Malawi Decriminalization of Homosexuality Before Constitutional Court

By Melanie Nathan, May 11, 2023, The Constitutional Court in Blantyre, Malawi today postponed the same- sex decriminalization review to May 23, 2023. Before adjournment, Justice Mandala Mambulasa recused himself after the State asked him to step down from the case as he previously made his stand on the issue. Malawi criminalizes same-sex conduct. “Melanie … More Malawi Decriminalization of Homosexuality Before Constitutional Court

European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) Rules for Refugees Right to Legal Gender Recognition

In the judgement Rana v. Hungary delivered today, the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) held that Hungary had breached its obligation to protect the right to private life under Article 8 of the Convention by rejecting the application of an Iranian transgender refugee to have his name and sex marker changed officially. The judgement … More European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) Rules for Refugees Right to Legal Gender Recognition

Ugandan Human Rights Defenders Win Constitutional Court Battle

In Uganda, the Constitutional Court handed down its favorable judgment in the case Juuko Adrian v Attorney General, Constitutional Petition No. 1 of 2009 , which challenged Section 15(6)(d) of the Equal Opportunities Commission Act. The provision barred the Commission from investigating “any matter involving behavior which is considered to be immoral and socially harmful, or … More Ugandan Human Rights Defenders Win Constitutional Court Battle

International Human Rights Court in Africa delivers Judgment Blow in Historic First LGBT Case

This morning the East African Court of Justice delivered a blow with its judgment in a matter initially brought before it by a Ugandan based Human Rights coalition. The matter of Human Rights Awareness and Promotion Forum (HRAPF) v Attorney General of Uganda (and the Secretariat of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS))  … More International Human Rights Court in Africa delivers Judgment Blow in Historic First LGBT Case

Ugandan Attorney General Fails to Show up at Court Hearing in Case Impacting LGBT Rights

The Ugandan Constitutional Court has finally allowed argument, for a second time, in a case which has been waiting to be heard for the past 8 years, despite the Defendant’s absence.  Back in July 2015, when the case was previously postponed, the Plaintiff expressed bewilderment at the Court’s perennial lack of a quorum and wondered … More Ugandan Attorney General Fails to Show up at Court Hearing in Case Impacting LGBT Rights

Colombian Constitutional Court Rules Same-sex Couples can Adopt

By Melanie Nathan, November 06, 2015. In a victory for the country’s LGBT community, the Colombian Constitutional Court ruled on November 4, 2015, that same-sex couples in Colombia can adopt children. Previously couples could only adopt a child if it was the offspring of one of the partners, but after hours of debate a 6-2 … More Colombian Constitutional Court Rules Same-sex Couples can Adopt

Reality Check As Uganda Court Rules Against Anti-Homosexuality Act

This article First appeared on HUFFPO Gay Voices on AUG 0.1, 2014   Article First appeared on HUFFPO Gay Voices on AUG 0.1, 2014 By Melanie Nathan, August 05, 2014. Today, in a packed Constitutional Court in Kampala, Uganda, a panel of five Justices ruled unanimously that The Anti-Homosexuality Act of 2014 (AHA,) is unconstitutional. … More Reality Check As Uganda Court Rules Against Anti-Homosexuality Act

Inter Religious Council of Uganda Admits on Court Record to key influence of the Anti-Homosexuality Act

A Wake up call to funders and others such as The Catholic Church which supports this organization through memberships, grants or donations. By Melanie Nathan, July 31, 2014. The Christian group, Inter-Religious Council of Uganda has admitted on the record to its direct participation in the Anti-Homosexuality Act (AHA) of Uganda, by asking to be … More Inter Religious Council of Uganda Admits on Court Record to key influence of the Anti-Homosexuality Act

South African Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng Threatens Freedom of Speech

“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

South African Constitutional Court: New Chief Justice belongs to anti-gay Mega Church

Johannesburg, Aug 25, 2011, South African President, Jacob Zuma has nominated Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng as the Chief Justice to the South African Constitutional Court. A social conservative will now be responsible for upholding one of the most progressive constitutions in the world. Critique comes as some believe others are more qualified; 0ne wonders why the … More South African Constitutional Court: New Chief Justice belongs to anti-gay Mega Church