Category: Europe

Undermining Protection in the EU: Report on Proposed Pact on Migration and Asylum

June 3, 2021

Members of the European Parliament have been discussing the proposed EU Pact on Migration and Asylum. The Commission presented the Pact last September as a “fresh start,” promising to create a comprehensive, regional approach to asylum and migration. Eight months later, negotiations continue with agreement far from sight. The EU is long overdue to establish … More Undermining Protection in the EU: Report on Proposed Pact on Migration and Asylum

Queer Asylum in Germany: More Needed for LGBTQI+ people seeking asylum in Germany

December 14, 2019

Queer Asylum in Germany: Better visibility and access to legal and social support needed for LGBTQI+ people seeking asylum in Germany Human rights violations based on sexual orientation and gender identity are grounds for seeking asylum in Europe. However, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer and intersex (LGBTQI+) people claiming asylum face particular legal and social … More Queer Asylum in Germany: More Needed for LGBTQI+ people seeking asylum in Germany

UK Home Office Abuses against LGBT Asylum Seekers Highlighted in New Report

September 16, 2019

Home Office accuses LGBT church-goers of contradiction. Ban on working and financial destitution forcing LGBT people in need of refugee protection to become dependent upon homophobic acquaintances. Asylum process creating ‘Catch 22s’: LGBT people who don’t know they can claim asylum are then penalised for delays in submitting their applications. A new report has found … More UK Home Office Abuses against LGBT Asylum Seekers Highlighted in New Report

Queering BREXIT

March 19, 2019

Gender and Queer Perspectives on Brexit Editors: Dustin, Moira, Ferreira, Nuno, Millns, Susan (Eds.) “On 24 June 2016, many people had the feeling that they woke up in a country prone to isolationism and protectionism, risking hurting its economic and social development for the sake of imperial nostalgia and moral panic about ‘loss of sovereignty’ … More Queering BREXIT

European Court Ends Forced Sterilizations of Transgender People

April 6, 2017

The European Court of Human Rights today found that the sterilization requirement in legal gender recognition violates human rights. Setting the legal precedent for Europe, this decision will force the remaining 22 countries using the infertility requirement to change their laws. This historic decision is delivered in three joined cases against France about the lack … More European Court Ends Forced Sterilizations of Transgender People

Facebook Banned Italian LGBT Campaign Against Racism

March 22, 2016

On Monday 21 March (International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination), three Italian LGBT organizations presented a campaign to defeat the prejudices related to ethnic and religious differences and to inform LGBT migrants and asylum seekers about their rights. But a few minutes later, Facebook censored the campaign: a drawing of a bare-chested man … More Facebook Banned Italian LGBT Campaign Against Racism

Pope Fires Vatican Ambassador Who Stirred Kim Davis Controversy

March 17, 2016

Do you recall the Pope’s visit to the United States and the huge yarn that Kim Davis legal team spun around her so called “meeting” with the Pope, in a manner that attempted to convey the Pope’s ‘support’ for Davis’s refusal to do her job to marry people equally, as a County employee?  Well the … More Pope Fires Vatican Ambassador Who Stirred Kim Davis Controversy

Rugby Breakthrough as First Openly Gay Referee Chosen for World Cup Game

October 28, 2015

Posted by Melanie Nathan, October, 28, 2015. In the traditionally macho sport of rugby, the World Cup will break new ground this weekend, when for the first time it will be refereed by an openly gay man. While we look forward to the day when homosexuality is so acceptable that sexuality warrants no mention,  and … More Rugby Breakthrough as First Openly Gay Referee Chosen for World Cup Game

Famed Ugandan Activist Urges UK Home Office Not to Deport Lesbian

December 11, 2014

“UK has been very supportive of the Uganda Gay rights movement and it will be an embarrassment that your office doesn’t live up to its expectations in protecting those that need the protection most from persecution..” Kasha Jacqueline Nabagesera. By Melanie Nathan, December 11, 2014. Despite appeals and petitions the United Kingdom’s Home Office informed … More Famed Ugandan Activist Urges UK Home Office Not to Deport Lesbian

African LGBTI Group a first to Protest at The Hague

November 24, 2014

By Melanie Nathan, November 24, 2014. For the first time, an African LGBTI group will stage a demonstration at The Hague in the Netherlands, to draw attention to complaints arising out of how the Netherlands Immigration authorities treat the claims of  LGBTI Africans seeking asylum in that country. Out and Proud Diamond Group, an LGBT … More African LGBTI Group a first to Protest at The Hague

