Survey
* Your assessment is very important for improving the workof artificial intelligence, which forms the content of this project
* Your assessment is very important for improving the workof artificial intelligence, which forms the content of this project
THE GLOBAL FIGHT FOR LGBT HUMAN RIGHTS By: Doug Waterman The Gay Rights Movement by Definition The Gay Rights Movement is considered to be one of the more recent Human Rights Movements. According to the American Psychological Association, “Whether persecuted or accepted, historians believe that same-sex relationships existed in every culture (Morris). There is no centralized organization established to promote the LGBT rights cause, though numerous organizations exist on a worldwide scale. Based on sexual orientation such as Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual, Transgender. Over the years, the definition has expanded to include the terms “Queer”, “Questioning”, “Intergender” and “Asexual”. “Homosexuals have been called a “People without Rights, “Deviants”, “Worse than dogs and pigs” and “invisible” in numerous different countries. They have been vilified as pedophiles, home wreckers, and social outcasts. Homosexuals have been around since antiquity.” (Dicklitch 449) A Look at the Facts “Human rights abuses based on sexual orientation or gender can include violation of the rights of the child; the infliction of torture and cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment (Article 5); arbitrary detention on grounds of identity or beliefs (Article 9); the restriction of freedom of association (Article 20) and the denial of the basic rights of due process” All contained within the Universal Declaration on Human Rights (Amnesty International) In its 2011 report, the UN Human Rights Council have reported “bias driven murders” of members of the LGBT Community across the globe. “Honor Killings” are also listed as part of the discriminatory practices against the LGBT community. (Annual Report 2011) Reports of Rape, Beatings, Torture and other “no-lethal” acts have been reported in regions throughout the world In 76 countries it is illegal to engage homosexual conduct and is punishable by death penalty in five countries – Iran, Mauritania, Saudi Arabia, Sudan and Yemen Photo Provided Via BuzzFeed History and Development Although it is classified as a “newer” human rights movement, the LGBT movement has deeply seeded historical aspects As far back as the centuries B.C.E, homosexuality is seen “favorably”, with numerous historic accounts of homosexual activities between officials In 1533, King Henry passed “The Buggery Act” making sodomy illegal throughout England and punishable by death Homosexual behavior was not considered “acceptable” by societal standards during the 18th and 19th century. The 1600’s saw the expansion of anti-sodomy laws in the Connecticut Colony, and the First hanging for the charge of Sodomy in the Virginia Colony The Dutch Republic experienced a “panic” regarding sodomy and thus leading to severe prosecution from 1730-1798 History and Development According to an article in 18th Century Life, the earliest account of defense for LGBT rights came in the writings of Thomas Cannon, where he claimed "Unnatural Desire is a Contradiction in Terms; downright Nonsense. Desire is an amatory Impulse of the inmost human Parts: Are not they, however constructed, and consequently impelling, Nature?“ (Gladfelder) Around the same time, Jeremy Bentham argues for the first time, to see an abolishment of Anti-Sodomy Laws in England. As per our October class lecture, Jeremy Bentham is considered to be the father of the Utilitarianism philosophy, and believed in the greater good fro the greatest number. (Essay on “Paederasty) The 19th & 20th century saw a large rise in Anti-LGBT sentiment not only in Europe, but also in The United States Human rights activists argue that historical violation have not only violated the U.N Charter and the UDHR, but some can argue that deeper aspects exist on the human rights scale. According to the DeLaet reading The Global Struggle for Human Rights, the treatment of Homosexuals are in direct violation of their (a) First Generation Rights, which are considered the right to life, liberty and security of person (b) Second Generation Rights, which cover the right to housing, medical care, etc., and also Third Generation Rights which are often referred to as “collective or “group” rights. (DeLaet, 20) A Global Snapshot A large divide exists on whether homosexuality should be accepted or rejected in society According to Pew Research, while views towards the acceptance of homosexuality have been relatively consistent over the years, South Korea, Canada and The United States report a rise of 10% in acceptance of homosexuality since 2007 (Pew Research) Religion and Development are considered to be major