Barilla would never use a gay family in ads: Pasta boss

in: http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/World/2013/09/26/21153561.html

Guido Barilla, chairman of the world's leading pasta manufacturer, prompted calls for a consumer boycott on Thursday after telling Italian radio his company would never use a gay family in its advertising.

"I would never do (a commercial) with a homosexual family, not for lack of respect but because we don't agree with them. Ours is a classic family where the woman plays a fundamental role," Barilla, 55, said in an interview with Radio 24 on Wednesday.

Barilla - one of the best known pasta brands around the world - is one of Italy's biggest advertisers, and for many years has used the image of a happy family living in an idealized version of the Italian countryside, with the slogan: "Where there's Barilla, there's home".

In the interview, Barilla said he opposed adoption by gay parents, but was in favour of allowing gay marriage, which is not legal in Italy. His comment about advertising was in response to a direct question about whether he would ever feature a gay family in his company's commercials.

If gays "like our pasta and our advertising, they'll eat our pasta, if they don't like it then they will not eat it and they will eat another brand," he said.

Aurelio Mancuso, head of gay rights group Equality Italia, said Barilla's comments were an "offensive provocation" and called for a boycott of the company's pasta, sauces and snacks.

"We accept the invitation from the Barilla owner to not eat his pasta," Mancuso said. Many Italians used social media to voice support for a boycott.

Alessandro Zan, a gay member of parliament, said on Twitter: "You can't mess around with consumers, including gay ones."

Barilla issued a statement on Thursday apologising, explaining that he was trying to say "simply that the woman plays a central role in a family."

"Barilla features families in its commercials because it embraces anyone, and they have always been identified with our brand," he said.

Spanish film star Antonio Banderas features in the latest publicity campaign for Barilla's Mulino Bianco cookies and breakfast cakes. They feature him baking biscuits with children and talking to a chicken called Rosita.

http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/World/2013/09/26/21153561.html

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/

Antonio Cassano "apologizes" for hoping there are no queers on Italy team

in: http://gaygamesblog.blogspot.pt/

Nope, no queers here.

Cassano is indeed probably sorry that he provoked protests. Otherwise, where's the apology? And just how was he "misinterpreted"?

Italy striker Antonio Cassano has apologised after causing controversy by saying he hoped there were no homosexuals in the national team squad at Euro 2012.

In a statement released last night, Cassano said his comments had been misinterpreted and he did not want to cause offence.

"I sincerely regret that my statements have sparked controversy and protest from gay rights groups," said the statement on the official website of the Italian Football Federation.

"Homophobia is a sentiment that is not mine. I did not want to offend anyone and I can not question the sexual freedom of other people."

At a press conference yesterday, Cassano had responded to questions about reports in Italy which claimed there were two homosexual players in Cesare Prandelli's 23-man Euro 2012 group.

"The (national) coach had warned me that you would ask me this question," Cassano said. "If I say what I think...I hope there are none. But if there are queers here, that's their business."

Continue reading HERE.




http://gaygamesblog.blogspot.pt/

Using gay slur, Italian footballer says he would not want to play with gays

in: http://www.gaystarnews.com/

Antonio Cassano hopes there are no 'queers' on his national team





At the Italian national football team's press conference at Casa Azzurri in Krakow on Tuesday (12 June), forward Antonio Cassano was asked about reports that there are two metrosexual players on Italy's team as well as two homosexual players.

'What's a metrosexual?' he asked.

But he was clear on what a homosexual is and added: 'Queers in the national team? That's their business. But I hope not.'

The comments were reported by UK's The Guardian which points out that Italy's national team coach, Cesare Prandelli, has been supportive of gay footballers.

