Hot Bod Blog from freegayecards.net

HOT BOD BLOG HAS MOVED

2009-11-09T17:43:00.001Z

Hello Lovely Visitors,

Hot Bod Blog has moved. I have moved the blog 'in house' to my own servers, which means hotter, juicier pictures for you guys to enjoy. Please update your bookmarks to www.freegayecards.net/blog. You are welcome to enjoy the posts on this blog (if you can put up with that annoying popup!) but all new posts will be found on freegayecards.net/blog.

Annoying Popup Saga

2009-11-05T19:19:00.002Z

Thanks to those of you who sent helpful comments regards getting rid of the annoying popup. One suggestion is that my Blogger site has been infected. As I do not have access to Blogger servers I have decided to build an alternative Blog. I am slowly transferring all the links over and informing my link buddies. Once it's ready I will start posting on the new blog. Good news is I have set up the new blog with Sensualwriter so will be able to publish more explicit pictures for your enjoyment. I withheld doing so on Blogger for fear of censure. If you have the blog bookmarked as freegayecards.net/blog you need do nothing as the page will automatically forward to the new home. If you bookmarked freegayecards.blogspot.com, once the new blog is ready I will give you the new address. It's a pain having to transfer everything after all this time but I am sure you would prefer not having to see that annoying popup everytime you visit.

Thanks for your patience while I get the new blog ready. Normal posts will resume shortly.

Simon

Can Anyone Help?

2009-11-02T19:21:00.002Z

More on the annoying popup. Here's what it says: "A user name and password are being requested by http://www.wastedblogs.com.
The site says: "hotlinking sensualwriter.com/favicon.ico is forbidden, please notify
the webmaster of this blog about this problem he should remove the hotlink."

Now, I can't see anywhere on my blog that I have hotlinked to this icon. I didn't even know about hotlinking until this problem arose. Anyone see on the blog where it might be or know how to solve this problem? Thanks.

2009-11-02T19:04:00.000Z

Annoying Popup

2009-11-02T18:59:00.001Z

I'm sorry for the annoying popup you may be receiving when you view the blog. I have no idea how it got here or how I am "hotlinking" to wastedblogs.com. I will try to resolve the issue soon. If you press cancel a few times it eventually goes away.

2009-10-31T18:11:00.000Z

China

2009-10-22T16:54:00.001+01:00

The rights violated in this case include the freedom of assembly, association and freedom from arbitrary detention.

The Issue

On March 30 and April 3, 2009, in Renmin Gongyuan People's Park, police officers from the Guangzhou Public Security Bureau detained and questioned 50 and 60 men, respectively, who authorities believed to be engaging in sexual activities, as well as outreach workers from the Chi Heng Foundation who were providing safe sex education as part of an HIV prevention program. No formal charges were filed. Then, on August 25, 2009, the police attempted to forcibly eject 100 men from the park as well as outreach workers. The men protested this discriminatory treatment and ultimately convinced the police to leave the park. The police justified this most recent attempt to arrest and exclude men from the park by claiming to be responding to allegations by park visitors that some men, believed to be gay, were "harassing" people and committing minor property crimes, though the targeted men themselves were also being harassed and robbed.

Background

China decriminalized consensual same-sex acts in 1997 and removed homosexuality from its official list of mental disorders in 2001. Despite the existence of an estimated 100,000 or more HIV positive MSM in China, biased and misinformed policing still effectively criminalizes homosexuality and hampers effective AIDS-related activism and outreach. The Guangzhou police are violating both Chinese and international law by arresting men suspected of being gay and the HIV outreach workers, and preventing them from accessing Renmin Gongyuan People's Park.

Under Chinese Law, Article 35 of the Constitution of the People's Republic of China assures all citizens the right to enjoy freedom of speech, of assembly, of association, and of demonstration. The Regulation on the Prevention and Treatment of HIV/AIDS (Decree 457) also protects the legal rights of people living with HIV, including the right to education. It directs NGOs "to participate in AIDS educational communication," and instructs local governments to "encourage and support relevant organizations and individuals to carry out educational communication, counseling and supervision on AIDS prevention and treatment to the HIV infection vulnerable groups..." The Ministry of Health specifically includes men who have sex with men among the list of vulnerable groups.

Under international law, the right to freedom of association and assembly is guaranteed under Articles 21 and 22 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, Article 5 of the Declaration on Human Rights Defenders, and Article 5 of the Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, to all of which China is a party. The International Guidelines on HIV/AIDS and Human Rights (2006) also includes men who have sex with men among groups who are disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS and states that "[p]ublic health and an effective response to HIV are undermined by obstructing interaction and dialogue with and among such groups."

The Yogyakarta Principles on the application of international human rights law in relation to sexual orientation and gender identity, outline states' obligations to refrain from impeding "the exercise of the rights to peaceful assembly and association on grounds relating to sexual orientation or gender identity" and to "provide training and awareness-raising programmes to law enforcement authorities and other relevant officials to enable them to provide such protection."

The raids and patterns of harassment in Guangzhou discriminate against individuals by targeting them on the basis of their perceived sexual orientation. They also threaten access to the limited space that the gay and bisexual men of Guangzhou can access. Social spaces, such as public parks, are sites in which lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people build community and promote HIV education and prevention. These venues are particularly important since private space is less accessible to many Chinese gay men and lesbians, many of whom live with family and do not have the financial resources to obtain living spaces of their own.

Mr. Wu Sha Head, Guangzhou Public Security Bureau 200 Guangzhou Qiyi (Uprising) Road Guangzhou, China: email: xwk@vip.163.com

IGLHRC: email: communications+action.alert@iglhrc.org

Sample LetterMr. Wu Sha
Head, Guangzhou Public Security Bureau
Mr. Wu Sha:
Based on information from the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission and the Beijing Aizhixing Institute, I am writing to express concern and dismay at the repeated acts of arbitrary detention and harassment of the police towards HIV prevention outreach workers and men suspected of being gay in Guangzhou, China. In Renmin Gongyuan People's Park, on March 30 and April 3, 2009, the police of Guangzhou arrested and questioned 50 and then 60 men they believed to have been engaging in sexual relations with other men in the park, as well as outreach workers from the Chi Heng Foundation, who were providing education to men as part of their HIV/AIDS prevention program. No charges were filed in either incident. Then, on August 25, 2009, the police attempted to forcibly eject 100 men from the park as well as outreach workers, all of whom protested this treatment. The Guangzhou police are violating both Chinese and international law by limiting access to Renmin Gongyuan People's Park, and I call on you to end this discriminatory campaign.
Under Chinese Law, Article 35 of the Constitution of the People's Republic of China assures all citizens the right to enjoy freedom of speech, of assembly, of association, and of demonstration. The Regulation on the Prevention and Treatment of HIV/AIDS (Decree 457) also protects the legal rights of people living with HIV, including the right to education. It directs NGOs "to participate in AIDS educational communication," and instructs local governments to "encourage and support relevant organizations and individuals to carry out educational communication, counseling and supervision on AIDS prevention and treatment to the HIV infection vulnerable groups..." The Ministry of Health specifically includes men who have sex with men among the list of vulnerable groups.
Under international law, the right to freedom of association and assembly is guaranteed under Articles 21 and 22 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, Article 5 of the Declaration on Human Rights Defenders, and Article 5 of the Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, to all of which China is a party. The International Guidelines on HIV/AIDS and Human Rights (2006) includes men who have sex with men among groups who are disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS and states that "[p]ublic health and an effective response to HIV are undermined by obstructing interaction and dialogue with and among such groups."
I call on you to respect the human rights of men wishing to use the park and human rights defenders providing safe sex education. Allow access to the park free from discrimination and harassment from the Guangzhou police and others, and provide training and awareness-raising programs to law enforcement authorities to, ensure that people are not targeted on the basis of actual or perceived sexual orientation nor because of their work as human rights defenders.
Truly yours,
Name:
Organization:
Country:

