Tag: LGBTI

Scott Lively denied second Motion To Dismiss of Crimes Against Humanity charges

September 24, 2013

By Cathy Kristofferson, September 23, 2013 Today Scott Lively suffered another defeat in his quest to have the Crimes Against Humanity lawsuit brought against him by Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG) dismissed. As we reported here on OBLOGDEE, the Federal Court in Springfield ruled against Lively on August 14th to deny his first Motion To Dismiss, which … More Scott Lively denied second Motion To Dismiss of Crimes Against Humanity charges

Where is Outrage as Zambian Judge Orders Gay Activist Trial to Proceed

September 13, 2013

I AM WONDERING when we are going to hear more about this travesty from international activists. Has Russia put us to sleep on Africa? Usurping all our outrage for the human right infractions against LGBT people in Africa? By Melanie Nathan, September 13, 2013. The Lusaka High Court has ruled that trial should commence in … More Where is Outrage as Zambian Judge Orders Gay Activist Trial to Proceed

Scott Lively says The Rainbow Belongs to God not you Gays!

September 11, 2013

“A trap being laid for February’s Russian Olympics could give homosexuals a world-wide exclusive claim on the symbol of the rainbow. “ By Cathy Kristofferson, September 11, 2013 A blog post today from Scott Lively declares that “The Rainbow Belongs to God” something we gays apparently didn’t know when “it was appropriated by the homosexual movement.”  … More Scott Lively says The Rainbow Belongs to God not you Gays!

Does Ugandan Speaker Kadaga’s Launch of Human Rights Checklist Impact the Anti-Homosexuality Bill

September 11, 2013

Parliamentarians must apply Human Rights Test for Bills| Does this apply to the Kill the Gays Bill? By Melanie Nathan, September 11, 2013. In an ironic quest for legitimacy on the issue of human rights, Speaker of the Ugandan Parliament has urged Members “to always ensure that the bills and motions they consider pass the … More Does Ugandan Speaker Kadaga’s Launch of Human Rights Checklist Impact the Anti-Homosexuality Bill

Crucial leadership emerges on boycotts against anti-gay Russian laws

August 22, 2013

By Melanie Nathan, August 22, 2013. While the less educated on the realities and impacts of boycotting Russia because of its new Putin signed anti-gay laws, are quick to draw conclusions that boycotts are not working, relevant leadership emerges calling for persistent boycotts. Masha Gessen is emerging as the new and prized leadership, an imperative … More Crucial leadership emerges on boycotts against anti-gay Russian laws

Ghana Press misrepresents UNAIDS blaming AIDS and HIV on Homosexuality

August 20, 2013

By Melanie Nathan, August 20, 2013. In an unconscionable gross misrepresentation and twist of wording the press in the African country Ghana is seizing on the words of the UNAIDS (United Nation’s AIDS Organization) to further demonize homosexuality and local LGBTI people. Following a conference in Abidjan Cote D’Ivoire, as reflected in the  example of … More Ghana Press misrepresents UNAIDS blaming AIDS and HIV on Homosexuality

MA court declares evangelical pastor Lively must stand trial for Crimes Against Humanity

August 14, 2013

Evangelical homophobia spread in Uganda same as done in Russia and worldwide By Cathy Kristofferson, August 14, 2013 We are rejoicing today in Massachusetts. The Springfield Federal Court has ruled favorably, denying the motion to dismiss, in the Crimes Against Humanity case brought against the Commonwealth’s most anti-gay resident Scott Lively. The Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG) v. … More MA court declares evangelical pastor Lively must stand trial for Crimes Against Humanity

San Francisco LGBT community calls on Mayor Ed Lee to Boycott Russia

August 6, 2013

Russia Spills Gay Blood We Spill Russian Vodka at SAN FRANCISCO CITY HALL By Melanie Nathan.  August 07, 2013. “Russia Spills Gay Blood We Spill Russian Vodka” read my sign today, as I joined my fellow activists from Gays Without Borders, when we poured Russian vodka onto San Francisco’s street outside City Hall and called … More San Francisco LGBT community calls on Mayor Ed Lee to Boycott Russia

HRC Leading U.S. Gays in failing to take the ultimate stand against Russia’s anti-Gay laws

