The Flemish green party Groen wants to implement practical tests against LGBTQ+ discrimination in the rental market, according to Flemish Groen MP Fourat Ben Chikha, who is tabling a proposal in response to Pride in Brussels.
A 2024 European study shows that 12% of LGBTQ+ respondents have experienced discrimination when looking for a home. The figures rise to 32% for trans women, 21% for trans men and 28% for intersex people.
To date, there has been no in-depth research at the Flemish or Belgian level, which means that the problem remains largely underestimated, according to Groen.
"The Flemish Government in our country is sailing blind. There are strong suspicions of discrimination and we know that Çavaria [a LGBTQ+ organisation] receives reports about it, but no investigation is being conducted, let alone addressed," Ben Chikha said. "With practical tests, we would kill two birds with one stone."
There is also little qualitative research in other European countries, according to Groen. A Dutch study using "mystery mailings" from The Hague shows that discrimination against gay couples is almost 9% higher than against heterosexual couples. When the breakdown is made between men and women, you see that men are particularly disadvantaged: two men in a relationship looking for a home experience 15% more discrimination than heterosexual couples.
However, in other countries, it remains mainly anecdotal evidence.
