Tag: Africa

Uganda TV accuses President Obama of threatening sanctions if Anti-Homosexuality Bill passes

November 21, 2012

U.S. State department denies Obama threatened sanctions By Melanie Nathan, November 21, 2012. We received news today that the Ugandan Parliament has set the second reading of the Anti-Homosexuality Bill for Parliament’s agenda for today, Nov 21.  Note the Ugandan Kill the Gays Bill is at the second reading phase. (see process below.)   That means … More Uganda TV accuses President Obama of threatening sanctions if Anti-Homosexuality Bill passes

Remembering the late Prof. Carmen Nathan on her Birthday

November 20, 2012

 Prof. Carmen Nathan  passed away at age 56, way too young and so accomplished: “A Mother and a friend to all, whose selfless commitment to justice has imparted a legacy abundant in love, compassion and wisdom.”  by Melanie Nathan, November 20, 2012. My mother was born Carmen Keile Miller, in 1934, to Rose Shamis and … More Remembering the late Prof. Carmen Nathan on her Birthday

Uganda Parliament | Anti- Homosexuality Bill Watch

November 20, 2012

No Anti-Homosexuality Bill today | bracing for next week Melanie Nathan, November 20 2012 I am happy to report that for today, Uganda ‘s Parliament seems to have a lot more important business to attend to than the vicious and redundant Anit-homosexuality Bill which Speaker Rebecca Kadaga promised to have passed  in time for Christmas … More Uganda Parliament | Anti- Homosexuality Bill Watch

Nigeria poised to Jail the Gays in defiance of Nelson Mandela

November 16, 2012

” Madiba, your time in prison was without any lesson to us, to the rest of Africa,  we the Nigerians are giving you the finger!” By Melanie Nathan, November 16, 2012. Nigeria is about to pass legislation that will provide for the arrest, conviction and jailing of all its gay and lesbian people. What lessons … More Nigeria poised to Jail the Gays in defiance of Nelson Mandela

Sudan blames gay teen sex for AIDS

November 14, 2012

Sudan’s government blamed gay school sex for rising HIV infection rates, while the opposition slam leaders for promoting homosexuality and AIDS by Dan Littauer, 14 November 2012 Teenagers sodomizing younger boys at school is apparently the ‘reason’ for the rapid rise of HIV cases in Sudan’s youth, according to a report broadcasted by the country’s … More Sudan blames gay teen sex for AIDS

Will Barclays Bank speak out against the Ugandan Kill the Gays Bill

November 10, 2012

By Melanie Nathan, November 10, 2012, As the Kill the Gays Bill heats up for passage, LGBT people who work for  or bank with Barclays Worldwide should be asking their employers to speak out against the impending Anti-Homosexuality Bill which calls for death penalty and  the harsh punishment of homosexuality – before it is too … More Will Barclays Bank speak out against the Ugandan Kill the Gays Bill

Ugandan Speaker taunts world vowing to revive Kill the Gays Bill

October 31, 2012

By Melanie Nathan, Oct 31, 2012. The Kill the Gay’s Bill may be back as  the Speaker of Uganda’s Parliament, Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga, has indicated her intention to revive it. The Speaker, who was addressing a cross section of religious leaders upon her return from Canada where she attended the 127th Inter Parliamentary Union … More Ugandan Speaker taunts world vowing to revive Kill the Gays Bill

Lethal Salmonella strain targets HIV positive Africans

October 31, 2012

By Melanie Nathan, 31 October, 31 2012 Fears are growing over an emerging form of intestinal disease in Africa, to which HIV positive people are particularly vulnerable. Medical experts have expressed concerns that health infrastructures across the continent lack the capacity to detect or cope with the dangerous bacterium. The scientists say that invasive non-Typhoidal … More Lethal Salmonella strain targets HIV positive Africans

UK Breaks Pledge to not Deport Gay and Lesbian Asylum Seekers

October 31, 2012

Deportation of LGBT refugees continues Government breaks its pledge of a safe haven By Melanie Nathan, Oct 31, 2012 The deportations of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) asylum seekers have not ceased are continuing, despite government pledges to ensure their refuge in the United Kingdom.  According to a Press Statement by Peter Tatchell, Director … More UK Breaks Pledge to not Deport Gay and Lesbian Asylum Seekers

