Observances mark International Day Against Homophobia

Communities throughout the world marked the third annual International Day Against Homophobia on May 17. May 17 is the anniversary of the day in 1990 when the World Health Organization removed homosexuality from its catalogue of mental illnesses, and draws attention to the continuing discrimination and violence lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people still face on a daily basis in many countries. Homosexuality remains a crime in 75 countries and is punishable by death in nine. In London, British Foreign Minister Ian McCartney marked the day by issuing a statement reaffirming the UK's commitment to the universal decriminalization of homosexuality and announcing the development of a new strategy on international LGBT rights. "Every year hundreds of LGBT people are killed simply because of their sexual orientation. Some by state execution, many more while the state looks on indifferently. Many thousands more live in fear of persecution. Human rights belong to everyone. Sexual orientation cannot be a qualifying factor," said McCartney. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the decriminalization of homosexuality in Britain. "LGBT people have struggled to gain recognition of their human rights internationally. Many states refuse even to consider these issues and strive to keep them off the international agenda. Millions of our fellow human beings live in societies still blighted by stigma, prejudice and shame. Their suffering is unseen and unheard. These will be difficult issues to raise, but we must speak up for those who cannot speak up for themselves," said McCartney. He said that the UK will press for LGBT rights at international bodies, and embark on "bilateral engagement with key countries." Although he did not specifically name any countries, it is expected he will press Eastern European countries in the European Union, such as Poland, which ignore European Union regulations on LGBT rights. Human Rights Watch (HRW) marked the day by publishing its annual "Hall of Shame." Pope Benedict XVI, President George W. Bush and Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad topped the list. The Pope was cited for intervening in politics in many countries to condemn and threaten figures who support equal rights or any form of recognition for lesbian and gay families. President Bush made the list over the Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) which requires that one-third of HIV-prevention spending go to so-called "abstinence-until-marriage" programs. "These programs threaten the health of LGBT people by sending a message that there is no safe way for them to have sex, and by denying them life-saving information. In some countries, such as Uganda, grants from the $15 billion PEPFAR program have funded groups that actively promote homophobia; in others, they have drastically reduced condom provision," said HRW. Iranian President Ahmadinejad was named for overseeing a widening campaign to "counter public immorality"by arbitrarily arresting thousands of Iranians for dressing or behaving differently. International Day Against Homophobia was observed in 50 countries.