2009-10-21T15:56:00.000+01:00

2009-10-20T18:16:00.002+01:00

Uganda

2009-10-19T18:37:00.002+01:00

The Ugandan Parliament is now considering a homophobic law that would reaffirm penalties for homosexuality and criminalize the "promotion of homosexuality." The Anti-Homosexuality Bill of 2009 targets lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) Ugandans, their defenders and anyone else who fails to report them to the authorities whether they are inside or outside of Uganda. The International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC) and Sexual Minorities of Uganda (SMUG) are calling for the swift dismissal of the bill and human rights protections for all Ugandans, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Background

Uganda's Penal Code Article 145a already criminalizes "carnal knowledge of any person against the order of nature" - a charge used to prosecute, persecute and blackmail LGBT people with the threat of life imprisonment. The new bill would specifically penalize homosexuality, using life imprisonment to punish anything from sexual stimulation to simply "touch[ing] another person with the intention of committing the act of homosexuality." It also punishes "aggravated homosexuality" - including activity by "serial offenders" or those who are HIV positive - with the death penalty.

The bill criminalizes "promotion of homosexuality" in the form of funding and sponsoring LGBT organizations and broadcasting, publishing, or marketing materials on homosexuality and punishes these acts with a steep fine, 5-7 years of imprisonment, or both. Any person in authority who fails to report known violations of the law within 24 hours will also be subject to a significant fine and up to 3 years in prison - even when this means turning in their colleagues, family, or friends. More shocking, the bill claims jurisdiction over Ugandans who violate its provisions while outside of the country.

The bill effectively bans any kind of community or political organizing around non-heteronormative sexuality. It will lend itself to misapplication and abuse, and implicitly encourages persecution of LGBT people by private actors. HIV prevention activities in Uganda, which rely on an ability to talk frankly about sexuality and provide condoms and other safer-sex materials, will be seriously compromised. Women, sex workers, people living with AIDS, and other marginalized groups may also find their activities tracked and criminalized through this bill.

The Anti-Homosexuality Bill of 2009 not only violates multiple protections guaranteed by the Constitution of Uganda, which ensures independence for human rights non-governmental organizations, but contravenes the African Charter on Human and People's Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), and other international human rights treaties to which Uganda is a party. This bill undermines Uganda's commitment to the international human rights regime and threatens the basic human rights of all its citizens.

Join the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC) and Sexual Minorities of Uganda (SMUG) in calling for the swift dismissal of the Anti-Homosexuality Bill of 2009 and the protection of all Ugandans, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Sample Letter

Your Excellencies:

I am writing to express concern about legislation that would severely restrict the rights of Ugandan citizens, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people and their defenders, in direct contravention of domestic and international law. The Anti-Homosexuality Bill of 2009 would not only reaffirm penalties for homosexuality, but would criminalize the "promotion of homosexuality," including funding and sponsoring LGBT organizations and broadcasting, publishing, or marketing materials on homosexuality. Any person in authority who fails to report known violations of the law within 24 hours will also be subject to a significant fine and up to 3 years in prison - even when this means turning in their colleagues, family, or friends.

The negative repercussions of the bill in Uganda will be immediate and severe. It effectively bans the free association and expression that are necessary for a flourishing civil society, and creates a climate of fear and hostility that undermines the citizenship and solidarity of all Ugandans. It will lend itself to misapplication and abuse, and implicitly encourages persecution of LGBT people by private actors. Effective HIV prevention activities in Uganda, which rely on an ability to talk frankly about sexuality and provide condoms and other safer-sex materials, will be difficult, if not impossible.

The Anti-Homosexuality Bill violates National Objective 5(2) of the Ugandan Constitution, which provides that "the State shall guarantee and respect the independence of non-governmental organizations which protect and promote human rights." Moreover, it directly violates the right to equality and freedom from discrimination (Article 21), the right to privacy (Article 27), the right to freedoms of speech, expression, association, and assembly (Article 29), the protection of minorities (Article 36), and the protection of civic rights and activities (Article 38) to which all Ugandans are entitled. It also violates the African Charter on Human and People's Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and other international human rights treaties to which Uganda is a party. This bill undermines Uganda's commitment to the international human rights regime and threatens the basic human rights of all its citizens.

The Bill's revocation of fundamental rights would also seriously undermine the country's reputation and credibility in the international arena. Because it claims jurisdiction over Ugandans who violate its provisions while outside of the country, the Bill will strain Uganda's relations with regional and international partners.

While people may hold differing opinions about sexual orientation and gender identity, the legislation before Parliament is an ineffective and fundamentally illegal way to express opposition to a minority group. In recognition of the importance of a diverse, dynamic civil society and the domestic and international commitments that Uganda has made, I urge you to swiftly dismiss the Anti-Homosexuality Bill of 2009 and reaffirm the rights and responsibilities of all Ugandans.

Truly yours,

Name:
Organization:
Country:

Please send your letter to:

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni
State House Nakasero
email: info@statehouse.go.ug

Prime Minister Apollo Nsibambi
email: ps@opm.go.ug

Speaker of the Parliament
Edward Ssekandi Kiwanuka
email: speaker@parliament.go.ug

Minister of Gender, Labour, and Social Affairs
Honorable Opio Gabriel
email: ps@mglsd.go.ug

Chair of the Uganda Human Rights Commission
Med Kaggwa
email: uhrc@uhrc.ug

Directorate for Ethics and Integrity
email: info@dei.go.ug
Chair of the Uganda Diplomatic Human Rights Working Groups
Mathisen Gørild
email: gorild.mathisen@mfa.no

Please also send a copy to:
Ambassador to the Republic of Uganda Embassy of the United States of America

Jerry P. Lanier
email: kampalawebcontact@state.gov

IGLHRC
email: communications+action.alert@iglhrc.org

Send an email and fax to:

Ambassador to the US
Perezi K. Kamunanwire
Fax: 1-202-726-1727
email: pkamunanwire@ugandaembassyus.org

Permanent Representative of the Republic of Uganda to the United Nations
Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda
Fax: 1-212-687-4517
email: pkamunanwire@ugandaembassyus.org

Click here for automatic sending via the charity web site.

2009-10-16T18:09:00.000+01:00

Hello Guys!

Just some news about site updates and changes.