Prandelli wrote the forward for a recent book on homosexuality in sports and stated: 'Homophobia is racism and it is indispensable that we make further steps to look after all aspects of individuals living their own lives, including sporting figures. … We must all work for a sporting culture that respects the individual in every manifestation of his truth and freedom. Hopefully soon some players will come out.'



http://www.gaystarnews.com/

Itália rejeita introduzir homofobia como agravante em crimes

http://noticias.terra.com.br/mundo/noticias/0,,OI5262481-EI8142,00-Italia+rejeita+introduzir+homofobia+como+agravante+em+crimes.html

A Câmara dos Deputados da Itália rejeitou nesta terça-feira a proposta de lei apresentada pelo opositor Partido Democrático (PD) para introduzir o agravante de homofobia nos delitos penais. A proposta foi descartada após a aprovação de vários recursos de inconstitucionalidade sobre a mesma apresentados pelos partidos conservadores UDC (democrata-cristão), Liga Norte e Povo da Liberdade (PDL), do primeiro-ministro Silvio Berlusconi.

A imprensa italiana informou que os recursos sobre a inconstitucionalidade da proposta foram aprovados com 293 votos a favor, 250 contra e 21 abstenções. Esta é a segunda vez que a Câmara dos Deputados rejeita a introdução do agravante de discriminação com base na condição sexual, depois da votação de outubro de 2009, que obrigou a introdução de modificações no texto.

A norma foi promovida pelo PD, especificamente pela deputada Anna Paola Concia, por causa da escalada de violência registrada há dois anos no país contra os homossexuais e que, então, provocou a convocação de uma grande manifestação contra a homofobia em Roma. A decisão adotada nesta terça-feira pela Câmara baixa foi duramente criticada pelo líder do PD, Pier Luigi Bersani, que tachou o resultado da votação de "vergonha".

A própria Anna Paola manifestou que "uma parte do Parlamento italiano decidiu se colocar do lado dos violentos e não das vítimas" e ressaltou que a luta de seu partido contra a homofobia continua e que voltarão a apresentar um novo projeto de lei. O membro de outro partido de oposição, Itália dos Valores (IDV), Massimo Donadi, declarou que "com os recursos de inconstitucionalidade se pretende esconder sob uma tela jurídica um julgamento político sobre o homossexualismo".

O Brasil atualmente também é cenário de um debate sobre a criminalização da homofobia. Um novo projeto sobre o tema, elaborado em conjunto pelos senadores Marta Suplicy, Demóstenes Torres e Marcelo Crivella, já foi entregue aos parlamentares e a expectativa é que seja votado em outubro.

Milhares de homossexuais saem à rua contra a homofobia

http://www.tvi24.iol.pt/internacional/gay-homossexuais-homossexual-pride-parade-tvi24/1262668-4073.html

Em Berlim, o mote para a manifestação foi «Fairplay pela Diversidade» e diversidade foi o que não faltou

Milhares de pessoas saíram à rua, em Berlim, na Alemanha, para comemorar o Christopher Street Day. Vieram de vários pontos da Alemanha pedir mais tolerância. O mote do 33º Christopher Street Day foi «Fairplay pela Diversidade».

A iniciativa comemora a revolta dos homossexuais contra a violência policial, em 1969, em Nova Iorque. Coincidentemente, no dia em que se celebra o Christopher Street Day, este ano, o Estado de Nova Iorque aprovou o casamento civil entre pessoas do mesmo sexo.

Mas não foi só em Berlim que se pediu o fim da homofobia. Em Paris, na França, centenas de pessoas participaram na Gay Pride Parade, que tem lugar todos os anos. A manifestação de lésbicas, gays, bissexuais e transexuais é tida como uma oportunidade de ouro para alertar contra a discriminação e a violência contra os homossexuais.

As intenções foram as mesmas em Itália. Em Nápoles, centenas de pessoas pediram também mais tolerância.

http://www.tvi24.iol.pt/internacional/gay-homossexuais-homossexual-pride-parade-tvi24/1262668-4073.html

Lady Gaga Shows Gay Pride at European LGBT Rally

http://www.billboard.com/column/viralvideos/lady-gaga-shows-gay-pride-at-european-lgbt-1005227982.story#/column/viralvideos/lady-gaga-shows-gay-pride-at-european-lgbt-1005227982.story

Lady Gaga sang a few bars of her smash hit "Born This Way" and demanded the end of discrimination against gays as she proclaimed herself a "child of diversity" at a gay pride rally Saturday night in the ancient Circus Maximus.

