2011-news

Foyle Gay Pride Meeting

Wed, 18 May 2011 11:03:19 +0100

Foyle Gay Pride Meeting
Wednesday 18th May back room Sandino's 7.30pm everyone welcome
Posted by Foyle Gay Pride.

Peter Tatchell: The Commonwealth is a bastion of homophobia

Wed, 18 May 2011 10:41:41 +0100

Today is IDAHO – the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia. In countries all over the world, there are events calling for the universal decriminalisation of homosexuality and equal human rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people.

IDAHO is supported by dozens of governments, including the UK, and by many international government institutions, from the United Nations to the European Union. But the Commonwealth is not lending its support, nor are most Commonwealth countries. They want nothing to do with LGBT rights.

The Commonwealth is a bastion of global homophobia, often bucking the worldwide trend towards sexual orientation equality, with increased state-sanctioned threats and repression in Malawi, Uganda, The Gambia, Malaysia, Cameroon and Nigeria.

The 54 Commonwealth member states comprise one quarter of the UN membership and one third of all humanity. Forty-six of these Commonwealth countries still criminalise same-sex relations in all circumstances, with penalties including 25 years jail in Trinidad and Tobago and 20 years plus flogging in Malaysia. Several countries stipulate life imprisonment: Sierra Leone, Pakistan, Uganda, Tanzania and Bangladesh.

These 46 homophobic Commonwealth countries account for more than half of the 76 countries in the world that still have a total prohibition on homosexuality.

Nearly all the Commonwealth’s anti-gay laws are the poisonous legacy of British colonialism. They were originally imposed by the British government in the nineteenth century, during the period of colonial rule – and never repealed when the former colonies won their freedom. The post-independence leaders retained the homophobic mindset of their colonial masters. Nowadays, many of their countrymen and women absurdly proclaim that the legal proscription of homosexuality is an authentic expression of indigenous national culture and tradition.

The Commonwealth is failing to challenge homophobia. This is somewhat surprising because the Commonwealth defines itself as a free and equal association of nations committed to the core principles of democracy, human rights, equality, non-discrimination, opportunity for all, liberty of the individual and human dignity.

Indeed, one of its catch phrases is Human Rights: More than Words. Shame about the reality.

The Commonwealth has never issued a formal declaration in support of LGBT human rights, let alone embarked on a programme of action to challenge the rampant homophobia and transphobia in its member states. Perhaps this is not surprising, since the Commonwealth has a long history of feeble responses to all human rights abuses, including Mugabe’s murder and mayhem in Zimbabwe and the current violent suppression of protests in Uganda.

In the case of LGBT people, the Commonwealth’s core principles are routinely violated by nearly all Commonwealth countries – and without rebuke by the leaders of the Commonwealth. As a result, millions of LGBT Commonwealth citizens are at risk of discrimination, harassment, arrest, torture, rape, imprisonment and mob attacks.

The Commonwealth Secretary-General, Kamalesh Sharma, stands accused of a systematic, persistent and wilful failure to condemn homophobic discrimination and violence. He offered no strong condemnation of Malawi’s arrest and jailing of Steven Monjeza and Tiwonge Chimbalanga on charges of homosexuality last year. Likewise, his criticism of Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Bill, which proposed the death penalty for same-sex acts, was muted. Although he did say discrimination is wrong, he also said this about the proposed legislation: “The bill is now in the Ugandan parliament – in any Commonwealth country, that is exactly where such a national issue should be debated. Let us see what the people of Uganda decide.” This quasi neutral stance is hardly what we expect when a Commonwealth member state is proposing to execute its own citizens for consenting, victimless behaviour.

The Commonwealth Secretary-General has repeatedly ignored letters and appeals from LGBT campaigners. When I wrote to Mr Sharma, asking what the Commonwealth was doing to tackle homophobia, he declined to reply. Weeks later, a lower ranking official sent a letter about the Commonwealth’s work combating HIV, which did not even mention gay rights. A similar thing happened to Godwyns Onwuchekwa of Justice for Gay Africans. No reply. Our requests for Mr Sharma to meet us and other Commonwealth LGBT campaigners have been spurned.

I get the feeling that the Secretary-General does not care much about the human rights of LGBT Commonwealth citizens. He seems to regard the issue as an embarrassment and distraction.