Firstly, the free toolbar has undergone a bit of a makeover, with a new look and new tools. The cool new blue buttons give the toolbar a more sleek and professional look that matches the main site colour scheme.

If you haven't yet taken a look at the toolbar page, just go to www.freegayecards.net/toolbar and see what you are missing. Here is a summary of the benefits:

Send a free e-card wherever you are on the Web. Convenient one button access.

Gay search tool. Search three major gay directories from your desktop without having to visit each one plus: Google Search, Dictionary Search. Encyclopedia Search, Images Search, News Search, Software Search, Shopping Search, eBay Search, Stocks Search and Weather Search.

Latest gay news headlines. Stay up to date with all things gay with our gay news ticker. All the latest gay news headlines linked to the full story online.

Gay Radio/Pod cast player. Listen to pre-loaded gay radio Internet stations while you surf and easily add your own favourite local, national and global stations.

Facebook Live Notifier. Change your status, share content with your friend and get notified about new messages - directly from your toolbar.

Get notified when you receive new e-mails to your POP3, Yahoo!, GMail or hotmail accounts and access them all from your browser window. Automatic and continual email log-in, so there is no need to refresh pages or remember passwords. All email accounts aggregated in one convenient location on the toolbar.

Tons of useful gadgets and games including: Sudoku, calculator, YouTube top ten, notes, Wikipedia search, birthday reminder, invaders, To do, calorie calculator and more.

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Add your own tools and gadgets. Customise your toolbar with a choice of hundreds of cool, useful tools you’ll love, right from the toolbar.

Includes un-installer. No spy ware. Does not hijack your searches. No pop ups. No personal information required.

Elsewhere, I have given up running a dedicated dating section for the site. Although it was getting plenty of visitors, income has proved non-existent, so instead I've teamed up with Gay Friend Finder. This well-established site offers all the things the old dating site offered, including millions of members worldwide, webcam chat, videos, blogs, a magazine and community. Check it out at www.freegayecards.net/dating.

I have also set up a new shop. Called The Man Shop, it contains thousands of man-friendly digital products ready for instant download. These make great e-gifts to go with your e-cards or why not spoil yourself. With over 11,000 products to choose from, you are bound to find something of interest. All are covered by a money-back guarantee and your transactions are safe and secure. Check it out at www.freegayecards.net/shop.

The printed gay cards are still available but have been moved to www.freegayecards.net/cards.

I have decided to drop the video section. Although many of the cards on the site are of an adult nature, I decided not to go down the 'pure porn' route.

That's it for now. All the best.

Simon

2009-10-16T18:06:00.000+01:00

Obama Addresses Gay Rights Group [Human Rights Campaign]

2009-10-12T18:47:00.002+01:00

2009-10-12T16:08:00.000+01:00

2009-10-09T19:31:00.000+01:00

2009-10-07T18:19:00.000+01:00

2009-10-05T14:20:00.000+01:00

2009-09-30T19:39:00.000+01:00

2009-09-29T19:00:00.000+01:00

2009-09-28T18:25:00.000+01:00

2009-09-27T17:57:00.000+01:00

2009-09-23T18:12:00.000+01:00

2009-09-22T19:16:00.000+01:00

2009-09-20T19:03:00.000+01:00

Argentina: Action Alert -- Demand Investigation Into Attacks

2009-09-17T16:03:00.001+01:00

The rights violated in this case include: The right to life and security, the right to be free from torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, the right to be free from discrimination, the right to equality before the law, and the right to freedom of expression.

The Issue

On July 19, 2008, Ian Breppe was verbally assaulted with reference to his transgender identity by the owner of a butcher shop near his bicycle repair shop. The butcher shop owner then beat Ian up. When Ian reported this assault at the police station in La Matanza, the officers rejected the complaint and verbally humiliated him.

The next year, on April 10, 2009, Ian was verbally abused by David Martin Albarran, who grabbed him by his hair, dragged him around, beat him, and then finally threw him against the window, causing Ian serious injuries. Ian had three tendons cut in his right foot, his ribs cracked, and was bruised on various parts of his body He brought complaints to the Attorney General of La Matanza and to the National Institute against Discrimination, Xenophobia and Racism, which is part of the Ministry of Justice, Security and Human Rights of Argentina. Neither of these institutions responded to the complaints.

These acts of threats and violence against Ian are indicators of systemic violence against trans people in La Matanza. The perpetrators of these acts remain unpunished because they have the implicit support of the police and municipal authorities. Perpetrators have even boasted of having the direct support of the police in other cases. This intolerance, discrimination, and abuse, based on gender identity manifests itself daily in various towns in the Province of Buenos Aires.

Action

The International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC) joins Movimiento Antidiscriminatorio de Liberación (MAL) and other organizations in requesting that you contact the Ministry of Justice, Security and Human Rights, the Attorney General of La Matanza, the Director of Human Rights of La Matanza and other authorities, demanding a full and fair investigation into these attacks and calling for the adoption of measures to prevent similar crimes in the future.

Send this message translated into Spanish to the Argentinian authorities.

Subject: Demandemos Investigaciones y Acciones por Sucesivos Ataques a Transgenreo en La Matanza

Letter in Spanish:

JEMPLO DE CARTA

Dr. Julio Cesar Alak
Ministerio de Justicia, Seguridad y Derechos Humanos de la Nación

Ministro Alak,

Le escribo para expresar mi preocupación por los sucesivos ataques a personas trans y personas con orientación sexual e identidades de genero minoritarias en La Matanza, incluyendo los ataques sufridos por Ian Breppe el 18 de julio de 2008 y el 10 de abril de 2009. En ambas ocasiones Ian fue agredido verbalmente y atacado físicamente a causa de su identidad de género, y en ambos casos cuando intento denunciar los incidentes fue ignorado y humillado por las autoridades.

Como signatario de diversos tratados y declaraciones internacionales, como la Declaracion Universal de los Derechos Humanos, el Pacto Internacional de Derechos Politicos y Civiles, la Convencion en Contra de la Tortura, la Convencion Americana de Derechos Humanos y la Convencion Interamericana para Prevenir y sancionar la Tortura, es la obligación de Argentina de asegurar que las violaciones a los Derechos Humanos sean investigadas exhaustivamente y que los culpables sean llevados a la justicia. Estos ataques impunes hacia las personas transgénero son una clara violación a estos tratados del derecho a la vida y a la seguridad personal a no ser sometido a tortura o trato cruel, inhumano o degradante, a ser libre de discriminación, a igualdad ante la ley y a la libertad de exresion (DUDH Arts. 2, 3, 5, 7, 19; PIDPC Arts. 2, 7, 9, 19, 26; CACT Arts. 2, 10, 12, 14; Convencion Americana Arts. 1, 4, 5, 13, 24, 25; CIPTTID Arts. 1, 8).

