TIG Post

Tag: LGBTQ+ rights

  • French Minister reiterates calls for respect of LGBTQ+ rights; says it’s an issue of human rights

    French Minister reiterates calls for respect of LGBTQ+ rights; says it’s an issue of human rights

    A French Minister has called for the protection of the rights of LGBT+ (lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgender, etc) individuals once again.

    Chrysoula Zacharopoulou, who is the French Minister of State for Development, Francophonie and International Partnerships, said during a press conference in Accra that she would continue to advocate for rights for LGBTQ+ society where ever she finds herself.

    Zacharopoulou who is on an official visit to Ghana told journalists at the April 3 press conference that protecting the rights of such people is a core value of France and the European Union t large.

    “In my country and in the European Union, we promote human rights and of course in my Ministry, we have an ambassador to promote LGBT rights, so what I can say is that this is our values.

    “… and wherever I go in Africa, I will continue to say that we have to respect all of us, the LGBT community, this is a question of human rights and I always say that,” she said.

    She is the latest visiting politician to make pronouncements on same-sex relations at a time Ghana is nearing the passage of an anti-LGBTQ+ Bill.

    Last week, US Vice President Kamala Harris made similar comments about LGBTQ+ rights being human rights.

    She made the comments at a joint press conference with president Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as part of her three-day official trip that brought her to Ghana and onwards to Tanzania and Zambia.

    Currently, over 30 African countries have bans against same-sex relations, with presidents of Kenya and Uganda and other top politicians in both countries stating open opposition to the orientation.

    Ghana’s bill if passed into law, the bill would outlaw all forms of support for the LGBTQI+ community and propose jail terms for individuals who engage in same-sex relations.

  • The law in Uganda makes it illegal to identify as LGBTQ+

    The law in Uganda makes it illegal to identify as LGBTQ+

    In Uganda, a law was approved that will subject those who just identify as LGBTQ+ to up to 10 years in prison.

    Once the new legislation was enacted, cheers could be heard throughout the Kampala Parliament building.

    It gives authorities considerable authority to target Ugandans who identify as LGBT, who already experience legal discrimination and gang violence.

    Same-sex relationships are currently prohibited in more than 30 African nations, including Uganda.

    But Human Rights Watch warned this appears to be the first to outlaw identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer.

    The 2023 Anti-Homosexuality Bill confirms an already existing punishment of life in prison for same-sex conduct, while also increasing to 10 years the sentence for an attempt at same-sex conduct.

    Violations draw severe penalties, including death for ‘aggravated homosexuality’ and life in prison for gay sex.

    ‘Aggravated homosexuality’ involves gay sex with people under the age of 18 or when the perpetrator is HIV positive, among other categories, according to the law.

    People holding rainbow flags take part in the Gay Pride parade in Entebbe on August 8, 2015. Ugandan activists gathered for a gay pride rally, celebrating one year since the overturning of a strict anti-homosexuality law but fearing more tough legislation may be on its way. Homosexuality remains illegal in Uganda, punishable by a jail sentence. AFP PHOTO/ ISAAC KASAMANI (Photo credit should read ISAAC KASAMANI/AFP via Getty Images)
    People holding rainbow flags take part in the Gay Pride parade in Entebbe on August 8, 2015 (Picture: AFP)

    It also creates new offences that will further curtail any activism on LGBTQ+ rights, which supporters say threaten traditional values in the conservative and religious nation.

    Anyone advocating for the rights of LGBTQ+ people, or financially supporting organisations that do so, could face up to 20 years’ imprisonment.

    The bill also criminalises any person who fails to report someone they suspect of participating in same-sex acts to the police, calling for a fine or imprisonment for six months.

    Effectively, this targets families or friends of LGBTQ+ people failing to report their loved ones.

    Member of Parliament from Bubulo contituency John Musira dressed in an anti gay gown gestures as he leaves the chambers during the debate of the Anti-Homosexuality bill, which proposes tough new penalties for same-sex relations during a sitting at the Parliament buildings in Kampala, Uganda March 21, 2023. REUTERS/Abubaker Lubowa
    Member of Parliament from Bubulo contituency, John Musira, dressed in an anti-gay gown (Picture: Reuters)

    ‘Our creator God is happy [about] what is happening. I support the bill to protect the future of our children,’ lawmaker David Bahati said during a debate on the bill.

    ‘This is about the sovereignty of our nation, nobody should blackmail us, nobody should intimidate us.’

    The legislation will be sent to president Yoweri Museveni to be signed into law.

    Frank Mugisha, a prominent Ugandan LGBTQ+ activist denounced the legislation as ‘very extreme and draconian’.

    ‘It criminalises being an LGBTQ+ person. They are also trying to erase the entire existence of any LGBTQ+ Ugandan,’ he warned.

