Tag: criminalization

African Human Rights Coalition Proudly 2022 and Boldly 2023

December 22, 2022

With gratitude, African Human Rights Coalition is celebrating a year well spent. For an organization that has never had operational funding, what we have accomplished, together with our ambassadors, volunteers, and program donors is remarkable. Imagine what we could accomplish with operational funding! And therein lies one big hope for 2023. Our 2022 accomplishments include: … More African Human Rights Coalition Proudly 2022 and Boldly 2023

Come Out Come Out if you are Safe its OKAY

October 11, 2022

African Human Rights Coalition, the only organization in America and globally that works exclusively with LGBTQI+ people forcibly displaced in and from African countries, is commemorating the 34th annual National Coming Out Day by reminding that it is almost impossible for most LGBTQI+ people in African countries, to come out safely. National Coming Out Day … More Come Out Come Out if you are Safe its OKAY

Re-Publish: Very little has Changed as Christians Persecute Gays, Lesbians and Trans People

August 25, 2021

Re-Publish: Written in 2016 – NOT IN GOD’S NAME- This Continues with Little change – except an increase in the migration and decriminalization by a mere 2 countries, Botswana and Angola. NOT IN GOD’S NAME –   A brief Reflection on Violence Promoted by Christian Churches in Africa, By Melanie Nathan, African Human Rights Coalition©, … More Re-Publish: Very little has Changed as Christians Persecute Gays, Lesbians and Trans People

Celebrating Human Rights Day calls for Complaint

December 10, 2020

In congratulating Bhutan’s Parliament for decriminalizing SOGI today, we call on all Nations who house draconian Colonial laws to do the same… The Universal Declaration of Human Rights The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), a milestone document in the history of human rights, drafted by representatives with different legal and cultural backgrounds from all regions … More Celebrating Human Rights Day calls for Complaint

Gabon Votes to decriminalize Same-Sex Relations

July 7, 2020

In a landmark decision, on Monday, 6 July 2020, the Senate of Gabon voted to decriminalize same-sex relations with 59 votes in favor, 17 against and 4 abstentions. The move to decriminalize was supported by the lower house of Parliament on June 23, 2020. Unlike numerous countries across the African continent, Gabon did not have … More Gabon Votes to decriminalize Same-Sex Relations

Egyptian Lesbian Arrested for Raising Rainbow Flag Dies by Suicide

June 14, 2020

In 2017 it was widely reported that Egyptian police arrested 57 people after they were allegedly seen raising rainbow flags at a concert in Cairo. They were reportedly detained for “promoting sexual deviancy”. Among them was the only woman arrested, a lesbian activist, Sara El Hegazy, who after finding refuge in Canada, according to media and Twitter … More Egyptian Lesbian Arrested for Raising Rainbow Flag Dies by Suicide

World AIDS Day Reminds Criminalization of Sexuality Impedes Eradication of HIV AIDS

December 1, 2019

On this World AIDS Day we are reminded that it has been almost 40 years since the HIV epidemic hit, taking the lives of so many of our loved ones.  While much progress has been made and AIDS is no longer an absolute death sentence, there is still so much more to be done, as … More World AIDS Day Reminds Criminalization of Sexuality Impedes Eradication of HIV AIDS

UN LGBT Expert Says Policymakers are Making Preconceived Prejudiced Decisions

June 17, 2019

Sexual orientation and gender identity: policymakers are taking decisions in the dark, says UN expert Information about the lived realities of LGBT people around the world is, at best, incomplete and fragmented, but in most countries it is simply non-existent, said the United Nations Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual … More UN LGBT Expert Says Policymakers are Making Preconceived Prejudiced Decisions

Jubilation as Botswana High Court Rules to Decriminalize LGBTI

June 11, 2019

Botswana became the latest country to decriminalize LGBTI individuals  Tuesday when the High Court rejected as unconstitutional sections of the penal code that punish same-sex relations with up to seven years in prison. Jubilant activists in the packed courtroom cheered the unanimous decision in the southern African nation. It came less than a month after Kenya’s … More Jubilation as Botswana High Court Rules to Decriminalize LGBTI

Kenyan Court Postpones much anticipated ruling on Criminalization of Homosexuality

February 22, 2019

The much anticipated ruling in the case challenging the Kenyan anti-Homosexuality Clauses of the Penal Code which criminalizes homosexuality has been postponed. Eric Gitari v Attorney General & another (Petition no. 150 of 2016), brought by the National Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (NGLHRC) challenges Sections 162 a) c) 163, 165, of the Kenyan Penal … More Kenyan Court Postpones much anticipated ruling on Criminalization of Homosexuality

Botswana’s New President Groundbreaking Support for LGBTI Rights

December 11, 2018

The recently appointed President of Botswana has been applauded for publicly speaking out in support of LGBTI people. Now he should take the step to promote repeal of Botswana’s criminalizing laws In April Botswana’s new President, Mokgweetsi Masisi, took office, heralding hope for the furthering of human and civil rights in the country.  Launching the country’s … More Botswana’s New President Groundbreaking Support for LGBTI Rights