Asimismo, los principios de Yogyakarta sobre la Aplicación del Derecho Internacional Humanitario en Relación con la Orientación Sexual y la Identidad de Género especifica que “Toda persona, con independencia de su orientación sexual o identidad de género, tiene derecho a la seguridad personal y a la protección del Estado frente a todo acto de violencia o atentado contra la integridad personal que sea cometido por funcionarios públicos o por cualquier individuo, grupo o institución.” y que los estados “Adoptarán todas las medidas policíacas y de otra índole que sean necesarias a fin de prevenir todas las formas de violencia y hostigamiento relacionadas con la orientación sexual y la identidad de género y a brindar protección contra estas y adoptarán todas las medidas legislativas necesarias para imponer castigos penales apropiados por violencia, amenazas de violencia, incitación a la violencia y hostigamientos relacionados con la orientación sexual o la identidad de género de cualquier persona o grupo de personas (Principio 5).

Por todo lo anterior demandamos que:

* Las autoridades Argentinas condenen públicamente estos hechos, efectúen una investigación exhaustiva sobre los mismos, los responsables sean llevados a la justicia para que sean castigados de acuerdo a la ley.

* Apoyen a las organizaciones, activistas y víctimas locales en sus demandas a la justicia referentes a estos crímenes.

* Que las Instituciones de Derechos Humanos, Justicia en conjunto con la policía implementen un programa de prevención, investigación, seguimiento y acompañamiento de los crímenes y situaciones de discriminación asociadas a la orientación sexual y la identidad de género.

* También pedimos se realicen todas las acciones necesarias para procurar que estos hechos no se repitan en el futuro y que incluyan a la comunidad LGBTI dentro de los planes de desarrollo y seguridad del Municipio de La Matanza.

Las autoridades de Argentina deberían respetar y proteger los Derechos Humanos de Ian Breppe, y de todos los ciudadanos y ciudadanas sin discriminación por orientación sexual e identidad de género.

Confiamos en que Ud. le dará a este asunto la atención que se merece.

Cordialmente,

Letter in English:

Sample Letter

(English translation)

Minister Alak,

I am writing to express my deep concern over reports of the attacks on trans people and other people with minority sexual orientations and gender identities in La Matanza, including the attacks against Ian Breppe on 19 July 2008 and 10 April 2009. On both occasions Ian was verbally harassed and physically attacked because of his gender identity, and on both occasions when he reported the incidents to the authorities he was either mocked or ignored.

As a signatory to many international human rights declarations and treaties, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), the Convention Against Torture (CAT), the American Convention on Human Rights (American Convention), and the Inter-American Convention to Prevent and Punish Torture (IACPPT), it is Argentina's obligation to ensure that human rights violations are fully investigated and perpetrators are brought to justice. Impunity for attacks on transgender people is a clear violation, under these treaties, of the rights to life and security, to be free from torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, to be free from discrimination, to equality before the law, and to freedom of expression (UDHR Arts. 2, 3, 5, 7, 19; ICCPR Arts. 2, 7, 9, 19, 26; CAT Arts. 2, 10, 12, 14; American Convention Arts. 1, 4, 5, 13, 24, 25; IACPPT Arts. 1, 8).

Moreover, the Yogyakarta Principles on the application of international human rights law in relation to sexual orientation and gender identity specify that, "everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, has the right to security of the person and to protection by the State against violence or bodily harm, whether inflicted by government officials or by any individual or group," and that states shall, "take all necessary policing and other measures to prevent and provide protection from all forms of violence and harassment related to sexual orientation and gender identity and take all necessary legislative measures to impose appropriate criminal penalties for violence, threats of violence, incitement to violence and related harassment, based on the sexual orientation or gender identity of any person or group of persons." (Principle 5)

We respectfully request that:

Argentinean authorities publicly condemn these attacks and conduct a full and fair investigation into them, guaranteeing that the perpetrators have been identified, and punished according to the law.
Argentinean authorities support survivors and advocates in their demands for justice regarding these crimes.
The judiciary and the police, with the help of human rights NGOs, initiate a program to prevent, monitor and follow up on cases involving crimes based on gender identity or sexual orientation, as well as providing compensation to the victims and their families.
Authorities do everything possible to ensure that similar crimes are not repeated in the future and include the LGTBI community in plans to develop increased security in La Matanza.

Argentinean authorities should respect and protect the rights of Ian Breppe, and of all citizens, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.

We trust that you will give this issue the attention it deserves.

Please send your letter to:

Minister of Justice, Security and Human Rights of Argentina Dr. Julio Cesar Alak: email: privada@jus.gov.ar
Attorney General of La Matanza Dr. Catalina Baños: mcbanos@mpba.gov.ar
catybanos16@yahoo.com.ar
Director of Human Rights of La Matanza Ms. Gina Dinardo: gdinardo@lamatanza.gov.ar
President of INADI Dr. María José Lubertino: email: inadi@inadi.gob.ar
Secretary of Human Rights of Buenos Aires Province Ms. Sara Derotier De Cobacho: email: sdh@sdh.gba.gov.ar

2009-09-17T15:58:00.000+01:00

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2009-08-28T19:32:00.001+01:00

Gay Men's News Headlines

2009-08-27T15:12:00.003+01:00

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2009-08-26T17:43:00.000+01:00

2009-08-23T18:44:00.000+01:00

2009-08-22T17:36:00.001+01:00

Senegal: Release Men Arrested for Homosexuality in Darou Mousty

2009-08-21T18:07:00.001+01:00

The Issue

On June 19, 2009, four men from the city of Darou Mousty, in the department of Kébémer in the Louga region, were arrested and subsequently detained at a police station in the city. These four men were arrested for alleged sexual acts "against nature." There are also reports that the police forced these men to reveal the names of people who are supposedly "homosexual." The week of August 10, 2009, two of the men were convicted of "unnatural" offenses, despite the only evidence against them being denunciations from townspeople. One man received a sentence of 2 years in prison and the other 5 years. A third man, who is seventeen years old, will stand trial August 24, 2009 in a court for minors. The status of the fourth is unknown.

Senegal is one of the few francophone African countries that criminalizes homosexuality, under Article 319 of the Senegalese Penal Code. Last year, nine members of AIDES Senegal were arrested and sentenced to 8 years in prison for "indecent conduct and unnatural acts" and "conspiracy." The Court of Appeals in Dakar overturned the sentences in April 2009.

Laws criminalizing and detentions of people because of consensual sex between persons of the same sex are arbitrary and violate international law. Such laws violate Articles 2 and 26 on the rights to equality before the law, freedom from discrimination, and privacy of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, as stated in Toonen v. Australia (1994) and by the U.N. Working Group on Arbitrary Detention. In addition, the Committee on the Rights of the Child has stated its concern over laws that criminalize "homosexual relations, including those of persons under 18 years old" as being impermissible discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation under the Convention on the Rights of the Child (General Comments 3 & 4, Concluding Observations: Chile, April 2007).

The criminalization of consensual same sex relations runs counter to the guarantees of nondiscrimination and equality before the law in Articles 2, 3, and 28 of the African Charter on Human and People's Rights and Article 7 of the Senegalese Constitution.

For more information on lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) issues in Senegal click here.

Click here to send this message translated into French to the Senegalese authorities.

