Posts tagged human rights
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In this video, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay talks about the human cost of homophobia and transphobia. Around the world, people are arrested, attacked, tortured and killed, just for being in a loving relationship.
“We cannot let these abuses stand”, the High Commissioner says, calling on States to repeal discriminatory laws and ban discriminatory practices. “Punish violence and hatred, not love.”
In 79 countries, territories and areas, there are still laws that criminalize same-sex relations between consenting adults. These laws are serious barriers to an effective AIDS response and are driving lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgender people underground where they cannot access life-saving services. Read the full message from UNAIDS.
(via projectqueer)
Arm of the World Health Organization Takes Stance Against Reparative Therapy
PAHO director Dr. Mirta Roses PeriagoThe Pan American Health Organization came out strongly against “ex-gay” programs that attempt to turn gay people straight.
The PAHO is the oldest public health organization in the world, and the group serves as the World Health Organization’s representative for North and South America. On Thursday, the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia, PAHO issued a statement saying that reparative therapy is not only dangerous, but should be banned by the world’s governments.
“These practices are unjustifiable and should be denounced and subject to sanctions and penalties under national legislation,” PAHO director Dr. Mirta Roses Periago said in the statement. “These supposed conversion therapies constitute a violation of the ethical principles of health care and violate human rights that are protected by international and regional agreements.”
The group believes that these dangerous “ex-gay” programs serve no purpose.
“Since homosexuality is not a disorder or a disease, it does not require a cure. There is no medical indication for changing sexual orientation,” Periago writes. “Practices known as ‘reparative therapy’ or ‘conversion therapy’ represent “a serious threat to the health and well-being — even the lives — of affected people.”
PAHO listed specific steps governments can take to battle such programs; read about them here.
The Guardian has a break-down of gay rights by state: see where your state stands.
Washington! Oregon, you should be next.
(via projectqueer)
Judge: Texas can't cut funds to Planned Parenthood
(Source: ipsadixit, via projectqueer)
BREAKING: President Obama Embraces Marriage Equality! Says Same-Sex Marriage Should Be Legalised!
Do you think that this will change folks’ minds on the issue?
What do you think this really means for the United States?
(Source: projectqueer)
ATTENTION: TUMBLR USERS IN NORTH CAROLINA
The North Carolina General Assembly has introduced a constitutional amendment to the North Carolina State Constitution which would “provide that marriage between one man and one woman is the only domestic legal union that shall be valid or recognized in this State.”
- Voting on the amendment is TODAY.
- Voting hours are 6:30am to 7:30pm.
Aside from the obvious discriminatory nature of the amendment, it is poorly worded and thought out and would harm the rights of ALL couples — no more civil unions and a loss of rights for any unwed couples.
Remember to vote ‘AGAINST’ this amendment.
- Check if you are registered to vote and find your sample ballot, as well as your polling location, here.
- Join the Facebook page and spread the word here.
(via projectqueer)