Ugandan University Invited Editor of Hang the Gays Article Now Issues Statement of Regret

October 20, 2012

Despite the first  public retraction by Giles Muhame of his hang the gays campaign: “Had the Vice-Chancellor’s office known about this invitation and the background of the individual the invitation would have been withdrawn.” By Private Courts, San Francisco- October 20, 2012- Deputy Vice-chancellor Dr. David Young, of the University of Victoria, Kampala, Uganda, issued … More Ugandan University Invited Editor of Hang the Gays Article Now Issues Statement of Regret

South Africa Gay Flag Bus Tour takes LGBTI Education & Goodwill from bottom to top encountering Homophobia

October 12, 2012

From the bottom of the Continent of Africa to the top of South Africa, a Budget Bus filled with LGBTQI community representatives toiled the bush, the veld, cities and townships, spreading rainbow acts and music, all in the name of full inclusiveness and education against homophobia. The Gay Flag of South Africa, led its annual tour of the country amidst much to contemplate and celebrate, including the approval of the Gay Flag as a national symbol. … More South Africa Gay Flag Bus Tour takes LGBTI Education & Goodwill from bottom to top encountering Homophobia

Watch Video Ugandan Anti-Gay Resolution Fails and Embarrasses Pan African Parliament

October 11, 2012

“It is a bizarre resolution and it will never pass” By Melanie Nathan, Oct 11, 2012. At The Pan African Parliament‘s  session  in Johannesburg on 9 October, Ugandan delegate, Ogwal Cecilia Barbara faced the fact that her anti-gay resolution was not only without merit, but also an embarrassment to her country. Barbara tried to introduce  … More Watch Video Ugandan Anti-Gay Resolution Fails and Embarrasses Pan African Parliament

South African Gay Flag Becomes First in World to be Recognized as official National Symbol

October 6, 2012

Despite Homophobia South Africa is a World leader for LGBTI Rights – Constitutional Equality ‘flagged’ by the fight vs. homophobia By Melanie Nathan Oct 06, 2012. The South African government has announced in the official Government Gazette that Gay Flag of South Africa has been approved and accepted as South Africa’s official gay flag (an … More South African Gay Flag Becomes First in World to be Recognized as official National Symbol

Victory For LGBTI South Africans as Constitutional Committee Says Gay Rights are Safe

September 9, 2012

Sexual orientation and gender identity will remain fully protected by the South African Constitution By Melanie Nathan, September 09, 2012. Victorious news for the South African LGBTI community.  It would seem that the anti-gay traditionalists  in the South African Parliamentary system  have failed to ditch LGBTI equality in South Africa.  The South African Constitutional Review … More Victory For LGBTI South Africans as Constitutional Committee Says Gay Rights are Safe

South African Police Make Arrests in Rape and Murder of Kwazulu Lesbian

September 3, 2012

By Melanie Nathan, September, 03, 2012. Police have made an arrest in the latest reported rape and and murder of a 28 year old Lesbian in Kwazulu, Natal, South Africa. The body of  Mandisa Mbambo was discovered under her bed by her parents on Sunday, 26th August, in the brutal rape and murder. Like  many … More South African Police Make Arrests in Rape and Murder of Kwazulu Lesbian

South African Gold Coin Exchange Gifts Mandela Coins at Hollywood Fundraiser

September 3, 2012

Editors,  September 03, 2012. As a guest of The Black AIDS Institute, The South African Gold Coin Exchange was represented at Emmy Award-winning casting director and talent executive Robi Reed’s 10th annual end-of-summer event, the “Sunshine Beyond Summer Celebration…The Day Party With A Purpose” this past Saturday in the gardens of the Mayor’s home, at … More South African Gold Coin Exchange Gifts Mandela Coins at Hollywood Fundraiser

Gay Flag of South Africa and ANC Hold Historic Public Meeting to Condemn Homophobia in SA

August 30, 2012

By Melanie Nathan, August 30, 2012. An historic public meeting took place Thursday between the South African majority party, the ANC and the Gay Flag of South Africa (GFSA) an NPO to condemn recent homophobic violence against the LGBTI community in South Africa, as well as the anti-gay commentary by Traditional leaders who are reviewing … More Gay Flag of South Africa and ANC Hold Historic Public Meeting to Condemn Homophobia in SA