Transgender Troops | Military Experts Historic International Conference

October 20, 2014

Palm Center and ACLU Host Convening on Lessons Learned from Transgender Service in Foreign Militaries Posted by Melanie Nathan, October 20, 2014. WASHINGTON, DC – Currently serving ​transgender service members from five of the 18 foreign militaries that allow transgender service today gathered alongside U.S. service members in Washington D.C. The gathering, Perspectives on Transgender Military Service … More Transgender Troops | Military Experts Historic International Conference

Praying For Gay Ugandan Richard to Win Asylum Appeal

October 7, 2014

By Melanie Nathan, Oct 07, 2014. United Kingdom – Richard M. is a young Ugandan man who fled Uganda after being outed by Red Pepper Magazine. He was apparently falsely accused of promoting homosexuality in the schools. His subsequent asylum journey has been a typical roundabout of hell, exacerbating his abuse. On arrival in the … More Praying For Gay Ugandan Richard to Win Asylum Appeal

Urgent Stop Ugandan Foreign Minister from Becoming President of UN General Assembly

May 28, 2014

Call to Urgent Action Show your outrage — “Let us tell the United Nations that we do not reward Homophobic countries with positions of global leadership,” Melanie Nathan By Melanie Nathan, May 28, 2014. Uganda’s Foreign Minister Sam Kutesa is set to become President of the UN General Assembly on 17 June – unless you … More Urgent Stop Ugandan Foreign Minister from Becoming President of UN General Assembly

Life or Death to Save Lesbian Aidah from UK Deportation to Uganda Please Sign Now

May 21, 2014

#SAVEAidah Her fast track deportation is set for mere days ahead – May 24 |  we received a desperate request for help from her team here in the UK.  I am meeting with them in London today. They want to hear from you NOW and there is no time to waste! UPDATED MAY 23: LAST … More Life or Death to Save Lesbian Aidah from UK Deportation to Uganda Please Sign Now

Prestigious Awards Cancels Gala Venue owned by Sultan of Brunei

May 15, 2014

By Melanie Nathan, May 15, 2014. In a PinkNews Exclusive, it is reported that The British Society of Magazine Editors (BSME) announced it will no longer have its awards dinner at the London Dorchester hotel owned by the Sultan of Brunei – due to his country’s new rule on stoning gays and adulterers to death. The … More Prestigious Awards Cancels Gala Venue owned by Sultan of Brunei

Eurovision Win by Drag Artist is an F U to HOMOPHOBE PUTIN

May 10, 2014

By Melaie Nathan, May 10, 2014 Congratulations Queen Conchita the Eurovision winner for Austria’s victory – its a first in 48 years! And she won despite Ukraine and Russian attempts to ban the bearded drag artist. The 2014 Eurovision Song Contest has been won by Austria and Conchita Wurst. Her entry ‘Rise Like a Phoenix’ … More Eurovision Win by Drag Artist is an F U to HOMOPHOBE PUTIN

Swedish Authorities Complicit in Persecuting LGBT Uganda by Refusing Workshop Visa

May 4, 2014

Sweden and other allies have a duty to act and not just talk – you need to practice what you preach , says Bob Bwana By Melanie Nathan, May 04, 2014. LGBT activists are very upset about the denial by Sweden of a visa to a Ugandan human rights defender. It is being reported from … More Swedish Authorities Complicit in Persecuting LGBT Uganda by Refusing Workshop Visa

Belgian Parliament Resolution on Uganda

May 1, 2014

Posted by Melanie Nathan, May 01, 2014. has provided the English translation for the March 22, unanimous Resolution of the Belgian Parliament regarding Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Bill which was made official law of Uganda on march 10, 2014. WE REQUEST THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT: 1. to emphasize the importance of respecting sexual orientation and gender identities in … More Belgian Parliament Resolution on Uganda

Jews Persecuted with Orders to Register in Ukraine

April 17, 2014

By Melanie Nathan, April 17, 2014. Ukrainian and Israeli media are reporting actions that smack of Nazi Germany as Jews in the Ukrainian city of Donetsk, where pro-Russian militants have taken over government buildings, were told it is complusory to “register” as Jews and pay special taxes with the Ukrainians who are trying to make … More Jews Persecuted with Orders to Register in Ukraine

Refugee Action vs UK Home Office policy on asylum wins support rates ruling

April 16, 2014

CONGRATULATIONS and CALL TO ACTION – See BRING BACK DIGNITY CAMPAIGN BELOW Posted by Melanie Nathan, April 16, 2014. A High Court judge in the United Kingdom, ruled that current Home Office policy on asylum support rates is unlawful. Dave Garratt ,Chief Executive, of Refugee Action, Victoria Charity Centretook , U.K., took the Home Office … More Refugee Action vs UK Home Office policy on asylum wins support rates ruling