August 5, 2013

“The contradiction glares when HRC asks the IOC to ensure “special treatment’ for American athletes and visitors. I find it unconscionable of HRC not to be taking the ultimate stand for a BOYCOTT of the Olympic SOCHI Games in Russia and using their immense power and membership to demand that  IOC  move the games out … More HRC Leading U.S. Gays in failing to take the ultimate stand against Russia’s anti-Gay laws

As UN Launches Free and Equal Campaign Tutu speaks love and Mugabe death to Gays

July 26, 2013

We can try and change the tide of hate through education but will we if fail to hold leadership accountable? By Melanie Nathan, July 26, 2013. The United Nations is launching an unprecedented freedom, equality and anti-homophobia campaign amidst clashing ideologies in Southern Africa, not to mention the rest of Africa too. The launch of … More As UN Launches Free and Equal Campaign Tutu speaks love and Mugabe death to Gays

Cameroon men found guilty of being gay sentenced to prison terms

July 23, 2013

By Melanie Nathan, July 23, 2013. Two men have been found guilty and sentenced to time in prison for being gay. The court in Yaounde, Cameroon sentenced Joseph Omgba, one of the men accused of homosexuality, to two years in prison and a younger man was sentenced to one year probation. Both have been in … More Cameroon men found guilty of being gay sentenced to prison terms

Haiti Religious Leaders to March Against LGBT Community

July 17, 2013

And the excuse – the fear of the marriage equality gains in the West By Cathy Kristofferson, July 17, 2013 Just as marriage equality’ is being celebrated in England and Wales, religious leaders in Haiti become the latest to use the threat of similar marriage legislation coming to that island as an excuse to march … More Haiti Religious Leaders to March Against LGBT Community

Making Love a Crime

June 30, 2013

Report by Amnesty International | Criminalization of Same-Sex Conduct in Sub-Saharan Africa June 28, 2013 This report provides an analysis of the legal environment and wider context of human rights violations against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) individuals in sub-Saharan Africa. Recent years have seen increasing reports of people being harassed, marginalized, discriminated … More Making Love a Crime

Obama clashes with Senegal President over gay rights

June 27, 2013

 By Melanie Nathan, June 27, 2013. President Barack Obama on Thursday praised the Supreme Court’s ruling on same-sex marriage as a “victory for American democracy” and even called the Prop 8 and DOMA Plaintiff’s to congratulate them while he was on board Air Force One heading out to Africa.  However AP has reported that his … More Obama clashes with Senegal President over gay rights

President Obama Must Speak for Gay Rights in Africa

June 27, 2013

By Cathy Kristofferson, June 26, 2013 President Obama’s comments about LGBT equality which he made today following the Supreme Court marriage equaity rulings challenges him to “walk the walk”— while on his week-long three country tour of Africa.  Today he commented after the Supreme Court of the United States ruled DOMA unconstitutional: “We are a … More President Obama Must Speak for Gay Rights in Africa

Uganda’s Parliament reconvenes to a clogged house including anti-gay Bill

June 24, 2013

By Melanie Nathan, June 24, 2013. The Ugandan Parliament’s legislators are about to reconvene. The Daily Monitor, has reported that as the Ugandan Parliament will have to deal with a “clogged agenda” in the House. There are many issues waiting to be considered, including the Anti-Homosexuality Bill, which has been lingering in Parliament over the … More Uganda’s Parliament reconvenes to a clogged house including anti-gay Bill

South African Lesbian photographer’s big ask of Norway’s Crown Princess

June 21, 2013

Please tell other Monarchs, especially in Africa, that being gay is OKAY By Melanie Nathan, June 21, 2013 The Crown Princess of Norway, Her Royal Highness Mette-Marit, met famed South African photographer, filmmaker and LGBTI activist Zanele Muholi recently at an exhibition of Muholi’s work in Norway. The event took place last night at the Kunstplass … More South African Lesbian photographer’s big ask of Norway’s Crown Princess

Call to Boycott Olympics in homophobic Russia reminds of Apartheid South Africa

June 19, 2013

“If they feel strongly about human rights they should boycott the Olympics in Sochi.” By Cathy Kristofferson, June 18, 2013 RUSA LGBT, a Russian-Speaking American LGBTQ group in New York City, is calling for a boycott of the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. The lower house of the Russian Duma  last week unanimously passed their … More Call to Boycott Olympics in homophobic Russia reminds of Apartheid South Africa

