Discrimination against LGBT + people brings tangible losses to the economy

Poland ranks last among EU countries in the ILGA-Europe Rainbow Ranking, which assesses equal treatment of LGBT + people. Discrimination against this group of people results in some economic phenomena: higher costs of health care for the discriminated minority, disproportions in remuneration, or emigration to more friendly countries. Experts of the Open For Business (OFB) have calculated that in Poland this may mean costs of PLN 9.5 billion, half of which is the cost of healthcare. However, more and more companies are creating inclusive environments in which LGBT + people can feel good.

"In the case of equal treatment of non-heteronormative persons, we are talking about human rights. These rights exist regardless of the economy, and this is what I would focus on. But the important thing is that there are also economic arguments that say that discrimination just hurts us. the impact on both the reduced GDP and the reduced efficiency of enterprises," Rafał Dembe, co-chairman of Rainbow Network Poland, the NatWest Group employee network in Poland, said.

OFB organization emphasizes that in Poland – as in other countries studied: Romania, Ukraine, and Hungary – the law does not ensure full equality for sexual minorities, and in addition, there is no political will to change it. Moreover, political leaders often blame LGBT + people for the problems their countries grapple with, with an increase in prejudice, discrimination, and violence.

(Newseria)