Please send your letter to:

Mr. Abdoulaye Wade, President: Avenue Léopold Sédar Senghor BP 4026
Dakar, Senegal
Telephone : (221) 33 880 80 80
Mr. Souleymane Ndéne Ndiaye, Prime Minister: Building Administratif - 9e étage - BP 4029,
Dakar, Senegal
Fax: (221) 33 823 44 79
Email: Premier.ministre@primature.sn
Mr. Pape Diop, President of the Senate: 52, rue Mouhamed V
Dakar, Sénégal
3131 DK.RP
Fax: (221) 33 821 16 52
Email: info@senat.sn
Mr. Cheikh Tidiane Sy, Minister of Interior: Pl. Washington - Bd de la République BP 4002,
Dakar, Senegal
Fax: (221) 33 821 0542
Mr. Madické Niang, Minister of Justice: Building Administratif 7e étage BP 4030
Dakar, Senegal
Fax: (221) 33 823 2727
Mr. Amadou Lamine Ba, Ambassador of Senegal to the USA: 2112 Wyoming Avenue, NW
Washington D.C., 20008
Fax: +1 202 332 6315
Email: contact@ambasenegal-us.org, alsarba@yahoo.com
Mr. Paul Badji, Ambassador of the Permanent Mission of Senegal to the United Nations in New York: 238 E 68th Street
New York, NY 10065
Fax: +1 212 517 3032
Email: Senegal.mission@yahoo.fr
Mr. Ousmane Camara, Ambassador of the Permanent Mission of Senegal to the United Nations in Geneva: 93, rue de la Servette
1202 Genève, Switzerland
Fax: (+41 22) 740 0711
mission.senegal@ties.itu.int

Sample Letter(English translation)Your Excellencies:
I am writing to express my concern and disappointment over the recent reports of the arrests of June 19, 2009 and the convictions of the week of August 10, 2009 of four men in the town of Darou Mousty in Louga for alleged homosexual acts. A third man, who is seventeen years old, will stand trial August 24, 2009 in a court for minors. These men were targets of persecution because of their perceived sexual orientations and were convicted without evidence beyond denunciations. There are also reports that they were forced by the police to denounce others.
I call on you to support the release of all these men just as the Court of Appeal in Dakar did in April 2009 when it released the nine men arrested and convicted under Article 319 of the Penal Code, which criminalizes consensual sex between persons of the same sex. Due process and equality before the law are fundamental commitments that Senegal has enshrined in Articles 7 and 9 of its Constitution and in other laws, and must be respected for all people, regardless of their actual or perceived sexual orientation.
I also call on you to repeal Article 319. The criminalization and detention of people because of their actual or perceived sexual orientation is arbitrary and violates international and African law. Laws criminalizing consensual homosexual sex violate Articles 2 and 26 on the rights to equality before the law, freedom from discrimination, and privacy of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), as stated by the Human Rights Committee in Toonen v. Australia (1994) and by the U.N. Working Group on Arbitrary Detention. In addition, the Committee on the Rights of the Child has stated its concern over laws that criminalize "homosexual relations, including those of persons under 18 years old" as being impermissible discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation under the Convention on the Rights of the Child (General Comments 3 & 4, Concluding Observations: Chile, April 2007). The criminalization of consensual same sex relations also runs counter to the guarantees of nondiscrimination and equality before the law in Articles 2, 3, and 28 of the African Charter on Human and People's Rights.
The arrest and conviction of these men is an instance of the systemic persecution sexual minorities and their defenders in Senegal. To ensure the human rights of all people, this law must be repealed and the people it targets must be protected from discrimination and abuse.
Sincerely,
Name:
Organization:
Country:
E-mail address:

Lettre en Français:Vos Excellences:
Je vous écris pour exprimer mon inquiétude et ma déception concernant des rapports récents sur les arrestations le 19 juin 2009 de quatre hommes qui viennent de la ville Darou Mousty à Louga, et sur leurs condamnations pour l'homosexualité présumé pendant la semaine du 10 août 2009. Un troisième accusé, qui a dix-sept ans, attend toujours son procès pour le 24 août 2009 dans une cour pour les mineurs Ces hommes ont été pris pour cibles pour la persécution à cause de leurs orientations sexuelles perçues, et ils étaient déclarés coupables sans preuve hors des dénonciations. Il y'a aussi des rapports qu'ils étaient aussi forcés à dénoncer d'autres supposés homosexuels.
Je réclame que vous supportiez la libération de tous ces hommes comme a fait la cour d'appel à Dakar en avril 2009. La cour a libéré neuf hommes qui ont été arrêtés et condamnés selon l'article 319 du code pénal sénégalais, celui qui criminalise les relations sexuelles consensuelles entre deux personnes du même sexe. Le jugement en bonne et due forme et l'égalité devant la loi sont des engagements fondamentaux qu'a consacré le Sénégal dans les articles 7 et 9 de sa constitution et dans ses lois. Il faut que ces lois soient respectées quelle que soit l'orientation sexuelle perçue ou réelle de l'accusé(e).
Je réclame aussi que vous abrogiez l'article 319. Les lois criminalisent le sexe consensuel entre deux personnes du même sexe, et la détention de quiconque pour cette raison, sont arbitraires et elles violent la loi internationale et africaine. Selon le Pacte Internationale relative aux droits civils et politiques (PIDCP) comme expliqué en Toonen c. Australie (1994) par le Comité des droits de l'homme, et selon le Groupe de travail des Nations Unies sur la détention arbitraire, ces lois violent les articles 2 et 26 sur les droits à l'égalité devant la loi, à la liberté contre la discrimination, et à la vie privée. En plus, le Comité des droits de l'enfant exprime son inquiétude sur des lois que criminalisent « des relations homosexuelles, y compris dans le cas de personnes de moins de 18 ans » parce-ce qu'ils sont la discrimination selon la Convention relative aux droits de l'enfant (Observations générales 3 & 4, Observations finales: Chili (avril 2007). La criminalisation des relations sexuelles consensuelles entre deux personnes du même sexe est aussi contraire aux garanties de la non-discrimination et de l'égalité devant la loi qui se trouvent aux articles 2, 3, et 28 de la Charte Africaine des Droits de l'Homme et des Peuples.
L'arrestation et la condamnation de ces hommes indiquent le cas de la persécution systémique des minorités sexuelles et leurs défenseurs au Sénégal. Pour garantir les droits de l'homme universels, il faut que l'article 319 soit abrogé, et que les personnes prises pour cibles par cette loi soient protégées contre la discrimination et le mauvais traitement.
Cordialement,
Nom:
Organisation:
Pays:
Email:

2009-08-20T16:45:00.000+01:00

2009-08-18T18:54:00.000+01:00

2009-08-17T14:23:00.000+01:00

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2009-08-12T19:45:00.000+01:00

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2009-08-04T15:23:00.000+01:00

Must be what heaven is like

2009-08-03T14:28:00.001+01:00

Bit of a laugh

2009-08-03T14:27:00.000+01:00

2009-07-31T17:59:00.000+01:00

2009-07-29T16:31:00.000+01:00

Chile: Demand Investigation Into Attacks on Transgender People in Valparaiso

2009-07-29T16:18:00.001+01:00

The Issue

On Sunday, June 5, 2009, two transgender women, Clara Andrade Galdames and Grace Morales León, were attacked at the corner of Freire and Chacabuco streets in Valparaíso City by six men. The attackers kicked, punched, and beat them with wood and iron sticks, leaving Clara and Grace with multiple hematomas and cuts on their heads, legs and other parts of their bodies. Although the Chilean police have already detained the suspected attackers, these kinds of attacks are frequent in Valparaíso, a city known for being highly dangerous to people of minority sexual orientations and gender identities because of homophobic neo-Nazi groups, according to reports issued by human rights organizations.

