On the declaration of principles for a gender-equal society

B100410/2025

European Parliament resolution on the declaration of principles for a gender-equal society

(2025/2780(RSP))

The European Parliament,

– having regard to Articles 2, 3 and 21 of the Treaty on European Union, which affirm respect for human dignity, equality and human rights, and to Article 5 thereof on subsidiarity and proportionality,

– having regard to the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, in particular Articles 10, 11, 20, 21 and 23,

– having regard to the question to the Commission on declaration pf principles for a gender-equal society (O-0000/2024 – B10XXXX/2025),

– having regard to Rules 142(5) and 136(2) of its Rules of Procedure,

A. whereas equality before the law is a foundational principle of constitutional democracy and the rule of law;

B. whereas men and women are equal in dignity and rights, although the law may acknowledge relevant distinctions provided they pursue legitimate aims and remain proportionate;

C. whereas the Charter of Fundamental Rights prohibits discrimination on grounds including sex and affirms equality between women and men in all areas;

D. whereas respect for pluralism and freedom of thought, conscience, expression and association is indispensable to a free and democratic society;

E. whereas parents bear the primary responsibility for the upbringing and education of their children, and the role of the state is at most supportive and never directive;

1. Underlines that all persons, male and female, are equal in dignity and rights before the law, in accordance with the Charter of Fundamental Rights and the Treaties;

2. Recalls that equality is best understood as fairness of opportunity and respect for individual merit rather than enforced parity of outcome or discriminatory quotas;

3. Acknowledges the biological distinctions between men and women and insists that these differences must be respected in policy areas such as sports, safety, healthcare and education;

4. Stresses that legal distinctions based on sex are permissible only when pursuing legitimate public interests and must always respect the principles of necessity and proportionality;

5. Insists that parents bear the primary responsibility for the upbringing and education of their children; stresses the indispensable role of the family as the cornerstone of a stable and free society, supporting both mothers and fathers in their parental responsibilities;

6. Reiterates that the freedoms of thought, conscience, expression and association are essential to pluralism and indispensable as safeguards against compelled belief in matters relating to sex, gender or family life; recalls that there are two genders;

7. Condemns all forms of violence, coercion and exploitation against both women and men, and calls on the Member States to take effective measures to prevent such acts, protect victims and prosecute perpetrators in accordance with the rule of law;

8. Calls on the Commission to ensure that all equality policies are consistent with the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality, respecting national competences and cultural diversity within the EU;

9. Reaffirms that a gender-equal society is one in which men and women enjoy equal dignity, liberty and opportunity under the law; underlines that a gender-equal society is best achieved not by erasing distinctions between men and women, but by respecting their equal dignity and complementary roles in social and civic life;

10. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Commission, the Council and the governments and parliaments of the Member States.