New anti-homosexuality law in Uganda violates basic human rights, stress UN officials

NEW YORK, — Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay have spoken out against the anti-homosexuality law signed into force  in Uganda, saying it violates basic human rights and endangers lesbians, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people in the country. The law criminalizes and imposes life imprisonment for homosexuality,…

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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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UN Human Rights Office urges Uganda to scrap anti-homosexuality bill

NEW YORK, – The United Nations Human Rights Office today called on the president of Uganda to refrain from signing the Anti-Homosexuality Bill into law, and urged the country to ensure the protection of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people from violence and discrimination. “LGBT individuals in Uganda are a vulnerable and marginalized minority,…

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UESE officially launches and partners with the UN to bring LGBT equality in sports to the world stage

LOS ANGELES — David McFarland, founder and CEO of United For Equality In Sports & Entertainment (UESE), has announced the non-profit’s official launch with a high-level event, Sport Comes Out Against Homophobia, at the United Nations. The goal of the event, which  takes place today is to create a global discussion on the role of sport in…

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The world pays tribute to Mandela

Nelson Mandela, who died yesterday was South Africa’s first post-Apartheid president, and an outspoken advocate for LGBT equality.  He appointed an openly-gay judge to South Africa’s High Court of Appeal and during his presidency, South Africa became the first nation in the world to constitutionally prohibit sexual orientation-based discrimination.  Mandela will be remembered for his…

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UN Human Rights Office launches unprecedented global campaign for LGBT equality (VIDEO)

CAPE TOWN, – The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) on Friday launched Free & Equal, an unprecedented global public education campaign for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) equality. At a press conference held in Cape Town, South Africa, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay was joined by Archbishop…

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Message by Ambassador Susan E. Rice on International Day Against Homophobia (VIDEO)

http://youtu.be/iCzatfQD9r8 Video message by Ambassador Susan E. Rice, U.S. permanent representative to the United Nations, on International Day Against Homophobia, May 17, 2013 “Today, as we commemorate International Day Against Homophobia, we rededicate ourselves to a basic but essential truth – that human rights are universal and must be protected for all.  Homophobia, sadly, is…

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