P.E. Herald Publishes Hate Ad designed to intimidate Gay Community

June 12, 2013

By Melanie Nathan, June 12, 2013. UPDATED 6/13/20123. P.E. Herald took swift action in  Apologizing to the South African Gay Community for an Ad that was placed on page 3 of their print publication: “The Herald Port Elizabeth – The Herald distances itself from the contents of this advert which goes against the basic tenets … More P.E. Herald Publishes Hate Ad designed to intimidate Gay Community

Breaking Gay Board Members attacked with hammers at meeting in Harare

June 6, 2013

By Melanie Nathan, June 06, 2013. Members of GALZ, an LGBT human rights organization in Harare, Zimbabwe, were attacked by five hammer wielding men during a board meeting at their offices. No injuries reported, however the group is extremely shaken. The attack occurred at GALZ offices  around 11 am on Thursday when five unknown men … More Breaking Gay Board Members attacked with hammers at meeting in Harare

Zambian High Court to hear Freedom of Expression challenge after call to hunt down homosexuals arrest

June 5, 2013

It is believed that Kasonkomona was specifically targeted amidst the Zambian government’s call to “hunt down homosexuals” By Cathy Kristofferson, June 05, 2013 The court case of Zambian Paul Kasonkomona which we have reported on here on OBLOGDEE was today transferred to that country’s High Court for the constitutional challenge Kasonkomona and his defense are seeking. … More Zambian High Court to hear Freedom of Expression challenge after call to hunt down homosexuals arrest

Uganda Prepares for Its Second Gay Pride

June 4, 2013

Despite all odds, the fearless continue …. and the least we can do as an international community is support this imperative statement… By Melanie Nathan, June 04, 2013. Last year, despite the climate of fervent anti-gay hostility, Ugandan volunteer LGBT activists accomplished what seemed impossible – they launched the first every Gay Pride celebration in … More Uganda Prepares for Its Second Gay Pride

Turkey’s ruling party says LGBTs ‘immoral’

June 1, 2013

“Isn’t there a place in Turkey for LGBT’s?” By Cathy Kristofferson, June 1, 2013 Just before Turkey exploded onto the international news scene with the current uprising in Taskim Square now labeled #OccupyGezi , we received a request to publicize the police suppression of this year’s Istanbul Gay Pride March which we did here.  While … More Turkey’s ruling party says LGBTs ‘immoral’

Breaking Nigeria passes sweeping anti-gay legislation

May 30, 2013

By Melanie Nathan, May 30, 2013. Today in Nigeria, lawmakers passed a bill Thursday banning gay marriage and outlawing anyone from forming organizations supporting gay rights, setting prison terms of up to 14 years for offenders. Nigeria’s House of Representatives approved the bill in a voice vote. In the meantime there may be  differences between … More Breaking Nigeria passes sweeping anti-gay legislation

Ugandan LGBT community arrests while protesting media closures

May 23, 2013

Today, we find these same people, abused by the press, actually outraged by the closure and protesting in defense of the press and the importance of its freedoms. By Melanie Nathan, May 23, 2013. Today several human rights defenders were arrested outside of the Daily Monitor as they rallied in solidarity against the Ugandan authorities … More Ugandan LGBT community arrests while protesting media closures

North Jersey Pride Set to Launch Pride Week 2013

May 20, 2013

Full Slate of LGBT Events Scheduled for June 3 through June 9 By Editors, May 20, 2013. Maplewood, N.J., May 20, 2013-  North Jersey Pride, the nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting equality, awareness, and understanding in the upper Garden State, today announced plans for its 2013 Pride Week. Throughout the week of June 3, the nonprofit is … More North Jersey Pride Set to Launch Pride Week 2013

Can there be a new politicized Johannesburg Pride

May 20, 2013

Revamping the dream for an all inclusive politicized Pride By Melanie Nathan. May 20, 2013. This Press Release passed our desk, in what seems to be a follow up to the very controversial events surrounding Johannesburg Pride over this past year and its subsequent cancellation: New Committee to Organise People’s Pride Johannesburg on 5 Oct. … More Can there be a new politicized Johannesburg Pride

IDAHOT Around the World | The good, the bad, and the ugly

May 18, 2013

By Cathy Kristofferson, May 18, 2013 The International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia – IDAHO, IDAHOT, IDAHOBIT or however you like it – annually celebrated on May 17, was conceived in 2004 to commemorate the World Health Organization’s decision to remove homosexuality from its list of mental disorders in 1990. This year over 100 … More IDAHOT Around the World | The good, the bad, and the ugly