Between 2002 and 2008 Chile has had 389 accusations and confirmed cases of discrimination against people of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, affecting an alarming 11% of transgender people.

Action

The International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC) joins Sindicato de Transgeneras Afrodita and ACCIONGAY MHOL in requesting that you contact the Governor of Valparaíso as well as other Chilean authorities including the Minister of General Secretary, the Minister of Justice, the National Attorney of Public Ministry, a presidential candidate, and the Sr. Seremi of Justice of Valparaíso, demanding a full and fair investigation into these attacks and calling for the adoption of measures to prevent similar crimes in the future.

Please send your letter to:

Governor of Valparaíso
Ricardo Bravo: Email: rbravo@interior.gov.cl

CC:

General Secretary Minister of the Chilean Government
Carolina Toha: Email: carolinatoha@msgg.gov.cl
Minister of Justice
Carlos Maldonado: Email: emaldonado@minjusticia.cl
National Attorney of Public Ministry of Chile
Sabas Chahuan: Email: amjorquera@minpublico.cl
Sr. Seremi of Justice of Valparaíso
Roberto Ravest Calderon: Email: seremi05@minjusticia.cl
Candidate for Chilean Presidency
Marco Enriquez-Ominami: Email: menriquezominami@marcodiputado.cl
IGLHRC Communications: Email: Communications+action.alert@iglhrc.org
IGLHRC
Fernando D'Elio: Email: fdelio@iglhrc.org
Sindicato Afrodita Valparaiso
Zuliana Aray: Email: zuliana.araya@gmail.com
ACCIONGAY
Jorge Chavez Reyes: Email: maguilar@acciongay.cl

Sample Letter

(English translation)

Mr. Ricardo Bravo
Governor of Valparaiso

Governor Bravo,

I am writing to express my deep concern over reports of the frequent attacks on trans people and other people with minority sexual orientations and gender identities in Valparaiso, including the attacks against Clara Andrade Galdames and Grace Morales León on 5 July, 2009.

As a signatory to many international human rights declarations and treaties, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), the Convention Against Torture (CAT), the American Convention on Human Rights (American Convention), and the Inter-American Convention to Prevent and Punish Torture (IACPPT), it is Chile's obligation to ensure that human rights violations are fully investigated and perpetrators are brought to justice. These attacks are a clear violation, under these treaties, of the rights to life and security, to be free from torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, to be free from discrimination, to equality before the law, and to freedom of expression (UDHR Arts. 2, 3, 5, 7, 19; ICCPR Arts. 2, 7, 9, 19, 26; CAT Arts. 2, 10, 12, 14; American Convention Arts. 1, 4, 5, 13, 24, 25; IACPPT Arts. 1, 8). Furthermore, these crimes violate the fundamental rights enunciated in the Constitution of Chile under Article 19 (1, 2, 3, 7, 12).

Moreover, the Yogyakarta Principles on the application of international human rights law in relation to sexual orientation and gender identity specify that, "[e]veryone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, has the right to security of the person and to protection by the State against violence or bodily harm, whether inflicted by government officials or by any individual or group," and that states shall, "[t]ake all necessary policing and other measures to prevent and provide protection from all forms of violence and harassment related to sexual orientation and gender identity and take all necessary legislative measures to impose appropriate criminal penalties for violence, threats of violence, incitement to violence and related harassment, based on the sexual orientation or gender identity of any person or group of persons." (Principle 5)

We respectfully request that:

Chilean authorities publicly condemn this crime and conduct a full and fair investigation into it, guaranteeing that once the perpetrators have been identified, they will be punished to the full extent of the law.

Chilean authorities support organizations, activists, and victims in their demands for justice regarding these crimes.

Human Rights NGOs, the judiciary, and the police initiate a program to prevent, monitor and follow up on cases involving crimes based on gender identity or sexual orientation, as well as providing compensation to the victims and their families.

Authorities do everything possible to ensure that similar crimes are not repeated in the future and include the LGTBI community in plans to develop increased security in Valparaiso City.

Chilean authorities should respect and protect the rights of all citizens, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.

We trust that you will give this issue the attention it deserves.

Sincerely,

USA: Homophobic Human Rights Professor Withdraws Due to Student Pressure

2009-07-24T18:35:00.000+01:00

The International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC) commends student and other community activists at New York University (NYU) for successfully challenging the school administration and Dr. Thio Li-Ann in support of the human rights of people with diverse sexual orientations. Thio, a Singaporean academic and politician, had been invited to teach human rights as a Global Visiting Professor at New York University School of Law, despite her public vilification of homosexuality and her strong advocacy for its continued criminalization in Singapore.

On July 22, 2009, Professor Thio withdrew her acceptance of the offer to teach at NYU, citing pressure from the university community. Individual students, student groups, LGBT organizations, and other activists had signed a petition and written letters condemning Thio's hiring.

In a memorandum to the law school community announcing Professor Thio's withdrawal, Dean Revesz expressed his view that the core principles of academic freedom and intellectual diversity on the one hand, and non-discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation on the other, were in conflict. IGLHRC believes that in an environment where there is advocacy in support of active discrimination against people on the basis of sexual orientation-such as Professor Thio has contributed to in Singapore-there cannot be true intellectual diversity and neither can supporters of sexual rights have the academic freedom that should be ensured for all.

"It's like having a pro-apartheid professor teach human rights," says Anurag Gupta, a member of the board of NYU School of Law's Coalition of Legal Recruitment (COLR) and the National Lawyer's Guild. "Thio is a leading figure in Singapore who prevented LGBT people from gaining equality. She can say whatever she wants to say but she should not be teaching human rights law at NYU. How can she advocate for human rights when she takes a fundamental anti-human rights position? Her views encourage discrimination and scare people, compelling them to stay silent in Singapore and in her classroom. It leaves LGBT people vulnerable."

During the 2007 parliamentary debates in Singapore about the repeal of Section 377A, which prohibits sex between men, Thio stated: "Demands for homosexual rights are political claims of a narrow interest group masquerading as legal entitlements…Homosexual activists try to infiltrate and hijack the noble cause of human rights. You cannot make a human wrong a human right."

Student groups have demanded a town hall meeting with the university to discuss the events surrounding Thio's hire and Dean Richard Revesz has agreed. IGLRHC hopes that the ensuing dialogue will be pursued with transparency and respect for all those involved and will result in the implementation of a process to ensure that future faculty appointments are properly vetted.