    President Museveni has not commented on the current proposal but he has long opposed LGBTQ+ rights.

    But in 2013 he signed an anti-LGBTQ law that was widely condemned by Western countries before a domestic court struck it down on procedural grounds.

  • Tanzania bans Wimpy Kid books amid LGBTQ claims

    Tanzania bans Wimpy Kid books amid LGBTQ claims

    The use of 16 books from a well-known children’s book series in Tanzanian schools has been prohibited due to the books’ purported support of LGBTQ rights.

    Authorities claim that The Diary of a Wimpy LGBTQI+: We want your gay children to be safe – US Ambassador Kid series offends national traditions, customs, and cultures.

    Adolf Mkenda, the education minister, claimed that the books put children’s education in danger.

    According to the authorities, schools that use the books will face legal and disciplinary action, including having their registration revoked.

    The banned books in the series include:

    • Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules
    • Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw,
    • Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Ugly Truth
    • Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Cabin Fever.
    • Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Third Wheel
    • Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Hard Luck
    • Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul
    • Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Old School
    • Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Double Down
    • Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Gateway.

    “This is the first list, after we checked and verified that these books violate traditions and customs. The content in them are not good for the upbringing of Tanzanians. The review is ongoing,” said Prof Mkenda.

    He urged parents to regularly check their children’s bags to ensure they are not using the books.

  • Qatar World Cup: LGBT football fans told to be respectful

    LGBT football fans attending the World Cup in Qatar should show “a little bit of flex and compromise,” according to Foreign Secretary James Cleverly.

    On Wednesday, he told LBC that fans travelling from England and Wales should be “respectful of the host nation,” where same-sex activity is illegal.

    Within hours, the prime minister’s official spokesman stated that LGBT World Cup fans should not be expected to “compromise who they are” if they visit Qatar.

    Labour called Mr Cleverly’s remarks “shockingly tone-deaf”.

    In a separate interview with Sky News, the foreign secretary reiterated his message when asked how the government was pushing for LGBT equality in Qatar.

    He said: “These are Muslim countries, they have very different cultural starting points for us. I think it’s important when you’re a visitor to a country that you respect the culture of your host nation.”

    Harry Kane wears LGBT captain's armband
    IMAGE SOURCE,GETTY IMAGES Image caption, During England matches, Harry Kane wears a white One Love captain’s armband, with a rainbow design in support of the LGBT community

    The decision to stage the World Cup in Qatar, a country where homosexuality can be punishable by death, has been criticised by LGBT groups.

    England and Wales have both qualified for the tournament, meaning they will each play three group matches, plus knock-out matches if they progress.

    England’s three initial matches are being played in Doha, Al Khor, and – against Wales – in Al Rayyan. Wales are playing all three of their matches in the latter city.

    Earlier this year, LGBT organisations engaging with Fifa said “progress has been slow” in ensuring the safety of LGBT fans – and that reassurances from Qatar had “not been adequate”.

    Some footballers have been taking a defiant stand in support of the LGBT community in the run-up to the World Cup. Footballer Harry Kane has said he intends to wear his OneLove rainbow captain armband during World Cup matches, even if it is not approved for use by the football’s global governing body, Fifa, which runs the World Cup.

    Fifa regulations state that a player’s kit and other “basic compulsory equipment. must not have any political, religious or personal slogans, statements or images”.

    Some politicians, including Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, said they would not attend the tournament due to Qatar’s human rights record.

    Wales’s First Minister, Mark Drakeford, is still expected to be there.

    Mr Cleverly said he would be attending the World Cup, adding that the UK has “incredibly important partners in the Middle East”.

    Mr Cleverly’s remarks come as Qatari officials stopped UK campaigner Peter Tatchell from staging an LGBT rights protest in Doha on Tuesday.

    Mr Tatchell said he was “surrounded and interrogated” by authorities following the one-man protest, believed to be the first LGBT rights protest to take place in any Gulf state.

    The campaigner said the foreign secretary should not attend the World Cup, and instead “highlight the abuses being carried out by the regime”.

    By planning to be at the event, Mr Cleverly would be “colluding with a homophobic, sexist and racist regime“, he said.

    Shadow digital, culture, media, and sport secretary Lucy Powell hit out at the foreign secretary’s remark, describing it as “shockingly tone-deaf”.

    She said: “Sport should be open to all.

    “Many fans will feel they can’t attend this tournament to cheer on their team because of Qatar’s record on human, workers, and LGBT+ rights.

    “The government should be challenging Fifa on how they’ve put fans in this position, and ensuring the full safety of all fans attending, not defending discriminatory values.”

    James Cleverly
    IMAGE SOURCE, GETTY IMAGES Image caption, James Cleverly was appointed as the foreign secretary on 6 September by Liz Truss – and retained his position under Rishi Sunak

    Liberal Democrats MP Layla Moran criticised Mr Cleverly’s remarks and said: “The World Cup should be a celebration of the beautiful game, instead it’s being used by countries like Qatar to sport-wash their atrocious human rights records.

