In an apparent attempt to boost the prospects for an anti-homosexuality law in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, two alleged lesbians were arrested May 27 in Kalamu, western Congo, human rights activists report. The women, who run a bar in Kalamu, a section of Kinshasa, the capital of the DRC, were initially arrested on … Continue reading
Monthly Archives: May 2014
Verdict delayed in Zambian anti-gay trial
A verdict has been delayed in the trial of two young Zambian men who have been imprisoned for more than a year on homosexuality charges. The trial had been scheduled to end May 30, but it was delayed, reportedly until June 23. Defendants Philip Mubiana and James Mwape of rural Kapiri Mposhi have been in … Continue reading
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ILGA honors UN human rights chief Pillay, issues report and new map
ILGA, the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association, today awarded UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navanethem (Navi) Pillay “LGBTI Friend of the Year 2014” in a ceremony at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. Pillay’s term as UN High Commissioner comes to an end this year. Pillay will no doubt be remembered for … Continue reading
Activist: Cheers, fears over historic African resolution
Much work needs to be done throughout Africa to follow up on an African Commission resolution opposing violence and human rights violations against sexual minorities, says Juliet Mphande, a human rights, media and peace activist from Zambia. In this commentary, Mphande describes the message the resolution sends to African governments and its meaning to African human … Continue reading
Malaysian court to rule on sharia law, transgender women
An appeals court will soon rule whether sharia law violates the fundamental constitutional rights of transgender people in Malaysia. Among several writers describing what’s at stake, Neela Ghoshal of Human Rights Watch states: Serafina (not her real name) led me up the staircase – her thick, sleek ponytail swinging back and forth – to an … Continue reading
Indian election changes the battle over anti-LGBT law
In the eyes of many LGBT activists in India, the election victory of the Bharatiya Janata Party in this month’s elections was a setback for efforts to overturn the country’s anti-homosexuality law. At the least, their work becomes more complicated now. The complications may affect upcoming proceedings before the Supreme Court, which has agreed to … Continue reading
Jamaica: Why support fired professor, not homeless LGBTs?
A Jamaican activist responds here to criticism by Christian leaders over the decision to fire retired Prof. Brendan Bain as director of a Caribbean anti-AIDS training program after he testified against the legalization of same-sex intercourse in Belize, which Bain argued would increase the risk of AIDS. Most AIDS activists understand that anti-gay laws limit … Continue reading
Nigerian activist: Focus on LGBT rights is not enough
Gay activists in Africa need to focus on more than just LGBT rights, says Cheikh Eteka Traore, leader of a Nigerian LGBT rights coalition opposing that country’s new anti-gay law. Focusing on a broader range of issues is a strength of the Mayibuye Pledge, he says. The pledge was launched this month by a group … Continue reading
Crackdown on LGBT Egyptians: Why now?
A new, extensive police crackdown on LGBT people is under way in Egypt, with 77 arrests since October. But why is it happening? And why now? Long-time activist and commentator Scott Long provides detailed answers in his blog, A Paper Bird. These are condensed excerpts from his discussion of the crackdown: 1. Media sensationalism feeds … Continue reading
African signers of Mayibuye Pledge vow to work for justice
In preparation for Africa Day on May 25, a group of human rights activists is promoting a pledge in which Africans resolve to work toward social and economic justice in the continent, including an end to violence against women and sexual minorities. So far, the document, called the Mayibuye Pledge, has been signed by 187 … Continue reading
