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30 Oct 2014 - NPWJ News Digest on LGBTI rights
Articles
Russia: Dozens of anti-gay nationalists swarm gathering of three gay rights activists
By Pink News, 27 Oct 2014
Two young women and a man campaigning for gay rights in Russia were met with about 100 nationalist protesters on Sunday, who threw tomatoes and shouted anti-gay abuse. According to The Moscow Times, the three campaigners were gathered in the southern city of Lipetsk to take part in a demonstration of LGBT rights. Reida Linn, one of the participants, said she and her friends wanted to encourage “fighting homophobia, discrimination, violations of the Constitution and of the rights of LGBT people.” However, about 100 nationalists and conservative activists were reported to have stormed the scene, as well as police officers deployed to prevent violence.
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Apple CEO Tim Cook Criticized His Home State For Failing To Advance LGBT Rights
By Business Insider, 27 Oct 2014
Apple CEO Tim Cook spoke out against Alabama's lack of progress on LGBT rights in a speech before his induction into the Alabama Academy of Honor, which memorializes living Alabamans for their accomplishments. Cook said his state has moved "still too slow on equality for the LGBT community," comparing that struggle to Alabama's record on racial equality. It's been widely reported that Cook is gay, though he's never come out publically. Apple's CEO pointed out that Alabama law still allows an employee to be fired based on sexual orientation.
Gay marriage is legal in 32 US states – but what about the other 18?
By The Guardian, 27 Oct 2014
After the unexpected decision by the US supreme court not to hear a series of appeals, same-sex marriage is now legal in 32 US states. So what about the 18 remaining states? In those covered by the jurisdictions of appeal courts that have ruled in favor of gay marriage, it’s just a matter of time before the bans fall. All that’s required is a ruling by a court at state level. South Carolina, Montana and Kansas are in this category, covered by the fourth, ninth, and 10th circuits. In other states, even if a district judge rules that a ban is unconstitutional, the case would still need to run up the appeals process. Supporters and opponents of same-sex marriage hope the supreme court will weigh in and clear things up. Experts agree that if an appeals court were to rule in favor of a gay marriage ban, setting up a conflict between jurisdictions, pressure would increase on the justices to take up a case. Legal experts have their bets on the conservative fifth and sixth circuit courts. Decisions on same-sex marriage cases are due in the coming months.
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UN human rights office urges Kyrgyzstan to reject discriminatory LGBT bill
By Jurist, 25 Oct 2014
Ravina Shamdasani, a spokesperson for the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), on Friday urged the Parliament of Kyrgyzstan to reject proposed legislation institutionalizing discrimination against individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT). The law, similar to a law passed by Russia last year, would criminalize any expression which creates a "positive attitude" towards LGBT relations through the media or online. Earlier this month, 79 members of the parliament voted in favor of the legislation, while just seven voted against it. It is the OHCHR's position that "the proposed law would also violate fundamental human rights, including the rights to liberty, security and physical integrity and to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association."
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Philippine Transgender Murder Becomes a Rallying Point for LGBT Rights
By TIME, 24 Oct 2014
The burial of transgender woman Jennifer Laude has sparked a “National Day of Outrage” in the Philippines, with LGBT organizations staging candlelight vigils across the country on Friday. A U.S. Marine has been accused of her killing. “We will deliver messages of solidarity and push for justice,” says Charlese Saballe, chairwoman of the Society of Transsexual Women of the Philippines (STRAP). “The media attention to Jennifer’s case means a slow movement toward bringing transgender issues to the mainstream.” Following Laude’s Oct. 11 murder, media have mostly focused on the fact that suspect Joseph Scott Pemberton has been held under U.S. guard, under a defense agreement between the two countries. Loud criticism has been raised over the agreement, with protesters attempting to carry a mock coffin to the U.S. embassy in Manila on Friday.