factors in countries vision of homosexual acceptance (Pew Research) A Global Snapshot • While there is widespread discrimination throughout Africa, The Middle East, parts of Asia, South America, Europe, Canada and Australia offer recognition in some form. • The United States, China, few South American Countries have established no formal legislation regarding the rights of Gays and Lesbians • Russia, although they have not enacted specific legislation, has enacted legislation banning “gay propaganda” and “gay adoption” • 11 countries currently allow same-sex couples to marry, including the United States (in some states), the Netherlands, South Africa, Canada, Belgium, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Portugal, Iceland, and Argentina. (DoSomething.Org) • Human Rights violations consist of Violations of a person right to a sustainable life, security, development, fair trial and numerous others WARNING: THE FOLLOWING 7 SLIDES MAY CONTAIN GRAPHIC IMAGERY/VIDEO THAT SOME MAY FIND UNSUITABLE TO VIEW. PLEASE USE DISCRETION The United States While many consider the LGBT Rights movement to be a success in the U.S, the maps to the right tell a different story. 26 out of 50 states have no state or local Anti-Gay Discrimination Bans Homosexual men face a lifetime ban on blood donations, though the FDA is considering allowing donations as long as gay men are celibate for 12 months or more () Gay Marriage is considered fully legal in 32 out of 50 states (Human Rights Campaign) 11 states still maintain Gay Marriage Bans, and 4 are awaiting decision. (Human Rights Campaign) The only two federal laws that protect LGBT individuals are the Matthew Sheppard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Act, and the Repeal of The Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell Policy of the U.S Military (Human Rights Campaign) As of 2011 FBI Statistics report, Anti-Gay hate crimes totaled 1,206 (Tzatzev) The Middle East LGBT Rights are considered to be a very large human rights violation in this region Most countries in the Middle East have not legalized Homosexuality, with the exception of Israel, Egypt, West Bank and Jordan ("LGBT Rights In Israel & The Middle East.“) Iran is the only Middle Eastern country that still puts homosexuals to death Above: Iran hangs 3 homosexual men Anti-Discrimination Laws exist nowhere in the Middle East, but in Israel Below: Israeli’s celebrate Gay Pride Israel is the only country in the Middle East where “honor killings” are outlawed ("LGBT Rights In Israel & The Middle East.“) In many Middle Eastern countries, families hire outside individuals to torture and kill gay family members Uganda In 2014, Uganda introduced the “Anti-Homosexuality Act. In the same year, a local newspaper posted pictures of “Uganda’s 100 Top Homos” (BBC) This act stated ” The offence of homosexuality"--which includes the act of "touching another person with the intention of committing the act of homosexuality"--was made punishable by "imprisonment for life,“ (Daugirdas) U.S President has condemned law stating “The Anti-Homosexuality Bill in Uganda, once law, will be more than an affront and a danger to the gay community in Uganda. It will also be a step backward for all Ugandans and reflect poorly on Uganda's commitment to protecting the human rights of its people. It also will mark a serious setback for all those around the world who share a commitment to freedom, justice and equal rights (Daugirdas) No De Jure protections exist for homosexuals in Uganda Head of state is know to actively campaign against LGBT community (Dicklitch) On November 10th 2014, Uganda announced that they will pas a law against “unnatural acts” that will “withstand any legal challenges. (BBC) In December of 2014, Uganda introduced The Prohibition of Promotion of Unnatural Sexual Practices Bill of 2014‘, making it a crime to support homosexuality (Huffington Post) Russia In July 2013, President Putin signed a law allowing authorities to arrest any tourist of foreigner that they deemed to be homosexual (Fierstein, New York Times) In February 2014, Russia enacted legislation that would ban adoption by single individuals living in countries where LGBT rights are recognized. Russia has claimed “traditional values” in order to justify their Anti- Gay Propaganda law, which would make it illegal for gay right advocates to vocally protest their support. (Wilkinson) Police use riot gear and tear gas to disperse protestors Former Russian military escort homosexual man from protest Below: Depiction of the murder of American Matthew Sheppard Stoning of a gay teenager in Somalia Above: Russian Authorities attempt to arrest couple for “homosexual acts”. Openly gay Iranian Teenagers executed by hanging. Right: Russian men kidnap and torture homosexual youth Russia anti-gay torture of 2014 Occupy Pedofilyay’s quickly growing