversity and professional equality.

  • A permanent commitment by OFII for inclusion and equality

OFII has received the certification labels “professional equality between men and women” and “diversity”, which are strong causes and orientations supported by the Ministry of the Interior. The different initiatives developed by OFII to fight against discriminations are therefore in line with the reinforcing of professional integration, access to employment and better team building in the field.