IGLHRC Protests Arrests in Senegal
The International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC) is calling for the release of four men arrested for homosexual acts in Senegal. Two of the men, from the town of Darou Mousty, in the area of Louga were arrested in June this year and sentenced last month to two and five years in prison respectively. The other two men, one of whom is 17-years-old, are awaiting trial. ‘This is yet another indication that gay men and those perceived to be gay are in grave danger in Senegal,’ said IGLHRC executive director Cary Alan Johnson. Homosexual acts are punishable by a prison term of between one and five years under the penal code in Senegal.
Serbian Pride Marches on Despite Threats of Violence
Organisers have said they will continue with plans for a gay pride celebration in Serbia despite threats of violence. After homophobic graffiti threatening LGBT people and pride participants spread across the Serbian capital, Belgrade, the city’s mayor has ordered it to be painted over and police have said they will do all they can to ensure public safety. Attacks on pride celebrations are commonplace in Serbia but the government is keen to change that image as the country is a potential candidate for the EU.
Athlete to Be Gender Tested
South African runner, Caster Semenya is to undergo extensive tests after her 800-metre win at the athletics world championships in Berlin last month left officials questioning her gender. The 18-year-old will be evaluated by a gynaecologist, an endocrinologist, a geneticist and a psychologist and final results may not be known for several weeks. According to the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) the testing will be conducted discreetly and they understand the ‘delicate nature’ of the case.
Brazil Sets Standard in HIV Prevention
Brazil’s HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment strategies have been so successful that they have become the model for developing countries dealing with the epidemic, with 31 countries adopting Brazil’s prevention and treatment guidelines in the last three years. In 2000, Brazil successfully pressured multi-national drug companies to lower their prices by threatening to allow local production of generic versions of patented antiretrovirals. In the past eight years, the number of AIDS-related deaths in Brazil has been reduced by 50 percent and the number of people who avoided hospital due to effective treatment has saved over US$2 billion in medical costs between 1996 and 2004.
Outgames Results Released
Figures from the recent World Outgames in Copenhagen were released last month, showing almost 5,000 people took part in the seven-day sporting event. The USA won the medal tally with a total of 506 medals, followed by Germany with 274, Netherlands with 243 and host country, Denmark with 202 medals. Australia placed seventh overall with a total of 118 medals, including 50 gold, 45 silver and 23 bronze. Swimming won the Aussies the greatest number of medals, but Track and Field, Rowing, Ten Pin Bowling, Dance Sports, Badminton, Roller Racing, Running, Softball and Triathlon were also medal winning events for the team.
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