    “Any UK officials who attend should be using their position to highlight human rights abuses, not endorsing the regime.”

    The Foreign Office, which is now headed by Mr Cleverly, has always issued and updated official online travel advice for Britons when they travel to any country in the World. For Qatar, the relevant page says: “Homosexual behaviour is illegal in Qatar.

     

  • US Embassy in Ghana restates support for LGBTI+ community

    The US Embassy in Ghana has restated the support of their country towards persons who identify as members of the LGBTQI+ community.

    In a post on their social media handle, the Embassy said US remained committed to bringing an end to the stigma and discrimination meted out against LGBTI+ persons.

    It also stressed their dedication to promoting human rights and ensuring freedom for all.

    “The U.S. is committed to ending violence, discrimination, and stigma against LGBTQI+ persons and promoting human rights and fundamental freedoms for all,” the US Embassy in Ghana tweeted on June 27.

    In a separate tweet on June 24, the embassy advocating for LGBTQI+ persons said they were seeking for their basic human rights to be respected.

    It stated that LGBTQI+ persons deserve to be treated equally under the law.

    “LGBTQI+ persons do not seek special rights, only respect for their basic human rights. As our colleagues, our neighbors, and members of our families and houses of worship, LGBTQI+ persons deserve equal treatment under the law,” the tweet said.

    Conversations bothering on LGBTQI+ resurfaced earlier this month after advocates mounted a huge billboard along a major road to mark the Pride month which is celebrated in June.

    This drew the wrath on Ningo Prampram MP, Sam Nartey George, who issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the city authorities to pull down the billboards.

    This was subsequently carried through.

    The MP and some of his colleagues are spearheading a Private Members bill against LGBTI+ and it related activities.

    The bill when passed will criminalize activities of LGBTI+ and curtail the rights of individuals engaged in the act.

    Source:ghanaweb.com

  • Idrissa Gueye refuses to wear PSG shirt featuring rainbow symbol

    Paris St-Germain’s Idrissa Gueye refused to play in a match to avoid wearing a rainbow symbol in support of LGBTQ+ rights, BBC Sport understands.

    The 32-year-old former Aston Villa and Everton midfielder was absent from Saturday’s 4-0 win over Montpellier.

    PSG boss Mauricio Pochettino said only that Gueye missed the game for “personal reasons”.

    The French Football Federation (FFF) has reportedly written to Gueye to clarify why he was absent.

    BBC Sport has approached Gueye’s representatives for comment.

    Crystal Palace’s Cheikhou Kouyate and Watford’s Ismaila Sarr have posted on social media in apparent support of their Senegal team-mate’s stance.

    Kouyate posted a picture of himself alongside Gueye on Instagram, with a caption calling Gueye “a real man”. Watford winger Sarr posted a picture of him and Gueye accompanied by three heart emojis and the caption “100%”.

    In response to Sarr’s post, Watford reiterated their commitment to equality and diversity, adding “this includes the willingness to offer further education and support to any of its employees”.

    At a news conference on Wednesday, Crystal Palace boss Patrick Vieira said if his player had posted in relation to Gueye, he would speak to them. “It’s going to be an in-house conversation,” he added.

    Homosexuality is illegal in Senegal and punishable by prison sentences of up to five years.

    Angel di Maria and Lionel Messi
    French top-flight clubs wore rainbow-designed shirt numbers to show their solidarity with LGBTQ+ rights

    For the second successive season, clubs in France have been invited to mark 17 May’s International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia by wearing rainbow-design numbers on the back of their shirts.

    In addition to missing Saturday’s win over Montpellier, Gueye, who arrived at PSG for £30m in July 2019, missed last year’s show of solidarity citing gastroenteritis, according to Le Parisien newspaper, who first reported the reason for his absence.

    The AFP news agency said on Wednesday it had seen a letter from the FFF’s ethics board calling on Gueye to explain why he missed Saturday’s game.

    The letter, says AFP, calls for him to “issue a public apology” or to say that the rumours he refused to play are “unfounded”.

    The letter reportedly adds if he did refuse to play he would be “validating discriminatory behaviour”.

    PSG said on Wednesday that they were “very proud to wear this shirt”.

    “The biggest stars of world football were on the field on Saturday and expressed the club’s commitment to the fight against homophobia and all forms of discrimination,” it added.

    Gueye’s stance has been supported by prominent politicians in Senegal.

    The country’s president Macky Sall wrote on Twitter that Gueye’s Muslim beliefs must be respected, while sport minister Matar Ba wrote that Gueye was backed by his country’s people, alongside a picture of the midfielder on pilgrimage to Mecca.

    Source: BBC