Activists paint rainbow crosswalk at Russian embassy in Sweden

in: http://www.cbc.ca/newsblogs/yourcommunity/2013/08/activists-paint-rainbow-crosswalk-at-russian-embassy-in-sweden.html

Övergångsstället vid ryska ambassaden är nymålat. #gilla

LGBT activists in Sweden are letting the Russian government know exactly how they feel about Vladmir Putin's controversial new anti "gay propaganda" legislation in a way that is simple and peaceful but vibrantly proud.

Swedish newspaper The Local reports that protesters gathered outside of the Russian embassy in Stockholm this weekend to paint over a traditional black and white "zebra" crosswalk with a rainbow of colours.

Utanför ryska ambassaden.
 pic.twitter.com/x3PmchzywX

On Saturday, a group of naked men are reported to have marched back and forth across the rainbow crossing outside the embassy while supporters called on others to boycott the World Athletics Championships which began this weekend in Moscow.

 

“We have no case file on it but it will probably be classified as vandalism or a violation of traffic regulations,” said Ulf Lindgren of the Stockholm Police to Swedish language paper Dagens Nyheter.

 "There's a risk it can create danger for those using the crossing as they should look a certain way. It's confusing if they are different," added Lundgren.

He noted that it is not the police department's responsibility to restore the sidewalk to its regular pattern, but as of Tuesday morning it appears as though someone had arranged for this to be done.

  

Nu tvättas regnbågen bort från övergångsstället vid ryska ambassaden. pic.twitter.com/IN5CH85s3Y

 Nu tvättar de bort regnbågsövergångsstället utanför ryska ambassaden :( foto @UlrikaBy instagram.com/p/c8seB2mjtb/



The colourful crosswalk may have been short lived, but it served as a powerful symbol for Stockholm's LGBT community, which celebrated its annual Pride festival earlier this month.

 Spreading some #gay propaganda outside of the #Russian embassy in Stockholm. http://pic.twitter.com/lQPbv0f4WL



Russia's announcement of a new law cracking down on gay rights activism during the 2014 Olympics in Sochi has sparked international debate over participation in the forthcoming games.

In the wake of this intended crackdown, the Russian embassy in Stockholm has been the target of a series of pro-LGBT rights demonstrations.




Outside Russian embassy, #stockholm demonstration in support of #LGBT rights #sthlmpride2013 #russia http://pic.twitter.com/umkMArWFlO

Standing up against the Putins so called morals. Outside the russian Embassy in Stockholm! #russia #gay #LGBT http://pic.twitter.com/QsyeHVgS1G

Gay pride rally outside of Russian Embassy in Stockholm this morning http://pic.twitter.com/wELTFzCUaV via @claesnyberg #sthlmpride

Before it could be washed away, passersby took photos of the rainbow crosswalk to voice their support on Instagram and Twitter.

Rainbow crosswalk outside the #Russian Embassy in #Stockholm. #Equalrights for all

Snyggt övergångställe utanför #Ryska #Ambassaden

 "Neat crosswalk outside the Russian Embassy," reads the caption above, and below "Hey Russian Ambassador, what has anybody done to you?"




Hej ryska ambassaden vad fint någon gjort hos er ❤️




Civil olydnad får tumme upp. Övergångsstället utanför ryska ambassaden.

 "Thumbs up for Civil disobedience. Crosswalk outside Russian Embassy." reads the caption above. Below, "Outside the Russian embassy right now. Apparently they made this last night."


 
Utanför ryska ambassaden just nu. Applåderar de som gjorde detta inatt #hbtq #lgbt #pride #antigayolympics



 And while the rainbow crosswalk in Stockholm wasn't the first of its kind, it won't be the last either.

Australian LGBT protesters also took to sidewalks outside of the Russian embassy in Sydney this weekend with colourful chalk in a similar fashion.


A beautiful day for chalking! The @DIYrainbows crew outside the Russian Embassy in Woollahra today: http://pic.twitter.com/7Y9M3xh5cc


The #DIYRainbow movement spread beyond Sydney through much of Australia.


And a similar work was spotted in Utrecht, Holland, where this photo was taken, and later posted in response to a photo of the Swedish crosswalk on Street Art Utopia's Facebook page.
 
Cobuz Okhuijsen's Photos | Facebook



 Others are protesting Russia's law in more traditional ways at embassies in Chile...
 
Chile: Volunteers from LGBT-rights org. @IgualesChile decry Russian homophobia outside Russian embassy http://pic.twitter.com/1q7HZtn3Nj via @ahsoffia


Turkey...


Pride march attacked in Russia, sign in Istanbul at the Russian embassy: "Don't worry, homophobia can be cured." http://pic.twitter.com/EPu5u0eLqn



 Scotland...
 
