EUROPE & THE MIDDLE EAST
Turkey – Human Rights Watch has slammed a move by the Turkish government to close down Lambda Istanbul, a gay rights organization that has operated since 1993. According to Juliana Cano Nieto, such action would seriously jeopardize Turkey’s claims to being a true democracy, particularly given that the country is a signatory to the International Covenenant on Civil and Political Rights that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.
Poland – In a move that LGBT activists hope will signal improved treatment of gays and lesbians in the country, Poland’s far-right, anti-gay government has been replaced by the more moderate Civic Platform opposition party. Poland’s government has previously been berated by the Europe’s human rights for its appalling record on gay and lesbian rights.
Italy – Controversy has raged in Italy with the production of thousands of posters showing a newborn baby wearing a wristband name tag with the word ‘homosexual’ written on it. The picture is accompanied by the words ‘sexual orientation is not a choice’ and has sparked both fierce support and condemnation.
Sweden – Sweden appears to have moved a step closer to gay marriage with six of the seven political parties in the country throwing their support behind legislation to legalise same-sex marriage. Only the small Christian Democrats party remains opposed but it is expected that the bill should now start to progress through the Parliament despite their opposition. Polling shows that 46% of Swedes are supportive of gay marriage.
Austria – Austria meanwhile has introduced its own legislation to allow same-sex partners to enter into legally recognized civil partnerships. The bill would give same-sex couples all the same rights as married couples except in the area of adoption. It is unclear how the bill will fare in parliament, with a majority of members still opposed to gay marriage.
United Kingdon – Meanwhile, in the UK figures have been released showing that more than 16 000 same-sex couples have taken advantage of Britain’s civil partnership provisions since they were introduced a year ago. According to official records, none of those registered relationships have yet ended in ‘divorce’.
Scotland – Scotland’s parliament is currently debating legislation that would include sexuality in existing laws prohibiting hate crime, and dictate long prison sentences for those who committed offenders. The bill was introduced by the Green Party and it is not yet clear if the ruling government will support it.
Russia – In Russia HIV/AIDS continues to exact a horrendous toll. Whilst official figures put the number of diagnosed cases at 390 000, it is thought the real number is closer to 1.6million and expected to grow by 30 percent by 2010. HIV/AIDS is spreading faster in Russia than anywhere else in the world, and 90 percent of those with HIV/AIDS do not know they are HIV positive until they experience AIDS defining illnesses.
AFRICA
General – While it is estimated that 80% of Western HIV/AIDS patients on anti-retrovirals will still be on them in 2 years, the figure is only 60% those with the disease in Africa, a recent study found. 40 percent of the people no longer taking anti-retrovirals had died. The figure compares poorly to the West where, according to WHO estimates, 80% of patients are retained after two years. Later diagnoses, lack of affordability and poorer access to anti-retrovirals were contributing factors.
Uganda – With prominent clerics calling for gays to be marooned on an island and left to die and newspapers publishing the names of people believed to be gay, Uganda has been criticised by human rights groups, such as Human Rights Watch, for a climate of growing homophobia. U.S. President George Bush met with Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni on October 30, and despite Human Rights Watch urging Pres. Bush to call on Pres. Museveni to make reforms, no such calls were made.
THE AMERICAS
Venezuela – Venezuela’s legislature approved an amendment to the country’s constitution to protect people from discrimination and human rights abuses on the basis of sexual orientation. Next, the amended constitution will face a vote by the general populace. If passed, Venezuela will be the first South American country to protect GLBT individuals from discrimination.
US – The Employment Non-Discrimination Act currently before Congress was reformed this month, removing protections for trans* workers. The revision drew criticism from hundreds of gay rights groups.
US – While on a book tour in New York City author J.K. Rowling announced, to the delight of queer fans of Harry Potter , that her character Albus Dumbledore, was gay.
US – In the state of California, Governor Arnold Schwarzeneggar was presented with same-sex marriage legislation, and for the second time in his term as governor, he vetoed the measure.
ASIA & THE PACIFIC
Thailand – The Thai government has angered some major pharmaceutical companies by permitting the Food and Drug Administration to register a generic version of anti-retroviral Aluvia, originally created by Abbott Laboratories. While the generic version will bring down treatment costs for those infected drug companies are arguing that the move will discourage research and development of new drugs.
Thailand – A recent survey found that many Thais may be too shy to buy condoms over the counter. In response, Kasikorn Bank has announced a plan to give out condoms to bank customers.
New Zealand – This month New Zealand recognized its 1000th civil union. The country enacted legislation permitting civil unions in April 2005.
Singapore – Following the submission of a petition with 2,341 signatures, Singapore’s lawmakers debated the merits of a potential repeal of its sodomy laws. Though no charges have been laid in recent years, gay activists in the country have been lobbying hard for change.
General – Merck, a pharmaceutical company, was forced to discontinue the trial of an AIDS vaccine due to concerns that the vaccine actually made participants more susceptible to contract the disease. The trial had approximately 3,000 participants in nine countries including Australia.
Compiled by Aram Hosie and Megan Smith