The star, whose "Born This Way" album recently topped 1 million sales in a week, delighted tens of thousands of people at a brief concert in the vast field where the ancient Roman masses would gather for spectacles.

Wearing a green wig, she played the piano and sang a few numbers. But she devoted much of her appearance after an annual European gay pride parade to denounce intolerance and discrimination against gays and transgender people. Among the places she cited was the Middle East, Poland, Russia and Lithuania.

Lady Gaga told the crowd she is often asked "How gay are you, Lady Gaga?"

"My answer is: 'I am a child of diversity.'"

She also proudly cited her Italian roots - saying she was really named Stefania Giovanna Angelina Germanotta.

And she told fans her costume - a sleek black top with one bare shoulder and billowing plaid skirt - were from the last collection of Gianni Versace.

Decrying intolerance of homosexuality, Lady Gaga lamented that young people who are gay are susceptible to "suicide, self-loathing, isolation."

Many in the crowd had participated in an hours-long parade of colorful floats and brightly costumed marchers through Rome's historic center before the rally. The events were part of the annual Europride day to encourage gay rights on the continent.

Lady Gaga praised her audience for its "great courage" which she says inspires her.

Europride organizers hope the event will draw attention to discrimination gays face in many parts of the world. The U.S. ambassador was among those who invited Lady Gaga to Rome.

"I am so honored to be here," Lady Gaga said, recalling how, earlier in the day, she lay naked in silk sheets in her hotel room and enjoyed the din of adoring fans and packs of photographers in the street below.

Organizers said Rome was a significant choice of venue, since it is home to the Vatican, which staunchly opposes legislation that would recognize same-sex marriage or adoption by gay couples.

Others hoped the turnout would send a message to Premier Silvio Berlusconi, the Italian leader dogged by a sex scandal involving an alleged 17-year-old Moroccan prostitute. The billionaire media mogul triggered outrage from gay rights groups last fall when he contended during a public appearance that it was "better to be passionate about a beautiful girl than a gay."

Berlusconi's equal opportunity minister, a woman, defended the premier, saying he had just been joking and had no intention of offending gays. A government undersecretary further provoked protests when she said she was sure "all Italian parents hope to have heterosexual children."

The premier, who is on trial in Milan for allegedly paying the teenager for sex and then using his office to try to cover it up, has denied any wrongdoing.

http://www.billboard.com/column/viralvideos/lady-gaga-shows-gay-pride-at-european-lgbt-1005227982.story#/column/viralvideos/lady-gaga-shows-gay-pride-at-european-lgbt-1005227982.story

Lady Gaga considerou-se "uma filha da diversidade" no desfile Europride

http://www.jn.pt/PaginaInicial/Sociedade/Interior.aspx?content_id=1876203&page=1

Lady Gaga tocou alguns acordes do seu êxito "Born This Way" e exigiu o fim da discriminação contra os homossexuais, considerando-se uma "filha da diversidade, durante o desfile "Europride", que decorreu em Roma.

foto TIZIANA FABI / AFP

Entre 300 mil e 500 mi pessoas dançaram à volta de 40 camiões na capital italiana

A cantora, que surgiu de cabeleira verde, deliciou os milhares de fans com um breve espectáculo em Roma, mas dedicou grande parte da sua presença a denunciar a intolerância e a discriminação contra os homossexuais e transexuais.

"Muitas vezes perguntam-se o quanto eu sou gay e a minha resposta é: sou uma filha da diversidade", disse.

Lady Gaga lamentou ainda que os jovens homossexuais sejam muitas vezes susceptíveis ao "suicídio, isolamento e auto-aversão".

Centenas de milhares de pessoas desfilaram, sábado, em Roma no "Europride", uma parada homossexual que serviu para protestar contra os ditames do Vaticano e a Itália "retrógrada" do primeiro-ministro Silvio Berlusconi.

