Russia: New Laws stop speaking about homosexuality
Political leaders in St Petersburg have voted for a new law that makes it illegal to speak publicly about being gay, lesbians or transgender. The new law, which was introduced by the ruling United Russia Party, passed by 27 votes to 1. It introduces fines for ‘propaganda of sodomy, lesbianism, bisexualism and transgenderism to minors’. According to a poll conducted in 2005, 43.5% of Russians supported the re-criminalisation of homosexual acts between consenting adults. Fines start at 1000 roubles (AUD $32.50) for an individual to 50,000 roubles (AUD $1,625) for a business.
Italy: Unhate Campaign Meets with Protest from the Vatican
Italian clothing brand United Colours of Benetton were forced to withdraw part of their Unhate campaign after protests from the Vatican. The digitally manipulated image showed the Pope kissing Egyptian Imam of the 1000-year-old Al-Azhar Mosque, Muhammaed el-Tayeb. The campaign showcases a number of digitally manipulated images of world leaders kissing each other. Most of the pairings are between men including an image of North Korea’s Kim Jong and South Korea’s President Lee Myung-bak. Benetton’s Deputy Head, Alessandro Benetton said the images were for publicity but it was also to promote tolerance. Benetton also said the Unhate Foundation was created to oppose and undermine hate culture.
UK: Kelly Osbourne Apologises for ‘Tranny’ Comment
In an interview with Glamour UK, Kelly Osbourne slammed ex-fiance Luke Worrall’s affair with transgender model, Elle Schneider. Osbourne’s disappointment in Worrall was clear when she made comments derogatory to trans* people in general.
‘It’s hard enough to get your head around someone cheating on you, but when someone is a chick with a dick? Up until then, I’d always thought that the worst way to get cheated on would be with an ugly girl. Don’t you think? ,’ Osbourne said.
She has since apologised to the Gay and Lesbian Alliance against Defamation saying she now understood transgender people were one of the bravest groups of people in the world.
Nigeria: Senate Toughens Homophobic Laws
Last month the Nigerian Senate voted for the criminalisation of gay marriage with the threat of 14 years jail for offenders. Witnesses or anyone who helps gay couples marry could also be sentenced up to 10 years jail, Associated Press reported. According to reports, public opinion and politicians were calling for even harsher penalties against gay couples pursuing marriage in Nigeria where homosexuality is illegal. The bill still needs to go before the House of Representatives and the President before it becomes law in the country. The proposed legislation is also calling to make it illegal to register gay clubs or organisations as well as ‘the public show of same-sex relationships’ with penalties of up to 10 years in jail.
France: Mayor Performs ‘Militant’ Gay Marriage Ceremony
The mayor of Cabestany, Jean Vila, presided over the symbolic union of two men in the town of Pyrénées-Orientales in South-Western France. While the marriage was not recognised by French laws, the two men exchanged rings in what the mayor described as a ‘militant act’. Vila said there are times when it is necessary to act outside the law. The mayor also decided not to record the marriage officially to avoid it being annulled. According to Pink News, Solidarity Minister Roselyne Bachelot said while she supported the idea of gay marriage, the mayor’s action was ‘not the best way to advance the cause’.
Poland: Gay and Trans* MPs Take Seats in Parliament
Poland’s newly elected government held its first sitting last month with two new members- an openly gay man and a trans* woman. Traditionally Roman Catholic, Polish voters elected transgender MP Anna Grodzka who underwent gender reassignment surgery last year. Grodzka sat next to Robert Biedron, a gay rights activist who is also the parliament’s first openly gay MP. This acceptance is said to reflect the social change taking place in the country. Both Grodzka and Biedron are part of the Palikot Movement, a political party pushing for more liberal causes in the country. Grodzka is only the third elected trans*MP in the world.
Compiled by Vanessa Manivannen
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