Global Equality Caucus welcomes new members to its Steering Committee
The Global Equality Caucus (GEC) is delighted to announce the expansion of its Steering Committee with the addition of four new members: Katalin Cseh MP, Deputy Jaime López Vela, Hon. Fox Odoi-Oywelowo, and Senator Kristopher Wells.
This new cohort brings diverse expertise and leadership from Europe, Latin America, Africa, and North America, further strengthening the Caucus’s global mission to promote equality and combat discrimination against LGBT+ people worldwide.
Katalin Cseh MP – Hungary
Katalin Cseh is a member of the Hungarian National Assembly for the Momentum Movement and a former Member of the European Parliament. A medical professional and seasoned political leader, she has over 15 years of experience across the European Parliament, healthcare, and public policy. Her career spans strategic leadership, legislative processes, and grassroots organising to advance human rights, gender equality, and democratic values.
Katalin highlighted the ongoing challenges to LGBT+ rights in Central Europe, stating:
“In Central Europe, we are witnessing a troubling trend: governments passing constitutional amendments and laws to roll back LGBTQ+ rights. In Hungary, a law was adopted banning Pride events and allowing authorities to use facial recognition to penalise participants. In Slovakia, a recent constitutional change recognises only two sexes. These actions not only violate fundamental human rights but also erode the democratic values that Europe stands for. Yet the courage of activists and citizens who refuse to be silenced is a powerful reminder that the fight for equality is far from over. As legislators, it is our duty to amplify their voices and work with colleagues around the globe to ensure that freedom, dignity, and equality are upheld for all.”
Deputy Jaime López Vela – Mexico
Jaime López Vela serves as a Federal Deputy in Mexico’s Chamber of Deputies and is the President of the Diversity Commission. A long-time advocate for LGBT+ rights, he co-founded Agenda LGBT, where he was instrumental in promoting landmark initiatives such as the Gender Identity Rights Law (2008) and Same-Sex Marriage Legislation (2008–2009). His work continues to shape progressive public policy in Mexico and across Latin America.
Hon. Fox Odoi-Oywelowo – Uganda
Fox Odoi-Oywelowo is a Ugandan advocate and legislator with a strong record of defending human rights and the rule of law. A former senior legal counsel to the President of Uganda, he was among the advocates who challenged Uganda’s anti-gay law both in Parliament and before the Constitutional Court. Odoi-Oywelowo is widely recognised for his work in promoting sexual and reproductive health and rights across Africa.
Senator Kristopher Wells – Canada
Dr. Kristopher Wells represents Alberta in the Canadian Senate, where he also serves as Co-Chair of the Canadian Parliamentary Pride Caucus. Before entering politics, Dr. Wells built a distinguished academic career as Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of LGBT Youth and as the Canada Research Chair for the Public Understanding of Sexual and Gender Minority Youth. His research and advocacy have been central to advancing public understanding and inclusion of LGBTQ+ young people in Canada and beyond.
Next Steps for GEC
The Global Equality Caucus is an international network of parliamentarians and elected representatives dedicated to tackling discrimination against LGBT+ people. Open to all current or former lawmakers regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, the Caucus has grown significantly since its launch in June 2019, expanding through regional chapters in Africa, Latin America, and Asia-Pacific.
With these new appointments, GEC looks forward to deepening its global collaboration and continuing to advance equality, democracy, and human rights worldwide.