sister movement, “Occupy Gerontilyaj” (Occupy Gerontophilia), aims to catch and torture young teenage boys typically ranging in age between 15-17 who are looking to meet older men. (Gailygrind) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bgx6CWXbcTM The Cause? In large part, the LGBT Human rights violations are largely based in countries with strong religious convictions Societal norms in different parts of the world dictate acceptance/rejection of Homosexuals Though it is denied, many still have a fear that homosexuality is contagious, unnatural, demonic or a “phase” Many perceive Homosexuals as pedophiles. Very little research has been conducted in this area as all that has shows no linkage between homosexuality and pedophilia Familial upbringing Cultural practices and beliefs Many argue that due to a lack of any “specialized human rights treaties”, violations will likely continue. Evolution: Who started it Though the names Harvey Milk, Morris Night, and Craig Rodwell are though of as pioneers of the Gay Rights Movement, the history goes back much longer. German-English Writer George Cecil Ives established the first homosexual right group entitled The Order of Chaeronea in England in 1897 (University of Texas Library) Emma Goldman was the first woman and American to speak publicly in favor of gay rights in 1910 Harry Hay formed the Mattchine Society in 1950, as a self described “homophile”(Barrman) Evolution and Current status of LGBT Rights Movement IGOs UN HRC (limited) NGOs Not many IGO’s or Governments are directly involved in the advocating for gay rights. (Arc International) Amnesty International Human Rights Campaign ARC International Numerous regional LGBT Organizations throughout the world. See link below for full list. Some countries, like Uganda have banned NGO support of LGBT members and from “meddling in African affairs. (Newsweek) http://internationalspectrum.umich.edu/global/world wideorgs Successes Failures NGOs have made a multitude of progress United Nations still has yet to unilaterally act worldwide on the issues of discrimination and in defense of LGBT rights equal rights Many governments (especially in Middle East In the United States and Across the Globe, and Africa) still turn a blind eye to abuse of Gay Marriage is a growing movement LGBT individuals More openly LGBT individuals are serving in Employment discrimination is still a global government problem for LGBT community More awareness for Trans-gender Community Strategies Promote policies that advance economic fairness and safety including access to economic benefits; relationship recognition; employment non-discrimination and safety from violence, harassment and mistreatment Expand the base of support for LGBT rights by joining forces with other movements that increase engagement with other allied movements Build effective leaders and organizations that are coordinated, connected and collaborating across regions and constituencies Increase public support for LGBT rights by promoting awareness through communications, media and technology Ford Foundation: Advancing LGBT Rights : http://www.fordfoundation.org/issues/sexuality-and-reproductivehealth-and-rights/advancing-lgbt-rights My Inspiration: Harvey Milk • Harvey Milk formed the nations first ever LGBT business association in San Francisco • Milk was the first openly gay elected politician in the United States when he was elected to the San Francisco board of Supervisors • Milk worked tirelessly for the rights of LGBT citizens in San Francisco and was dubbed “The Mayor of Castro Street”. • Harvey Milk was assassinated on November 27, 1978, leaving behind a legacy of advocacy that will not soon be forgotten Work Cited "11 Facts About Gay Rights." DoSomething.org. Web. 01 Dec. 2014. <https://www.dosomething.org/facts/11-facts-about-gay-rights>. "About LGBT Human Rights." Amnesty International USA. Web. 02 Dec. 2014. <http://www.amnestyusa.org/our-work/issues/lgbtrights/about-lgbt-human-rights>. "Advancing LGBT Rights." The Ford Foundation. Web. 04 Dec. 2014. <http://www.fordfoundation.org/issues/sexuality-andreproductive-health-and-rights/advancing-lgbt-rights>. "Annual Report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights." Discriminatory Laws and Practices and Acts of Violence against Individuals Based on Their Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (2011). Office of The High Commissioner for Human Rights. Unite Nations, 17 Nov. 2011. Web. 01 Dec. 2014. <http://www.ohchr.org/documents/issues/discrimination/a.hrc.19.41_english.pdf>. Barrman, Jay. "The Gay Rights Fight Started In California, Two Decades Before Stonewall." SFist. Web. 04 Dec. 2014. <http://sfist.com/2014/06/27/the_gay_rights_fight_started_in_cal.php>. Chalabi, Mona. "State-sponsored Homophobia: Mapping Gay Rights Internationally." The Guardian. 