Wee @LGBTScotland afternoon protest for LGBT equality at the Russian Embassy @alchemister @FireCrow69 http://pic.twitter.com/VM2F2Tmi7i

Israel...

"Berlin36 Moscow13" #TelAviv activists protest homophobia in front of Embassy of #Russia #LGBT 972mag.com/tel-aviv-activ… http://pic.twitter.com/QDUCm8OvaJ

And of course, in Canada, where permanent rainbow-coloured crosswalks were installed in downtown Vancouver's west end during the city's Pride Week celebrations earlier this summer.

Rainbow crosswalks show off Vancouver's pride

http://www.cbc.ca/newsblogs/yourcommunity/2013/08/activists-paint-rainbow-crosswalk-at-russian-embassy-in-sweden.html

Canada: Vancouver kiss-in takes place outside Russian consulate to protest anti-gay laws

in: http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2013/08/03/canada-vancouver-kiss-in-takes-place-outside-russian-consulate-to-protest-anti-gay-laws/

 

A kiss-in intended to show solidarity with the LGBT community in Russia in the wake of the passage of new anti-gay laws, has taken place in Vancouver outside the Russian consulate.

President Vladimir Putin signed the law in June banning the promotion of “non-traditional relationships” toward minors, a move that has been criticised as part of a broader crackdown on Russia’s gay community.

Around 50 protesters gathered outside the consulate to kiss, with both men and women engaging in same-sex kissing, which according to the new federal law would be deemed illegal.

Yogi Omar, who organised the protest said it was important that the protesters did what they did.

“Something that is considered as gay propaganda in Russia, for us here is an act of love,” he said.

Demonstrator Winifred Tovey has said she was drawn to the kiss-in in the name of global gay rights.

“I think it’s important for those of us … in this much safer society to put our solidarity into the public eye,” Tovey said.

As well as the law banning homosexual “propaganda”, Russia also recently added a law banning the adoption of Russian children by same-sex foreign couples.

Last month, speaking exclusively to PinkNews, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg urged Russia to protect the rights of LGBT citizens following concerns about gay athletes and spectators attending the 2014 Winter Olympics.

He said: “Those days should be long behind us now and for those countries and those governments and regimes who don’t see it that way I think they have to move with the times.”

An organisation representing LGBT people in Russia announced last month that it is opposed to a boycott of the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics – because they say participation is an important way of highlighting injustice.

http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2013/08/03/canada-vancouver-kiss-in-takes-place-outside-russian-consulate-to-protest-anti-gay-laws/

Vancouver gay bars join in Russian vodka ban to protest persecution

in: http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Canada/2013/07/26/21002231.html



Russian vodka is being sent to the gulag by at least two Vancouver nightspots who refuse to serve brands from where Vladimir Putin calls home to protest Moscow’s recent repressive laws against homosexuals.

The Russian president recently enacted laws meant to restrict homosexuals from living openly in the country, even threatening to arrest openly gay tourists who visit for next year’s Sochi Winter Olympics.

The country has also passed laws forbidding Russian babies from being adopted by same-sex couples.

The new laws don’t jive with Drew Watling.

The manager of the Fountainhead Pub has pulled Russian vodka brands from his bar. Furthermore, if Moscow hasn’t backtracked on its new laws by the time of the Games, the sports bar won’t be screening them.

“We’re just taking a stand in solidarity and support for the LGBT community worldwide,” Watling said. “If enough people stand up and say something then hopefully it’ll get a lot more notoriety and get people talking.”

Celebrities nightclub, located across the street from the Fountainhead, said on its Facebook page it also won’t be selling Russian vodka, demonstrating solidarity with numerous watering holes across North America that have started similar boycotts.

Sitting at the bar Thursday, drinking a lager, patron Scott Finch said he’s in support of the boycott, calling Putin’s actions against gays “criminal.” “I’ve tried to avoid anything to do with Russia for a long time,” said Finch

http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Canada/2013/07/26/21002231.html

Jaime King comes out... as an ally of equality!

Visit http://www.glaad.org/ally to join the #AllyNetwork and take action for LGBT equality.

http://www.glaad.org/ - For more information about GLAAD's work, please visit http://www.glaad.org, http://facebook.com/glaad, and http://twitter.com/glaad.

Hudson Taylor comes out... as an ally of equality!

Visit http://www.glaad.org/ally to join the #AllyNetwork and take action for LGBT equality.

http://www.glaad.org/ - For more information about GLAAD's work, please visit http://www.glaad.org, http://facebook.com/glaad, and http://twitter.com/glaad.

Tamala Jones comes out... as an ally of equality!

Visit http://www.glaad.org/ally to join the #AllyNetwork and take action for LGBT equality.

http://www.glaad.org/ - For more information about GLAAD's work, please visit http://www.glaad.org, http://facebook.com/glaad, and http://twitter.com/glaad.