The First Report to Look at HIV Criminalization in Georgia

January 10, 2018

With thanks to the The Williams Institute (UCLA School of Law) : Georgia, USA, laws that criminalize people living with HIV have resulted in 571 arrests from 1988 to September 2017, according to state-level criminal history record information analyzed by the Williams Institute. Findings show some disparities in enforcement of the laws based on race, … More The First Report to Look at HIV Criminalization in Georgia

United Nations Human Rights Address warns of Mounting LGBTQI Human Rights Violations

November 4, 2017

In a landmark address, the United Nation’s first-ever independent expert investigating violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity warned that LGBTQ people around the world are facing mounting human rights violations. Speaking before the U.N. General Assembly on Friday, Vitit Muntarbhorn, whose position was created last June, presented his full report on the global … More United Nations Human Rights Address warns of Mounting LGBTQI Human Rights Violations

Boksburg Communiqué Report on SRHR and HIV/AIDS Services for Key Populations In ESA

September 24, 2014

By Melanie Nathan, September 23, 2014. I participated in this forum back in May, in South Africa, as a panel speaker with Justice Edwin Cameron, on the issue of homophobia in Africa and its impact on key populations, and was also panel chair.  Here is, with thanks to SAfAIDS, the Boksburg Communiqué on the Tweet@ble … More Boksburg Communiqué Report on SRHR and HIV/AIDS Services for Key Populations In ESA

Homophobic Jamaican Queen Ifrica Axed from Concert

May 24, 2014

Council Member Dromm and Jamaican LGBT activists call for cancellation of Queen Ifrica concert in Queens and Amazura Concert Hall complies Posted by Melanie Ntahan, May 24, 2014. On May 23rd New York City Council Member Daniel Dromm and Jamaica Anti-Homophobia Stand (JAHS) protested in front of Amazura Concert Hall in Jamaica, Queens, calling for … More Homophobic Jamaican Queen Ifrica Axed from Concert

Zambia and Ethiopia are the ‘next Uganda’

May 12, 2013

Anti-gay sentiment increases after the export of more Western Evangelical hate By Cathy Kristofferson Zambia and Ethiopia appear poised to be the next ‘Kill the Gays’ countries.  Is that really something nations should aspire to?  Melanie Nathan has documented the current struggles in Zambia here on OBLOGDEE , from the arrest of HIV/AIDS rights activist … More Zambia and Ethiopia are the ‘next Uganda’

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

Africa | Zambian Law Student Beaten Perceived Gay

April 7, 2012

Calling for a more calculated course to curb Africa’s anti-gay human rights path while  admonishments seem to cause backlash By Melanie Nathan, April 07, 2012 Educated people know that being gay is not a lifestyle it is simply a state of being. It is a concomitant of one’s makeup, a birth right,  if you will. … More Africa | Zambian Law Student Beaten Perceived Gay

Mr Gay World Includes Finalists from Criminalizing African Countries

February 21, 2012

Historic participation as Africa continues draconian criminalization of homosexuality by Melanie Nathan, February 21, 2012 For the first time black Africans will participate in the Mr. Gay World contest being held in Johannesburg, South Africa, sending a  powerful message of hope to LGBTI people in Africa and the rest of the World. The delegates representing … More Mr Gay World Includes Finalists from Criminalizing African Countries

Uganda Parliament to Debate Anti-Homosexuality Bill Next Week

February 4, 2012

The Anti-homosexuality Bill has become known as the Kill-The-Gays-Bill and has caused an international outcry. by Melanie Nathan, 02/04/2012 7:00 AM Uganda’s, Anti Homosexuality bill of  2009 is due for debate when parliament resumes business in Uganda next week, according to a source who made contact with me.  This Bill includes the death penalty for … More Uganda Parliament to Debate Anti-Homosexuality Bill Next Week

Breaking: Facebook Timeline Glitch Could Cause Danger for GAY LGBTI Users

January 8, 2012

UPDATE: 8-08-2012 –  It would seem from checking back at the site concerned that the problem has been resolved.  It may not have been a problem at all, it is difficult to tell. However, exercising caution when using social media is advised at all time. by Melanie Nathan, Jan 08, 2011 SAN FRANCISCO –  Facebook … More Breaking: Facebook Timeline Glitch Could Cause Danger for GAY LGBTI Users

STOP NIGERIA NOW!

November 30, 2011

“When governments legitimate persecution – they provide the license for genocide! ” –  Melanie Nathan, International Human Rights Advocate… Nigerian Senate Votes for an Anti-Gay Law by Peter Tatchell  Sweeping criminalization contravenes Article 42 of the Nigerian constitution Same-sex marriage and civil unions to be banned 14 years jail for participants, 10 years jail for … More STOP NIGERIA NOW!