South African Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng Threatens Freedom of Speech

August 29, 2012

“Every South African who is aggrieved about something has the right to say what he wants ..that’s also politicians… but I will not hesitate to confront anybody who actually does something that poses a threat to the independence of the judiciary,”  By Melanie Nathan, August 29, 2012. The socially conservative Chief Justice of the South … More South African Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng Threatens Freedom of Speech

Occupy Oakland Protests South African Mine Massacre

August 26, 2012

PETITION: Tell Lonmin to meet workers demands for higher wages and better living conditions! See below to link. Posted by Melanie Nathan, August 24, 2012. PFA Evening News Anchor Cameron Jones:Yesterday evening, in Oakland’s Oscar Grant Plaza, the gathering place of Occupy Oakland, several hundred people rallied in solidarity with South African miners, more than … More Occupy Oakland Protests South African Mine Massacre

South African Pastor Blames Mine Massacre on Gays

August 22, 2012

Errol Naidoo’s blame on gays will not fall well! By Melanie Nathan, August 22, 2012 A conservative Christian minister in South Africa has taken a leaf out of the book of U.S. deceased Evangelical Jerry Falwell and  blamed the horrific massacre of South African Miners by police witnessed last week at the Marikana platinum mine … More South African Pastor Blames Mine Massacre on Gays

Human Rights Watch Reports Ugandan Government’s Increasing Harassment of LGBT NGO’s

August 21, 2012

BY MELANIE NATHAN, AUGUST 21, 2012. In a report released today, Human Rights watch (HRW) asserts that research and advocacy organizations in Uganda which deal with controversial topics are facing increasing harassment by Uganda’s government. Groups have recently faced forced closure of meetings, threats, harassment, arrest, and punitive bureaucratic interference. The 50-page report, “Curtailing Criticism: … More Human Rights Watch Reports Ugandan Government’s Increasing Harassment of LGBT NGO’s

The Cameroons Celebrates Gay Hate Day While the World Watches Silently

August 21, 2012

Imagine a world where there is such little outcry internationally, …I think it is time for the West to take a stronger stand and in doing so to open its borders to a whole new breed of  refugee.  By Melanie Nathan, August 21, 2012. Today is ‘Gay Hate Day’  in Cameroon, where homosexuality is criminalized … More The Cameroons Celebrates Gay Hate Day While the World Watches Silently

Zimbabwe Gays Beaten and Detained by Police

August 13, 2012

Violence by Police as they dragged  LGBTI people out of organizations offices. By Melanie Nathan, August 13, 2012. Forty four Gays and Lesbians from Zimbabwe, all GALZ members, were arrested yesterday at the GALZ office soon after the launch of the “GALZ Violations Report and Briefing of the second draft Zimbabwe Constitution.” Thirty one men … More Zimbabwe Gays Beaten and Detained by Police

Hate Speech as Ugandan Minister Onek Vows to Kill NGO’s that Help Gays

August 8, 2012

By Melanie Nathan August 08,2012. Watch Ugandan media and officials describe homosexuality as decadence, while  Minister Onek vows to clamp down  on all non profit organizations that he says hide this promotion of decadence behind so called “human rights.”   The ministry has decided it will conduct checks on all NGO’s looking “for suspected culprits.” The … More Hate Speech as Ugandan Minister Onek Vows to Kill NGO’s that Help Gays

U.S. Secretary Hillary Clinton Pays Tribute to Ugandan Gay Rights Defenders

August 4, 2012

By Melanie Nathan, August 04, 2012, “I’m well aware that you do your work often amidst difficult, even dangerous circumstances. I know that some of your lives have been threatened, your friends and families intimidated. But I want you to know that the United States is and will be your partner.” Hillary Clinton United States … More U.S. Secretary Hillary Clinton Pays Tribute to Ugandan Gay Rights Defenders

Ugandan Police Raid Beach Pride Party Arrest LGBT Activists

August 4, 2012

Yet Activists pull off historic pride event! Melanie Nathan, August 4, 2012 For several weeks  and with great excitement Ugandan LGBT activists have been building a Beach Pride event. The idea was to celebrate with friends and to hold a private party for those who wanted to attend. Activists kept the Pride event under wraps … More Ugandan Police Raid Beach Pride Party Arrest LGBT Activists