Russian gay rights activists detained after 'kissing protest'

in: http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/World/2013/06/11/20890471.html

A gay rights activist is comforted by a supporter after being attacked during a protest against a proposed new law termed by the State Duma, the lower house of Parliament, as "against advocating the rejection of traditional family values" in central Moscow on June 11, 2013. (REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov)

Russian police detained more than 20 gay rights activists involved in a “kissing protest” on Tuesday outside parliament where lawmakers were preparing to pass a bill banning homosexual “propaganda”.

The bill is one of a series of socially conservative measures garnering support in the Kremlin-dominated parliament during President Vladimir Putin’s third term.

The gay protesters were far outnumbered by around 200 anti-gay activists who surrounded them, chanting “Russia is not Sodom”, singing Orthodox Christian prayers and crossing themselves. They threw rotten eggs at the gay protesters.

After scuffles in which one man was knocked to the ground and kicked by the anti-gay activists, police began detaining the gay protesters and bundling them into waiting buses.

Journalist and Putin critic Masha Gessen said she was among 24 people being taken to police stations. Moscow police said about 20 people were detained.

The State Duma, or lower house of parliament, was expected to pass the bill later in the day, ignoring Western criticism that it curbs basic freedoms and concerns among activists that it is fuelling hate attacks on homosexuals.

The bill would ban the spread of “propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations” among minors and impose heavy fines for violations.

“Traditional sexual relations are relations between a man and a woman, which ... are a condition for the preservation and development of the multi-ethnic Russian people,” lawmaker Yelena Mizulina told the Duma on Tuesday.

“It is precisely these relations that need special protection by the state,” she said.



VIOLENCE

Critics says the bill - a nationwide version of laws already in place in several cities including Putin’s hometown of St. Petersburg - would in effect ban all gay rights rallies and they fear it could be used to prosecute anyone voicing support for homosexuals.

“There is already enough pressure and violence against gays and with this law it will only continue and probably get worse,” said Viktoria Malyasova, 18, standing outside the Duma.

“I may not be gay but I came to stand up for my rights and the rights of other people to love whom they want,” she said.

Putin, who has embraced the Russian Orthodox Church as a moral authority and harnessed its influence as a source of political support, has championed socially conservative values since winning a six-year third term in May 2012.

The 60-year-old president denies that Russia discriminates against gays but he has criticized them for failing to increase the country’s population, which has declined sharply since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.

Activists say violence against homosexuals has increased since Putin returned to the Kremlin after four years as prime minister and that it is being fuelled by the bill and other aspects of his conservative agenda.

It is unusual for Russian authorities to link crimes with homophobia, but investigators have said anti-gay hate was the motive in the brutal murders of two men in the past month, one in eastern Russia and one in the southern city of Volgograd.

http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/World/2013/06/11/20890471.html

Jackie Chan comes out... as an ally of equality!

 


Visit http://www.glaad.org/ally to join the #AllyNetwork and take action for LGBT equality.

http://www.glaad.org/ - For more information about GLAAD's work, please visit http://www.glaad.org, http://facebook.com/glaad, and http://twitter.com/glaad.

Pauley Perrette comes out... as an ally of equality!

 


Visit http://www.glaad.org/ally to join the #AllyNetwork and take action for LGBT equality.

http://www.glaad.org/ - For more information about GLAAD's work, please visit http://www.glaad.org, http://facebook.com/glaad, and http://twitter.com/glaad.

Frat raises $12,000 for sex change

in: http://www.cnn.com/video/?hpt=hp_c2#/video/us/2013/02/27/dnt-fraternity-helps-fund-sex-change.whdh


A man's fraternity brothers come to the rescue when his insurance company denies a claim to cover a sex change.

World-traveling lesbians launch campaign to get doc made

in:  http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/world-traveling-lesbians-launch-campaign-get-doc-made220213


San Franciscan couple Jenni Chang and Lisa Dazols travelled the world 'in search for the supergays' recording inspiring stories on their popular blog, now they want to get a film made of their experiences

Jenni Chang and Lisa Dazols, a lesbian couple from San Francisco, drew thousands of fans to their blog as they travelled the world 'in search for the supergays'.

Now back home, the couple has launched a Kickstarter project to raise the final $30,000 (€22,700) needed to make a documentary about their travels to 16 countries around the world where they heard the inspiring stories of dozens of LGBT people.

'We want to expose people to the global struggle of the LGBT civil rights movement,' said Dazols and Chang.

'And while many documentaries have addressed LGBT issues in developing countries, none have offered an intimate portrait across such a wide-breadth of geographies threaded together by the personal journey of one couple whose own story mirrors that of the global movement.'

After the success of their blog Out & Around, which featured on The Huffington Post and the BBC, Dazols and Chang have teamed up with filmmakers Lauren Fash and Susan Graham (who made the award-winning film Quiet) to make a documentary of their trip.

