Support for Miss. equality as ‘Religious Freedom Restoration Act’ takes effect

There is strong support for equality in Mississippi despite the state’s “Religious Freedom Restoration Act” which took effect yesterday. Since January, eight cities have passed equality resolutions recognizing the dignity and worth of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people. “This is proof that the people of Mississippi are further ahead than their leaders at…

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Testosterone therapy: understanding the real meaning of recent trials

Two recently published trials, which have been sensationalized by the news media, suggest that testosterone replacement therapy may increase the risk of heart disease and/or stroke. These were poorly designed studies which conflict with numerous previous medical trials which showed the beneficial effects of testosterone on the heart and that a low testosterone level in…

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Brunei’s Shariah-based Penal Code set to take effect, gays risk stoning, execution

In what the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) are calling ‘a step backward’ for human rights, the Sultan of Brunei has announced that a series of laws that were formulated in 2013 are set to be enacted in April, 2014. The laws, which criminalize everything from adultery to same-sex relations, include punishments ranging from public…

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Nigeria: UN’s Ban Ki-moon voices concern as new anti-homosexuality law takes effect

NEW YORK,  – United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has spoken out about a new anti-homosexuality law in Nigeria, saying he feared it may fuel prejudice and violence, as he voiced the strong hope that the constitutionality of the legislation can be reviewed. The Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act, signed into law earlier this month, introduces a wide range…

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Same-sex marriage bill comes into force in Uruguay

Marriage equality takes effect in Uruguay today. Following Argentina, Uruguay is the second country in Latin America to have passed nationwide same-sex marriage legislation. President Jose Mujica signed the legislation in May, but it took 90 days to come into effect. The BBC reported that hours after the law came into effect, two gay men who…

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Art, Pride and other things

Pride weekend is here once more and with it comes a plethora of artistic activity to choose from and this does not necessarily mean pictures in galleries and performances in theaters. Pride, both the parade on Saturday and the two day festival is an opportunity for the local community (plus thousands of out of town…

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