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# Fears for LGBTQ+ rights in Colombia after government withdraws from Equal Rights Coalition
- URL: https://www.scenemag.co.uk/fears-for-lgbtq-rights-in-colombia-after-government-withdraws-from-equal-rights-coalition/
- Published: 2026-09-28T13:43:54.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-28T13:43:54.000Z
- Author: Graham Robson
- Tags: News

Concerns have been raised about the future of LGBTQ+ rights in **Colombia** after the government of President **Abelardo de la Espriella** withdrew the country from the **Equal Rights Coalition** (ERC), one of the world's largest international alliances promoting LGBTQ+ equality.

Founded in 2016, the ERC brings together more than 40 governments and civil society organisations to develop strategies aimed at strengthening LGBTQ+ rights around the world. Britain and Ireland are among its members. The coalition's priorities include tackling violence against LGBTQ+ people, ending discrimination and promoting social inclusion.

On **17 September,** Colombia's foreign ministry announced the country's immediate withdrawal from the coalition, despite Colombia having been selected to serve as the ERC's co-chair alongside Spain for the 2025-27 period.

No official explanation was given for the decision. However, observers have suggested the move may reflect the new government's desire to distance itself from policies associated with the previous administration of **Gustavo Petro**. Given the conservative and far-right character of De la Espriella's government, campaigners have also questioned whether ideological opposition to LGBTQ+ rights played a role.

Among those criticising the decision was **Caribe Afirmativo**, a leading Colombian LGBTQ+ rights organisation that currently serves as one of the ERC's civil society co-chairs. The group called on the government to explain its withdrawal and set out how it intends to protect equality and human rights for LGBTQ+ people going forward.

The announcement has heightened concerns at a time when activists warn that anti-LGBTQ+ violence remains a serious issue in Colombia.

On the same day the withdrawal was confirmed, human rights defender **Roxxy Vanessa Astaiza** was murdered in the city of Popayán. Astaiza, a trans woman and prominent activist, was a member of the **Mariposas Negras** (Black Butterflies) collective, which campaigns for LGBTQ+ rights. She was also standing in elections for the **Cauca Departmental Advisory Council for Women**.

Her killing prompted renewed calls for stronger action to tackle violence against LGBTQ+ people, particularly transgender people, amid reports of rising levels of homophobic and transphobic attacks in recent years.

For campaigners, Colombia's decision to abandon a key international forum dedicated to advancing LGBTQ+ equality raises fresh questions about whether the government is committed to confronting discrimination and violence during the next four years.