Olympic Pride
Proving to be good sports, the London 2012 Olympic committee have released a memento in support of the LGBT community. The first in a series of six pin badges to be released, the LGBT-focused souvenir displays the 2012 logo set against the pride rainbow flag. The other five badges will address five other areas of diversity such as age, ethnicity and disability. Openly gay rugby player Gareth Thomas said it was great to see the committee reaching out to all communities and making sure that London 2012 are a games for everyone.
Indian Rights Anniversary
Last month, hundreds of Indian gay rights activists celebrated the first anniversary of the decriminalisation of homosexuality. Supporters flocked to the centre of Mumbai at the Azad Maiden Park where LGBT group leaders recalled stories and cases of past homophobia and discrimination through India’s history. On July 2 last year, the Delhi High Court ruled to abolish the law that could incarcerate homosexuals for up to 10 years.
Mugabe Still Anti-Gay
Homosexuality will remain criminalised in Zimbabwe despite the recent drafting of a new constitution. According to state media, Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe said the country would not listen to those who wanted gay rights to be mentioned in the draft. ‘We say no to gay rights, we will not listen to those advocating for their rights in the new constitution,’ President Mugabe said on July 19. Agence France-Presse reported a revised constitution was being drafted to make way for new elections.
Do Ask, Do Tell
Roughly 400,000 US service members have been privately surveyed by the Pentagon on their attitudes and behaviours towards their gay service counterparts. The Pentagon quickly came under fire from gay rights groups for the 103-question survey, saying it missed some key components of the ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ debate. The questionnaire asked if a gay presence affected morale and combat performance; whether they had showered with gay comrades and if they would attend social events if same-sex partners were invited.
IGLHRC joins UNESOC
After years of petitioning, the International Gay Lesbian Human Rights Commission has been accredited with consultancy rights at the United Nations Economic and Social Council. The Obama administration lobbied for the organisation’s accreditation that now grants the commission access to UN meetings; to submit statements and collaborate with both the UN and government. The IGLHRC had been trying to gain consultative status since 2007 at UNESOC; the main UN forum to hear international social and economic issues.
Gaelic Gays Recognised
Ireland has adopted civil-partnership legislation, granting legal recognition to same-sex couples for the first time. The Bill was signed into law on July 19 by President Mary McAleese following wide support in both houses of parliament, the Irish Times reported. The rights of gay and lesbian couples have now been extended to include property, social welfare, maintenance, pensions and tax.
Benn Dorrington
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