The International Humanist and Ethical Union (IHEU) represents Humanists worldwide and has consultative status at the UN, UNESCO, UNICEF, the Council of Europe, and the European Union and European Parliament. In 1994, the IHEU Board issued the following affirmation on homosexuality and bisexuality:
The International Humanist and Ethical Union affirms:
- that one of its main aims is to secure justice and fairness in society and to eliminate discrimination and intolerance.
- that this extends to all people regardless of their beliefs, sex, sexual orientation, or race.
- that homosexuality and bisexuality are the natural orientation of a human minority which has existed throughout history.
- that lesbians, gays and bisexuals make as valuable a contribution to society as their heterosexual counterparts. They are a cross-section of humanity, differing in no perceptible ways from their fellow human beings, other than in their sexual orientation.
- that the fear and hatred of lesbians and gays, known as homophobia, is totally irrational. It is a social evil akin to racism and (as the Nazi experience has shown) can have the same evil consequences. It harms both the victimised individuals and the society which tolerates it.
In view of this affirmation and the resolutions carried on lesbian and gay rights issues at its congresses in Germany (1982), the United States (1988) and the Netherlands (1992), the IHEU calls on all its affiliated organisations:
- to draw up and publicise a similar statement.
- to help promote an understanding and acceptance of homosexuality and bisexuality in their country.
- to support the campaigns of organisations seeking to achieve full legal equality for lesbians, gays, and bisexuals in their country.
- to oppose legal and social discrimination against lesbians, gays and bisexuals on a national level wherever this is necessary.