Muitas levavam cartazes em que a cúpula da Basílica de São Pedro surgia cortada por um "não" ou que proclamavam "Papa não, Gaga sim", referindo-se à artista norte-americana Lady Gaga, que actuou depois do desfile.

Entre 300 mil e 500 mil, segundo a polícia - com a organização a fixar-se nos 400 mil - dançaram à volta de cerca de 40 camiões, com um pequeno comboio reservado para as "famílias arco-íris" de pais homossexuais e as suas crianças.

No ano passado, quando questionado sobre os escândalos sexuais em que esteve envolvido, Silvio Berlusconi respondeu que "é melhor gostar de meninas bonitas do que ser 'gay'".

Os manifestantes do "Europride" retribuíram, este ano, o "mimo": em cartazes e camisolas, um dos dizeres era "é melhor ser 'gay' do que ser Berlusconi".

http://www.jn.pt/PaginaInicial/Sociedade/Interior.aspx?content_id=1876203&page=1

Un miembro del Gobierno italiano critica que Ikea use una pareja gay en un anuncio

http://www.elmundo.es/elmundo/2011/04/23/internacional/1303575225.html

"De mal gusto". En estos términos se ha expresado es el secretario de Estado de Familia italiano, que critica que un anuncio de la multinacional sueca Ikea muestre a una pareja gay.

Sus declaraciones, realizadas este sábado, han desatado la ira de la izquierda y de las asociaciones de derechos homosexuales. El anuncio en cuestión muestra a una pareja de hombres de espaldas, cogidos de la mano, y con el eslogan "Ikea Family: estamos abiertos a todas las familias".

"Encuentro de mal gusto que una multinacional sueca venga a Italia para decirle a los italianos qué deben pensar", señaló Carlo Giovanardi en un programa de televisión [Declaraciones en italiano, en Youtube]. "Creo que a los numerosos clientes de Ikea no les va a gustar", indicó.

Giovanardi afirmó que "Ikea es libre de dirigirse a quien quiera y de enviar los mensajes que considere oportunos, pero ese término de familia se opone frontalmente a nuestra Constitución, que dice que la familia se funda sobre la base del matrimonio". Italia no reconoce las uniones homosexuales, a diferencia de España y otros países. Además, señaló que ese tipo de publicidad se orienta "contra la familia tradicional, considerada anticuada".

Entre las críticas que ha recibido por estas palabras, Aurelio Mancuso, de la asociación Equality Italia, ha denunciado que este tipo de declaraciones "peligrosas y agresivas" pueden "alimentar el clima de homofobia que luego conduce a violencia e insultos contra gays, lesbianas y transexuales".

La diputada italiana de izquierda Paola Concia, lesbiana declarada, fue insultada y amenazada el pasado miércoles en pleno centro de Roma mientras paseaba de la mano de su compañera.

http://www.elmundo.es/elmundo/2011/04/23/internacional/1303575225.html

Daqui de Portugal, felicito a IKEA por este anúncio publicitário inclusivo da população LGBT, especialmente num país latino/mediterrânico como a Itália, em que, infelizmente, a ideia do "macho latino" ainda está bem presente na cabeça das pessoas.

Em relação a esse Secretário de Estado da Familia italiano que se manifestou contra um simples anúncio publicitário, por ele incluir a população LGBT, e por simplesmente ter 2 homens de mãos dadas, digo: «A culpa não é sua. Homofobia é um problema cultural e social, da mentalidade das sociedades e que, tal como outros preconceitos, não desaparece de um dia para o outro. E, ao contrário do que disse, o anúncio dessa marca, não "se opõe à família tradicional", aliás, não se opõe a nada, pelo contrário, inclui (O slogan é «Estamos abertos a todas as famílias»;a palavra «todas» não é oposição a nada, mas inclusão do que nem sempre é incluído), e esse anúncio inclui um segmento da população, e um grande nº de cidadãos que sistematicamente são discriminados, de variadíssimas formas e em tantos contextos, e negados todo o tipo de direitos, tantas vezes considerados cidadãos de 2ª e até violentados, psicológica e fisicamente.» :/