2009-07-22T16:48:00.000+01:00

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2009-07-20T17:48:00.000+01:00

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2009-07-06T20:27:00.000+01:00

Gay Sex Decriminalised in Delhi

2009-07-02T20:47:00.002+01:00

The High Court of Delhi has ruled in Naz Foundation (India) Trust v. Government of NCT Delhi and Others that Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code is unconstitutional. The judgment, handed down on July 2, 2009, reinterprets the law that criminalized same sex relations. Section 377 carried a penalty of up to 10 years to life in prison and a fine. The Court declared that this law no longer applies to consensual sexual acts of adults because it violates Articles 21 (protection of life and personal liberty), 14 (equality before law) and 15 (prohibition of discrimination) of the Indian Constitution.

Enacted in the 1860s during British colonial rule to criminalize non-procreative sex, specifically sex between men, Section 377 has been used by police and other individuals to entrap, harass and blackmail those with non-conforming sexual orientations and gender identities and human rights defenders. This law has encouraged sexual and physical abuse of gay men and transgender people in police custody. While the text is silent on lesbianism, it has facilitated an environment where family violence against lesbians and bisexual women happens with impunity, leading to women's injury, death, and suicide. The Court's decision to change this law helps ease the environment of fear in which countless LGBT people live their lives in Delhi.

Although the judgment is limited to Delhi, it is widely anticipated by LGBT activists in India that similar challenges will be brought in other cities, hoping courts will favorably reference the Delhi decision. The Delhi High Court, along with the Mumbai (Bombay) and Chennai (Madras) High Courts, usually leads other High Courts in India when it comes to legal trends.

IGLHRC thoroughly congratulates the Lawyers Collective, Naz Foundation, and Voices Against 377 on their historic win for human rights. These human rights defenders worked tirelessly to raise awareness about the dangerous and damaging consequences of Section 377 and get it changed by the Court. The Delhi decision is a crucial step towards preserving human rights. IGLHRC calls on the Indian government to go further and repeal Section 377 nationally.

Action

IGLHRC urges you to send congratulatory statements for this human rights victory in Delhi to officials in the Indian government involved with this case and call on the central government to repeal Section 377 nationally. Your letter will convey to the Indian government the worldwide support for the Delhi decision.

Sample Letter

Your Excellencies:
I would like to express my congratulations and support for the New Delhi High Court decision in Naz Foundation (India) Trust v. Government of NCT Delhi and Others, which changed Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code so that it no longer prohibits same-sex activity between consenting adults. Section 377 was dangerous and damaging to all people, encouraging violence and discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. This decision has removed a key tool of bigotry and state-sponsored homophobia, bringing Delhi in line with international human rights standards and strengthening the rights to life, liberty, privacy, health, and expression guaranteed by the Indian Constitution.

Contact

Minister of Home AffairsMr. Palaniappan ChidambaramRoom No. 134,North Block, New Delhi 110 001 India
Fax: +91 11 23094221 or +91 11 23093750 or +91 11 23092763websitemhaweb@nic.in

Minister of Health and Family WelfareMr. Ghulam Nabi Azad5 South Avenue Lane, New Delhi 110011India
Fax: +91 11 23061658azadg@sansad.nic.in and Resp-health@hub.nic.in

Minister of Law and JusticeMr. Veerappa Moily4th Floor, A-Wing, R. 403Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi 110 001India
Fax: +91 11 23015223 and +91 11 23384241 cpio-la@nic.in

cc:
Lawyer's Collective
aidslaw1@lawyerscollective.org

IGLHRC
communications+action.alert@iglhrc.org

This decision will have many important positive effects for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people in India. Opportunities for entrapment and blackmail of LGBT people because of their fear of prosecution under Section 377 will diminish; LGBT and HIV/AIDS groups and activists can now continue and expand their work without fear of being persecuted under 377; more LGBT individuals and groups will be willing to participate in Pride marches and other events; families and members of the community will also be more empowered to support and defend the rights of sexually and gender variant people; and the media will be encouraged to pay more attention to LGBT concerns and to cover LGBT issues in positive and sensitive ways.

The decision to read down Section 377 by the Delhi High Court is truly a crucial step in ensuring that the human rights of all people in India, including LGBT people, are protected. The tremendous efforts by Indian civil society, including the Naz Foundation and Voices Against 377 and their supporters are to be commended. I ask you now to support equality and dignity for all people in India, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, hijra and other gender variant people, by pushing for Section 377’s repeal nationally and instituting additional legal protections so that people are not violated on the basis of their sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.
Sincerely,

2009-07-01T21:21:00.000+01:00

2009-06-28T19:45:00.000+01:00

2009-06-26T21:16:00.000+01:00

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2009-06-25T17:38:00.002+01:00

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2009-06-13T17:45:00.000+01:00

Venezuela: Action Alert - Protest the Murder of a Transwomen in Caracas

2009-06-13T17:29:00.000+01:00

The rights violated in this case include: The right to life and security of person, the right to be free from discrimination, the right to equality before the law, and the right to judicial protection

The Issue

On May 7, 2009, Xiomara Duran, a 27-year old transwoman, was wounded by six gunshots fired by an unknown individual on Avenida Libertador in Caracas. Two friends took Xiomara to the Periferico de Catia hospital. On Sunday May 17, she was transferred to the Perez de Leon hospital, where she died the next day. This is the fourth murder to affect the Caracas transgender community in the last six months. Two transpeople were shot to death on November 7, 2008 and March 23, 2009. Another transperson was stabbed to death in Caracas on May 4, 2009. All of these cases have been reported to the Prosecutor and the Ombudsperson, but there has been no response.

Take Action

The International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC) joins Venezuela Diversa A.C. in requesting that you send letters in English with a Spanish translation to the following Venezuelan authorities, demanding a fair and exhaustive investigation into these murders and the adoption of measures to prevent similar crimes in the future. Feel free to cut and paste from our sample letter and contact the individuals listed below. Please send your letters to:

Hugo Chavez Frias President of Venezuela Despacho de la Presidencia: dggcomunicacional@presidencia.gob.ve
Luisa Ortega Diaz General Attorney of the Republic of Venezuela: mp@fiscalia.gov.ve
Gabriela Ramirez Ombudsperson: webmaster@defensoria.gob.ve
Luisa Estela Morales President of Supreme Court of Justice: contacto@tsj.gov.ve
Carlos Meza General Director of the Metropolitan Police: investigacionespenales@cicpc.gov.ve

Please send a copy to:

Fernando D'Elio / IGLHRC: fdelio@iglhrc.org
Yonatan Matheus: venezueladiversa@gmail.com

SAMPLE LETTER

Mr. Hugo Chavez Frias
President of Venezuela

Mr. President,

We write to express our deep concern over reports of the murders of transgender women in Caracas, Venezuela during the last six months. The murder of Xiomara Duran, who died on May 18, 2009 after being hit by six gunshots on May 7, 2009, is the fourth reported murder in the last six months to affect the transgender community in Caracas. All of these cases have been reported to the Prosecutor and the Ombudsperson, but there has been no response.

As a signatory to international human rights declarations and treaties that protect the right to life, the right to be free from discrimination and the right to equality, it is Venezuela's obligation to ensure that human rights violations are fully investigated and perpetrators are brought to justice. This is required in all cases, regardless of the sexual orientation or gender identity of the victims.