European Parliament resolution Calling for Action against Ugandan and Nigerian Anti-Gay laws

March 13, 2014

The Condemnation of Uganda and Nigeria | where is the U.S.A.? By Melanie Nathan, 13 March 2014 Today, the European Parliament adopted a resolution condemning new laws to imprison lesbian, gay and bisexual individuals in Nigeria and Uganda. The resolution calls on the European Commission and Member States to take immediate action in the fields of … More European Parliament resolution Calling for Action against Ugandan and Nigerian Anti-Gay laws

Protest Against Anti-Gay Laws by Ugandan Kuchus and Exiled African Gays in Sweden

February 19, 2014

By Melanie Nathan, February 18, 2014. Today about 50 people, from various African countries, together with allies, gathered in Sergel’s Square in Stockholm, Sweden, to protest the LGBT situation in Africa.  In true African style, a protest, though sad and serious, brought people out in dance and song. This information was shared with Oblogdee by … More Protest Against Anti-Gay Laws by Ugandan Kuchus and Exiled African Gays in Sweden

Commonwealth Secretary-General on Protection of Dignity for Gays

January 30, 2014

AS critical to promoting equitable, peaceful and prosperous societies in which we all wish to live: “The people of the Commonwealth are committed to equality and human rights for all…” By Melanie Nathan, 30 January 2014. In the wake of the rising terror now facing LGBT people in Commonwealth countries, where old draconian penal codes … More Commonwealth Secretary-General on Protection of Dignity for Gays

U.S. State Department Warns of Danger to Gays in Sochi Olympic Travel Advisory

January 11, 2014

By Melanie Nathan, January 11, 2014. The United States State Department has issued a travel advisory warning Americans of the dangers in attending the February Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. The alert advises Americans about the anti-gay laws where Russia criminalizes so called “propaganda” about homosexuality. Indeed the notice also warns that terrorists have threatened … More U.S. State Department Warns of Danger to Gays in Sochi Olympic Travel Advisory

Capitol Hill Briefing on Asylum as LGBT Persecution Escalates

January 6, 2014

What you can do to help LGBT Asylum Seekers – PLEASE SIGN THE CRITICAL PETITION BELOW By Melanie Nathan, January 6, 2014. Faith Network Capitol Hill Briefing on Asylum as LGBT Persecution Escalates | LGBT-FAN and the LGBT Congressional Caucus address needs of LGBT asylum seekers On January 8th, there will be a  Faith Network … More Capitol Hill Briefing on Asylum as LGBT Persecution Escalates

Croatians deny LGBT community, defeat marriage referendum by 64%

December 1, 2013

“Homosexuality is not a choice, hate is a choice” By Cathy Kristofferson, December 1,2013 Today, voters in Croatia went to the polls to decide the fate of the country’s anti-gay marriage referendum. They decided by a 64% margin to deny the Croatian LGBT community equality. The Croatian constitution will now be amended to ban same-gender … More Croatians deny LGBT community, defeat marriage referendum by 64%

European Union Court of Justice rules lesbian and gay asylum seekers can’t be told ‘go home and hide’

November 7, 2013

By Oram, November 07, 2013. Lesbian and gay asylum seekers in the European Union can no longer be told to go home and pretend they’re straight. The European Union Court of Justice ruled Thursday, November 7th, that ‘voluntary discretion’ is not an acceptable rationale for rejecting asylum claims based on persecution grounded in sexual orientation. … More European Union Court of Justice rules lesbian and gay asylum seekers can’t be told ‘go home and hide’

Tuxedoed Gay Activist Seizes Stage at London Symphony

November 1, 2013

GAY ACTIVIST ONCE AGAIN DISRUPTS CONCERT CONDUCTED BY PUTIN SUPPORTER VALERY GERGIEVAT THE BARBICAN IN LONDON Posted by Melanie Nathan, Nov 01, 2013. London, November 1, 2013— The opening night of London Symphony Orchestra principal conductor Valery Gergiev’s new concert season at the Barbican in London was disrupted last night (31 October) by a protest … More Tuxedoed Gay Activist Seizes Stage at London Symphony

Budapest to receive $22 million Holocaust memorial center

September 16, 2013

Posted by Melanie Nathan, September 16, 2013. According to JTA, Budapest will build a $22 million memorial at a train station from which Hungarian Jews were deported during the Holocaust. The Hungarian prime minister’s chief of staff, Janos Lazar,  said the memorial will feature an educational center and will be opened by spring next year … More Budapest to receive $22 million Holocaust memorial center