Whatever excuses the Commonwealth may offer in its defence, one fact is indisputable: in the 62 years of its existence it has never debated LGBT human rights. Its leaders have never issued any policy document specifically dedicated to combating persecution on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity. They have never produced a formal statement calling on member states to decriminalise same-sex acts and provide legal protection to LGBT people against discrimination and hate crimes. This silence shows the true face of the Commonwealth: a bastion of homophobic persecution, collusion and appeasement.

If the Secretary-General can’t robustly defend universal human rights and equality for LGBT people, he is unfit for high office and should resign.

Peter Tatchell: The Commonwealth is a bastion of homophobia

Wed, 18 May 2011 10:40:05 +0100

These 46 homophobic Commonwealth countries account for more than half of the 76 countries in the world that still have a total prohibition on homosexuality.

Indeed, one of its catch phrases is Human Rights: More than Words. Shame about the reality.

I get the feeling that the Secretary-General does not care much about the human rights of LGBT Commonwealth citizens. He seems to regard the issue as an embarrassment and distraction.

If the Secretary-General can’t robustly defend universal human rights and equality for LGBT people, he is unfit for high office and should resign.

LGBTQ Participants Wanted Audio and Sculptural Project

Sun, 15 May 2011 13:21:41 +0100

Time	17 May · 19:30 - 20:30

Location	The Gasyard Centre, Lecky Road, Derry

Created by:	Abby Oliveira, Caroline Devenny

More info	The Bluebell Arts Project is seeking LGBT participants to take part in an 'audio and sculptural project'. Participants will take part in a series of good craic workshops, concluding in the production of six pieces of art work which will be publicly displayed and will include audio recordings of the participants. The project will incorporate such elements as: painting, collage, photography, interviews, song, poetry etc... The project is loosely based on the theme of 'occupied space'. Facilitators: Abby Oliveira (audio recording, general harassment with Dictaphone) Caroline Devenny (arts and crafts, finger-painting) If you would like to take part in the project, an initial meeting will take place on: TUES, 17TH MAY 7.30-8.30PM THE GASYARD For more information, or to register your interest, please contact: Emma Logue BluebellArtsProject@gmail.com Tel: 02871262812

News from Kasha and the Ugandan Goverments Crime against Humanity ... ...

Sun, 15 May 2011 13:23:12 +0100

http://www.facebook.com/note.php?created&&note_id=187755091276969#!/notes/sh%C3%A1-gillespie/news-from-kasha-and-the-ugandan-goverments-crime-against-humanity-this-cannot-be/187755091276969

12 hrs to STOP Ugandas Anti Gay Bill

Sun, 15 May 2011 13:22:01 +0100

Update: May 9 2011
In 12 hours, the Ugandan Parliament may vote on a brutal new law that carries the death penalty for homosexuality. Thousands of Ugandans could face execution -- just for being gay.

We've helped stop this bill before, and we can do it again. After a massive global outcry last year, Ugandan President Museveni blocked the bill's progress. But political unrest is mounting in Uganda, and religious extremists in Parliament are hoping confusion and violence in the streets will distract the international community from a second push to pass this hate-filled law. We can show them that the world is still watching. If we block the vote for two more days until Parliament closes, the bill will expire forever.

Let’s get to one million voices against Uganda's gay death penalty in the next 12 hours -- sign now then spread the word about this campaign!

http://www.avaaz.org/en/uganda_stop_homophobia_petition/

Foyle Gay Pride Meeting

Sun, 15 May 2011 13:22:22 +0100

Wednesday 18th May back room Sandino's 7.30pm everyone welcome

Public Meeting

Sun, 15 May 2011 13:22:52 +0100

Foyle Gay Pride in association with City of Culture....

Representatives from the City of Culture team will be present to listen to your views.. they want to ensure that communities shape the activity during 2013 to make it a success.
So its impotant for you guys to come out on the night and have your say on whatever issues you want to raise...

Tuesday February 15th 730pm @ Sandino's. More info HERE

Foyle Gay Pride 2011

Sun, 15 May 2011 13:23:35 +0100

The date has been decided. Foyle Gay Pride 2011 will take place from August 24th-28th 2011. Keep checking back for updates.