Apenas acrescento uma pergunta retórica: «no seu país, a Itália, o 1º ministro pode fazer orgias com prostitutas, algumas até menores de idade, e isso o senhor aceita (pertence ao partido do 1º ministro Berlusconi); mas um anúncio publicitário simplesmente com uma imagem de 2 homens de mãos dadas e com uma mensagem positiva de inclusão, igualdade e equidade como «Estamos abertos a todas as famílias», já não é aceitável e já é "de mal gosto", como disse?!? »

Traduza este meu comentário para italiano com o Google translate (ou qualquer outro serviço de tradução online), e pense nisso...

International Day Against Homophobia events announced

http://madikazemi.blogspot.com/

The Intentional Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO) has announced more events to take place on or around May17.

Fighting so-called 'reparative' therapies, aiming at "curing" sexual and gender diversity, is emerging as a theme.

A coalition of groups from Latin America and the Caribbean has launched a campaign called "Cures that kill". First signatories include the Brazilian Federal Council of Psychology, Mariela Castro and the Mayor of Lima.

• Read the full appeal and sign the petition

In Peru a week long programme in Lima includes a national seminar on 'reparative' therapies.

In Italy, Catholics will hold a Vigil of Prayer for the victims of homophobia.

The Latin Americans are seeking support from the international community and the wider public.

The IDAHO Committee has an online "As I Am" campaign which aims to "celebrate our individualities and to honor the collective spirit that binds us all, connecting us to universal, inalienable and interconnected human rights that all people share". It has invited submissions of creative videos, artwork, or written statements "about respecting a person for ALL of who they are".

May 17, the 20 national editions of the free daily METRO, read by 17 million people, will be edited by Lady Gaga. There is a contest for Gaga assistants.

Turkish LGBT group KAOS GL will launch a regional network against homophobia, as part of the sixth international IDAHO conference in Ankara. They said:

"The Conference for Middle East and Balkan Countries’ Homosexuals was a dream when we declared our foundation 16 years ago and shaped our liberation perspective. Liberation and survival struggles of LGBT in our region has always been a constant consideration for Kaos GL, one of the first LGBT organisations in Turkey. The reflections of all ethnic, religious and cultural diversity seen in the Middle Eastern, Caucasus and Balkan countries exist in Turkey’s society. Kaos GL has strived for this diversity to represent and express itself in the LGBT movement since its foundation."

"Homophobia is institutionalised in civil society and the public area by blending racism and nationalism in the countries of this region, including Turkey. Institutionalised homophobia integrates into historical animosities between the countries of our region and increases existing alienation between peoples. It is the LGBT organisations and the regional network between these organisations that will have to resist homophobic and sexist reflections of racist and nationalist policies in our region."

In Rwanda, LGBT organisation HOCA will hold a large-scale media conference to increase awareness of the situation of sexual and gender minorities in the country.

The international photo project 'Walk with Pride' that documents gay pride parades around the globe will be shown simultaneously in more than 20 locations around the world, including at the European Parliament, and on the IDAHO Committee's website.

The International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission will release 'Courage Unfolds', a film highlighting the issues faced by LGBT people in Asia and encouraging the use of the Yogyakarta Principles as a tool to promote LGBT human rights, May 17.

The Courage Unfolds Campaign calls for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people to be protected by law, respected by society, and accepted by family.

• Watch the trailer

In Russia, the second "Rainbow Flashmob" will happen, with Hamburg joining in again this year with other cities expected to follow suit.

In Israel, the IDAHO team will announce the winner of the 'academic papers regarding homophobia' contest, which has the support of Shimon Peres. In the city of Nethanya, 120 school counselors will participate in a seminar adressing homo/transphobic bullying in schools.

In Australia, a 'heroes in our communities' event will launch a year-long campaign calling upon government bodies to sign and ratify the joint statement of the 2011 Asia Pacific Outgames Human Rights Conference.

In Chile, a march will close a one-day program about public campaigning and political advocacy.

http://madikazemi.blogspot.com/