MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA
Kuwait Trans* Crackdown: More than a dozen people have been arrested and reportedly abused whilst in detention for violating new laws that prohibit ‘imitating the appearance of a member of the opposite sex’. Kuwait currently prohibits transsexuals from accessing sex-change treatments and according to Human Rights Watch, the new law seeks to completely eliminate their public presence.
Egyptian Censor: A lesbian sex scene in Egyptian film Hina Maysara has outraged religious and academic figures. Some have gone so far to call for those involved to be prosecuted, claiming that there is no lesbianism in Egypt and warning people in general that even watching the film is sinful. Although homosexuality is not illegal in Egypt, it is looked down upon and can lead to police harassment, causing most gays and lesbians to stay firmly closeted.
AUSTRALASIA
Seeking Qualified GLBTs: Hong Kong and Singapore have become the latest cities in which multi-national companies have sought to actively recruit GLBT staff. Companies such as the Lehmen Brothers investment bank, Merrill Lynch, Credit Suisse and Goldman Sachs have all been advertising their gay-friendly credentials in an attempt to attract the best ‘pink’ talent.
NZ MP Beyer On Screen: Two Australian-based film makers have won the right to make a film about the life of Georgina Beyer, the world’s first transsexual MP. Beyer’s story is a remarkable one – she moved from working as a stripper and sex worker to become an actress, broadcaster, Mayor of Carterton and finally MP for Wairarapa in 1999.
EUROPE
Extending Protection in Scotland: The Scottish Government has announced support for an expansion of the country’s hate crimes legislation to provide protection to LGBT people and those with a disability. Recent studies have shown that violence against those in the GLBT community has escalated in recent years and the new laws are seen as a way to send a message to the community that anti-gay hate is unacceptable.
Swedes Force the Issue: The three opposition parties in Sweden have said they will force a bill through Parliament to extend marriage to gay and lesbian couples if the current Government does not move swiftly to introduce its proposed ‘gender-neutral’ marriage legislation. Current laws define marriage as being between a man and a woman; however, the new laws will allow anyone to marry in the Church of Sweden.
French Mayor Al-Qaeda Target: The gay Socialist Mayor of Paris, Bertrand Delanoe, has been provided increased police protection after monitoring revealed that he was listed as an al-Qaeda target. It is not the first time Delanoe has been under threat; he survived an assassination attempt in 2002. Delanoe is reportedly calm about the threat and is enjoying a high level of popularity, making him a possible Presidential candidate in 2012.
Russian Activists Acquitted: The activists arrested for protesting during Russia’s recent elections have been acquitted. Police were unable to provide sufficient evidence against the activists and the court concluded that no wrongs had been committed. The activists are now considering suing the police for making illegal arrests.
THE AMERICAS
Toronto Anglicans Rock the Boat: In a move that presents a direct challenge to the greater Anglican church, Toronto’s Church of the Holy Trinity – one of the oldest parishes in North America – has voted to approve weddings for same-sex couples. The Church has a long tradition of ‘rocking the boat’ – pioneering homelessness assistance, serving as a refuge for draft dodgers and welcoming gay groups to meet in the church.
Commie Cuba Considers Equality: The ruling Communist Party is currently considering legal changes that would grant same-sex couples the same rights as their heterosexual counterparts and allow surgeons to carry out sex-reassignment operations for transsexuals. The changes have been proposed by the Public Health Ministry and are designed to ensure that everyone feels accepted in Cuban society.
