■ Ian McCartney:  “... Suffering is unseen and unheard.”

LONDON, May 17, 2007  –  The United Kingdom government has given a pledge to gay men and women worldwide that it will continue its commitment to the decriminalisation of homosexuality.

On International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO), Foreign Office Minister Ian McCartney today affirmed Britain’s commitment to the universal decriminalisation of homosexuality – and announced the development of a new UK strategy on international LGBT rights.

“We have taken a lead in ending discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people in the UK,” he said in a statement issued by Downing Street..

“But elsewhere the picture remains bleak,”  Mr. McCartney admitted.

“More than 70 countries totally prohibit consenting same-sex relations, and nine countries punish them with death, denying people their basic human 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,” he insisted.

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■ The the winning IDAHO poster for Lebanon

“The Foreign and Commonwealth is developing a strategy for promoting and protecting the human rights of LGBT people overseas.  This year sees the 40th Anniversary of the Sexual Offences Act in the UK, which began the decriminalisation of homosexuality.

“We can mark this milestone by speaking up for those millions around the world who are branded as criminals simply for being who they are. I look forward to working in partnership with NGOs and other stakeholders to develop our strategy.

“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,” he admitted.  “But we must speak up for those who cannot speak up for themselves.”

In an addition to efforts on decriminalisation there are five other areas where UK action can make a difference:

-     non-discrimination in the application of human rights;

-     support for LGBT activists and human rights defenders;

-         health and health education;

-       raising LGBT issues at international / multilateral institutions; and

-         bilateral engagement with key countries.

SEE ALSO

Mr. McCartney's speech to the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva on March 13, 2007.  Give Voice to the Voiceless

Government Boost for Campaigners Against Worldwide Gay Hate.  “Around the world, countless gay, lesbian. bisexual and transsexual people still suffer discrimination, sometimes with devastating consequences for their lives, and in flagrant denial of their human rights.”  A statement from a gay activist?  No.  From two Government Ministers.  (UK Gay News, April 19, 2007)

UNISON Calls for Robust Anti-Discrimination Laws to Protect Gays and Lesbians.  A government Minister has pledged support for LGBT human rights issues not only in the United Kingdom, but across the world.  (UK Gay News, November 20, 2006)

LINKS

		IDAHO-UK website
		IDAHO International website

 

Posted: 17 May 2007 at 12:30 (UK time)