23 September - “Celebrate Bisexuality Day”

http://ilga-europe.org/home/news/for_media/media_releases/23_september_celebrate_bisexuality_day2


ILGA-Europe statement on the occassion of the “Celebrate Bisexuality Day”. 

Since 1999, 23 September is a “Celebrate Bisexuality Day”. This occasion is an opportunity to address the particular issues bisexual people face and also to raise the awareness about bisexuality and to celebrate the diversity of and differences within the LGBTI communities. 

 

Prejudice, discrimination and violence against bisexual people continues to be a significant concerns. In May 2013, the European Union’s Agency for Fundamental Rights revealed the finding of the largest ever Survey of experiences by lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people, which provided an insight to bisexual people’s experiences and shows that bisexual people experience significant degree of prejudice, discrimination and violence due to their sexual orientation.

The results make it clear that more specific and targeted legal, policy and social changes need to be initiated by European and national decision makers to protect people from discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation. 

In addition to discrimination and violence, the bisexual community often experiences lack of understanding and acceptance by society in general and also lesbian and gay communities. 

ILGA-Europe reiterates its full commitment to full equality and respect of the human rights of bisexual people. Bisexual people are entitled to the same dignity and deserve the same opportunity to live their lives without prejudice and discrimination, develop and fully enjoy their identities and form relationships. 

On this occasion, ILGA-Europe calls on the LGBTI communities to take a leading role in tackling prejudice against bisexual people and challenge normative approach to identity and sexuality.

ILGA-Europe
Brussels, 20 September 2013

 http://ilga-europe.org/home/news/for_media/media_releases/23_september_celebrate_bisexuality_day2

ILGA-Europe releases 2013 European LGBT rights map

in: http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2013/05/16/ilga-europe-releases-2013-european-lgbt-rights-map/

LGBT campaign group ILGA-Europe has unveiled its European LGBT rights map for this year.

The 2013 review of the human rights situation of LGBT people by the Brussels-based NGO found that “degrading, offensive and defamatory language” is one of the “most common trends” across the continent.

Among the EU member states causing major concern are Hungary and Greece.

The report notes that the economic crisis in Greece has given a platform to extremist groups, such as the neo-Nazi Golden Dawn party, who target minority groups including LGBT activists.

North Cyprus continues to be the only place on the continent of Europe where homosexuality is a criminal act, while expressions of “overt homophobia and transphobia” by government, religious leaders and extremist groups were “common” in Bulgaria.

Italy is not taking any legislative initiatives despite having a “relatively high level” of violent homophobia and transphobia.

Meanwhile in France, despite the recent passing of the country’s same-sex marriage bill, 1,397 cases of hate crime, hate speech and discrimination incidents against sexual minorities were documented last year.

Gabi Calleja, co-chair of ILGA-Europe’s Executive Board, said: “The Annual Review 2013 uncovers the real situation of LGBTI people beyond laws and gives us the whole picture of what it is like to be an LGBTI person in Europe today. The picture is far from satisfactory.

“While some countries are scoring high on the Rainbow Map because they have good laws, the situation on the ground often is very different. Even in countries with the most advanced laws and policies, there is a surprisingly high percentage of LGBTI people who are adjusting their behaviours on a daily basis because they fear violence and harassment when in public.”

Nils Muižnieks, Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, added: “Advocacy based on solid facts is what we need for advancing the human rights of LGBTI people. ILGA-Europe and its national member organisations have first-hand knowledge of what is going on and share their insights and concerns through the Annual Review and the Rainbow Map.”

“In addition to holding countries accountable for their actions, the Annual Review also gives a critical account of the steps taken by international organisations. It is a valuable tool for a serious debate about the human rights situation of LGBTI persons across Europe.”

http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2013/05/16/ilga-europe-releases-2013-european-lgbt-rights-map/

ILGA-Europe demands Italian gay rights law

in: http://www.gaystarnews.com/

The international gay organization ILGA-Europe has written to Italy's prime minister and parliament calling for a new law against discrimination and acts of violence on LGBT people

Gay rights group ILGA-Europe has written to the Italian government to denounce ‘the high level of homophobia’ in the country and demand a new law against homophobia.

The international LGBT association has sent a letter to the Italian prime minister Mario Monti, to the presidents of the two parliamentary chambers and to the leader of OSCAD, the organization in charge of monitoring discrimination in Italy.

ILGA-Europe’s move comes after the recent episodes of homophobia in Rome, where a gay activist, Guido Allegrezza, was beaten, and where other LGBT people have been assaulted.

According to ILGA-Europe: ‘Italy must respect the international and European laws, and the propositions of the European Court of Human Rights.’

Italy doesn’t have any law against homophobia, while 16 other European countries protect LGBT people with bills against gay hate.

ILGA-Europe, with its letter, asked for the extension of the 1993 Mancino law, which protects Italians against racial, ethnic and religious discrimination. ‘It must include also homophobia and gay hate,’ the association wrote.

Italian Radical Party has promptly supported ILGA-Europe’s move. A party spokesman told Gay Star News: ‘We thank ILGA-Europe and we ask our politicians to act as soon as possible.

‘We can not wait for ever for a law against homophobia. Italy must respect laws and sentences coming from the European headquarters.’

http://www.gaystarnews.com/

IGLA Releases 2012 Report On Gay And Lesbian Rights Worldwide (IMAGES)

in: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/

Every year, The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA) releases a map of lesbian and gay rights around the world. The most recent edition, released in May 2012, is a reminder that, while things are certainly getting better for some LGBT people, much of the world's queer population still faces life-threatening consequences for being themselves.

Check out the maps below, and be sure to check out the ILGA report for more information.

Click the images to view larger versions.

World Map:

Latin America and The Caribbean:

Asia, Australia, New Zealand and Pacific Islands:

Africa:

About the ILGA: Founded in 1978, ILGA, the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association is now a association of over 900 groups in over 115 countries campaigning for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex (LGBTI) rights.


http://www.huffingtonpost.com/