Moreover, the Yogyakarta Principles on the application of international human rights law in relation to sexual orientation and gender identity specify that, "Everyone has the right to life. No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of life, including by reference to considerations of sexual orientation or gender identity" and that, "Everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, has the right to security of the person and to protection by the State against violence or bodily harm, whether inflicted by government officials or by any individual or group." The Yogyakarta Principles also stipulate that states should, "adopt appropriate legislative and other measures to prohibit and eliminate discrimination in the public and private spheres on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity" (Principles 4 and 5).

We ask that you publicly condemn the murders of transgender women in Caracas, ensure that local authorities make a full investigation into these crimes, and find and convict the perpetrators. We also ask that you closely monitor the situation in the neighborhood, increase the police presence there, and do everything possible to ensure that similar crimes against the transgender community are not repeated in the future. The authorities in Caracas should respect and protect the human rights of all citizens, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity.

We trust that you will give this issue the attention it deserves.

Sincerely,

Name:
Organization:
Country:

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2009-06-11T20:11:00.002+01:00

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2009-06-10T16:57:00.000+01:00

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2009-06-07T18:12:00.000+01:00

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2009-06-05T16:19:00.000+01:00

US President issues LGBT Pride Month proclamation

2009-06-04T19:50:00.000+01:00

US President Barack Obama issued the following proclamation on June 1, 2009. This month marks the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall riots (in New York City) and is widely considered to be the start of the gay rights movement in the United States and around the world.

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month, 2009
By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Forty years ago, patrons and supporters of the Stonewall Inn in New York City resisted police harassment that had become all too common for members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community. Out of this resistance, the LGBT rights movement in America was born. During LGBT Pride Month, we commemorate the events of June 1969 and commit to achieving equal justice under law for LGBT Americans.

LGBT Americans have made, and continue to make, great and lasting contributions that continue to strengthen the fabric of American society. There are many well-respected LGBT leaders in all professional fields, including the arts and business communities. LGBT Americans also mobilized the Nation to respond to the domestic HIV/AIDS epidemic and have played a vital role in broadening this country's response to the HIV pandemic.

Due in no small part to the determination and dedication of the LGBT rights movement, more LGBT Americans are living their lives openly today than ever before. I am proud to be the first President to appoint openly LGBT candidates to Senate-confirmed positions in the first 100 days of an Administration. These individuals embody the best qualities we seek in public servants, and across my Administration -- in both the White House and the Federal agencies -- openly LGBT employees are doing their jobs with distinction and professionalism.

The LGBT rights movement has achieved great progress, but there is more work to be done. LGBT youth should feel safe to learn without the fear of harassment, and LGBT families and seniors should be allowed to live their lives with dignity and respect.

My Administration has partnered with the LGBT community to advance a wide range of initiatives. At the international level, I have joined efforts at the United Nations to decriminalize homosexuality around the world. Here at home, I continue to support measures to bring the full spectrum of equal rights to LGBT Americans. These measures include enhancing hate crimes laws, supporting civil unions and Federal rights for LGBT couples, outlawing discrimination in the workplace, ensuring adoption rights, and ending the existing "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy in a way that strengthens our Armed Forces and our national security. We must also commit ourselves to fighting the HIV/AIDS epidemic by both reducing the number of HIV infections and providing care and support services to people living with HIV/AIDS across the United States.

These issues affect not only the LGBT community, but also our entire Nation. As long as the promise of equality for all remains unfulfilled, all Americans are affected. If we can work together to advance the principles upon which our Nation was founded, every American will benefit. During LGBT Pride Month, I call upon the LGBT community, the Congress, and the American people to work together to promote equal rights for all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim June 2009 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month. I call upon the people of the United States to turn back discrimination and prejudice everywhere it exists.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of June, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.

BARACK OBAMA

2009-06-04T18:17:00.000+01:00

2009-06-03T17:51:00.000+01:00

New pictures uploaded to freegayecards.net

2009-06-02T20:35:00.001+01:00

Hello Everyone!

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2009-06-01T18:28:00.000+01:00

2009-05-31T20:56:00.000+01:00

2009-05-31T20:39:00.001+01:00

2009-05-28T17:49:00.000+01:00

Perú: Action Alert-Protest Discriminatory New Law to Ban Gay Police

2009-05-28T16:22:00.000+01:00

The Issue

On May 12, 2009, the Peruvian Parliament adopted Law 29356, establishing a new disciplinary code for the Peruvian police. Article 34 of that code classifies offenses as minor, serious and very serious and assigns penalties accordingly. "Having sex with people of the same gender that cause scandal or undermine corporate image" is classified as a very serious offense with a penalty of discharge.

Take Action

The International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC) joins Movimiento Homosexual de Lima (MHOL) and requests that you send emails to the Ombudsman and Public Defender of Peru noting that Article 34 of Law 29356 infringes fundamental human rights, and asking her to file an Action of Unconstitutionality with the Constitutional Court to challenge the so-called "offense" of same-sex relations and its associated penalty.

Please send your letter to:

Dra. Beatriz Merino Lucero Defensora del Pueblo / Ombudsman Jr. Ucayali N° 388, Lima 1.: E-mail: bmerino@defensoria.gob.pe

Please send a copy of your letter to:

Fernando D'Elio / IGLHRC: fdelio@iglhrc.org
Giovanny Romero Infante / MHOL: gromero@mhol.org.pe

SAMPLE LETTER

Ms. Beatriz Merino Lucero
Defensora del Pueblo /Ombudsman

We write to express our concern over Law 29356, which establishes a new disciplinary code for the Peruvian police, and stipulates in Article 34 that it is a serious offense to "have sex with people of the same gender that the cause scandal or undermine corporate image." The penalty for such actions is discharge.

As a signatory to international declarations and treaties it is Peru's obligation to ensure that laws compromising human rights are repealed and that laws fostering human rights are promoted. This law is a clear violation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Covenant on Civil and Political Rights-both of which have been signed by Peru.

This regressive law also violates the Andean Charter, a regional treaty ratified by Peru in 2002. Article 52, Section F, of this charter recognizes that all people, regardless of their sexual orientation, are entitled to the same human rights. In Article 53, signatory states commit themselves to combating all forms of discrimination against individuals on account of their sexual orientation in accordance with national legislation. They also commit to paying special attention to the prevention and punishment of violence and discrimination against those whose sexual orientation differs from that of the majority, as well as to providing legal resources for effective remedy in instances of damage caused by such offenses

Finally, Law 29356 is inconsistent with human rights principles that are already codified in Peruvian law. In December 1, 2004, a new Constitutional Procedures Code, approved by parliament, modified constitutional procedures to recognize discrimination based on sexual orientation.

We request that you file an Action of Unconstitutionality with the Constitutional Court to challenge Article 34 of Law 29356, the new-and discriminatory-police disciplinary code. Peruvian authorities should respect and protect the rights of all citizens, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.

We trust that you will give this issue the attention it deserves.

Sincerely,

Name:
Position:
Organization:
Country:
E-mail address

2009-05-26T13:37:00.000+01:00

2009-05-22T20:38:00.000+01:00

2009-05-21T19:49:00.000+01:00