12 Dec. 2013. Web. 29 Nov. 2014. <http://www.theguardian.com/news/datablog/2013/oct/15/state-sponsored-homophobia-gay-rights>. Daugirdas, Kristina, and Julian D. Mortenson, eds. "United States Condemns Uganda's Antigay Law as Violating Human Rights." American Journal of International Law (2014). LexisNexis Academic. Web. 01 Dec. 2014. Dicklitch, Susan, Berwood Yost, and Bryan M. Dougan. "Building a Barometer of Gay Rights (BGR): A Case Study of Uganda and the Persecution of Homosexuals." Human Rights Quarterly 34.2 (2012): 448-71. JSTOR. Web. 30 Nov. 2014. Work Cited "Explore an Interactive Timeline of the U.S. Gay Rights Movement." Time. Time, 21 Oct. 2013. Web. 01 Dec. 2014. <http://time.com/184/gay-rights-timeline/>. Fierstein, Harvey. "Russia’s Anti-Gay Crackdown." The New York Times 21 July 2013. Print. "Gay Teenager Kidnapped And Tortured By Russian Neo Nazi Group Is Believed To Have Died From His Injuries (Video) - The Gaily Grind." The Gaily Grind. Web. 02 Dec. 2014. <http://www.thegailygrind.com/2013/08/06/gay-teenagerkidnapped-and-tortured-by-russian-neo-nazi-group-is-believed-to-have-died-from-his-injuries-video/>. "George Cecil Ives: An Inventory of His Papers at the Harry Ransom Humanities Research Center." University of Texas. Web. 01 Dec. 2014. <http://www.lib.utexas.edu/taro/uthrc/00060/hrc-00060.html>. Gladfelder, H. "In Search of Lost Texts: Thomas Cannon's Ancient and Modern Pederasty Investigated and Exemplify'd." Eighteenth-Century Life 31.1 (2007): 22-38. Web. "The Global Divide on Homosexuality." Pew Research Centers Global Attitudes Project RSS. 3 July 2014. Web. 02 Dec. 2014. <http://www.pewglobal.org/2013/06/04/the-global-divide-on-homosexuality/>. “The Global Divide on Homosexuality." Pew Research Centers Global Attitudes Project RSS. 4 June 2013. Web. 02 Dec. 2014. <http://www.pewglobal.org/2013/06/04/the-global-divide-on-homosexuality/>. Work Cited Hoft, Jim. "Iranian Regime Set to Execute Two Gay Men By Stoning." The Gateway Pundit. 18 Jan. 2011. Web. 01 Dec. 2014. <http://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2011/01/iranian-regime-set-to-execute-two-homosexual-men-by-stoning/>. "Homosexuality in Eighteenth-Century England." Homosexuality in Eighteenth-Century England. Web. 01 Dec. 2014. <http://rictornorton.co.uk/eighteen/index.htm>. IGLHRC: International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission. Web. 01 Dec. 2014. <http://iglhrc.org/>. ILGA - International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association. Web. 02 Dec. 2014. <http://ilga.org/>. "Jeremy Bentham: Offenses Against One's Self: Paederasty." Jeremy Bentham: Offenses Against One's Self: Paederasty. Web. 02 Dec. 2014. <http://paganpressbooks.com/jpl/JB-ESSAY.HTM>. "LGBT Rights In Israel & The Middle East." LGBT Rights In Israel & The Middle East. Stand With Us. Web. 01 Dec. 2014. <http://www.standwithus.com/booklets/lgbt/>. "LGBTQ Organizations Worldwide." Welcome. Web. 04 Dec. 2014. <http://internationalspectrum.umich.edu/global/worldwideorgs>. Martin, Claudia, and Diego Rodriguez-Pinzon. "The Rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgendered Peoples and International Human Rights Law." American University International Law Review 29.4 (2014): 755-60. Business Source Complete. Web. 31 Nov. 2014. Work Cited Morris, Bonnie J., PhD. "History of Lesbian, Gay, & Bisexual Social Movements." Http://www.apa.org. George Washington University. Web. 30 Nov. 2014. <http://www.apa.org/pi/lgbt/resources/history.aspx>. Okafor, Udoka. "The New Anti-Gay Bill Proposed By The Ugandan Parliament." The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com, 01 Dec. 2014. Web. 04 Dec. 2014. <http://www.huffingtonpost.com/udoka-okafor/the-new-antigay-billprop_b_6236390.html?utm_hp_ref=gay-voices>. Sonne, Paul. "Russia Tightens Anti-Gay Adoption Ban." The Wall Street Journal. Dow Jones & Company, 13 Feb. 2013. Web. 01 Dec. 2014. <http://online.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052702304434104579380613782162016>. Tzatzev, Aleksi. "Disturbing Trend Involving Anti-Gay Hate Crime In The US." Business Insider. Business Insider, Inc, 12 Dec. 2012. Web. 31 Nov. 2014. <http://www.businessinsider.com/anti-gay-hate-crime-stats-dont-budge-2012-12>. "Uganda Drafts New Anti-Gay Law Targeting NGOs." NewsWeek. Reuters, 28 Apr. 2014. Web. 01 Dec. 2014. <http://www.newsweek.com/uganda-drafts-new-anti-gay-law-targeting-ngos-248842>. "UN Issues First Report on Human Rights of Gay and Lesbian People." UN News Center. UN, 15 Dec. 2011. Web. 01 Dec. 2014. <http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=40743#.VH524DHF93k>. "Welcome to ARC International." ARC International. Web. 04 Dec. 2014. <http://arc-international.net/>. Wilkinson, Cai. "“Traditional Values” Into Practice: The Rise and Contestation of Anti-Homopropaganda Laws in Russia." Journal of Human Rights 13.3 (2014): 363-79. Print.