The film will include Dazols and Chang's interviews with 'supergays' in India, China, Uganda, Chile, Argentina, Cambodia, Kenya, Brazil, Nepal and their own personal struggles with Chang's Evangelical Christian family refusing to accept their relationship.

'We understand how privileged we are as Americans to have the freedom to travel almost anywhere,' Dazols said in an interview with Gay Star News last March. 'After spending a month in Kenya and listening to the fear of people for their personal safety, we had many conversations about asylum and relocation.'

But Dazols added that she saw much to be hopeful about during her travels.

'There is so much positive change happening now,' she said. 'Brazil and Nepal's Supreme Courts have made all inclusive decisions to marriage equality. India recently decriminalized homosexual acts. Cambodia opened their first LGBT center. The momentum of the global gay movement is very fast and we're happy to share stories of this remarkable time.'

The team want to earn the $30,000 by 21 April so they can hire an editor to cut the 120 hours of film from their year of travels to a feature film length, a composer to write the score, a sound designer and a color correction artist.

Watch the trailer for Out & Around here:

http://www.outandaround.com/home/

http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/world-traveling-lesbians-launch-campaign-get-doc-made220213

Westboro Baptist Church protesters retreat after being outnumbered in Santa Monica

in: http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/westboro-baptist-church-protesters-retreat-after-being-outnumbered-santa-monica260213

When members of the Westboro Baptist Church showed up at Santa Monica High School today to conduct an anti-gay protest, they were in for a huge surprise.

That surprise was a huge crowd that was on hand to counter-protest the group known to protest at military funerals carrying signs that say such things as 'God Hates Fags.'

The church had protested outside the Oscars on Sunday (24 February) and chose the high school in Santa Monica as its next target because of what it believes is the school's affirmation of LGBT students.

The church members stayed only a brief time as they found themselves faced with scores of students who were well-prepared for their arrival.

Students and others were holding rainbow flags large and small and waving signs with such messages as 'God Cares for All Creation,' 'Ain't Nobody Got Time for Hate' and 'God Hates People Who Say They Know Who God Hats.'

The video below shows the spirited crowd of students and a dispirited small group from Westboro walking away from the scene as someone in the crowd yells: 'Go back to Kansas!'

http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/westboro-baptist-church-protesters-retreat-after-being-outnumbered-santa-monica260213

Teacher who said 'gays don't have a purpose' gets a rebuttal

in: http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/teacher-who-said-gays-dont-have-purpose-gets-rebuttal170213

LGBT groups in Indiana launched a 'You Have a Purpose' Facebook page as a response to the special-ed teacher who made homophobic remarks this week

Gay rights groups launched an empowerment campaign in response to the Indiana teacher who said 'gays don't have a purpose'.

Special-ed teacher Diana Medley said earlier this week that she doesn't agree with homosexuality. She was speaking on behalf of a group who wanted to host a 'traditional' prom at Indiana's Sullivan High School that wouldn't allow gay and lesbian students.

To continue encouraging LGBT youth in Indiana and abroad, a Facebook page titled 'You have a purpose' has been created where supporters can post videos with a positive and uplifting message.

Annette Gross, coordinator for Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) compared the new web page to Dan Savage's 'It Gets Better' campaign.

Gross said in an interview: 'We just want to focus on the positive, letting them (gay teens) know that they do have a purpose and there are people out there that care about them'.

The web page will not allow videos about Medley's comments or the 'traditional' prom dispute.

Gross said: 'This is about the kids. This isn't about her'.

The Facebook page, set up by the Interfaith Coalition on Non-discrimination, Indiana PFLAG, Indiana Equality Action and Fairtalk, is open to the public.

http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/teacher-who-said-gays-dont-have-purpose-gets-rebuttal170213

Students fight Westboro Baptist Church haters with $40,000 for gay charity

in: http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/students-fight-westboro-baptist-church-haters-40000-gay-charity130213

Students from Vassar College in New York have pledged $100 for every minute the Westboro Baptist Church plans to protest on campus

 

American students have raised over $40,000 (£26,000, €30,000) in counter-protest against gay hate picketers from Westboro Baptist Church.

Students from Vassar College in New York have responded to the church's plans to protest at the pro-LGBT university earlier this month by pledging $100 for every minute the church will be there.

Known for their 'God Hates Fags' signs, the church is well known for picketing pro-gay groups and soldiers' funerals.

Originally students planned to raise up to $4,500 but today (13 February), after word of the fundraising counter-protest spread on social media sites, the total pledge now sits at $40,544.

Money raised will go towards the Trevor Project, an American group which provides suicide prevention and crisis intervention to LGBT youths.

Acting president of the college Jon Chenette posted a message of support on the college's website.

He said: 'In the face of Westboro's statements, we want to celebrate the inclusiveness of our community and the multitude of backgrounds, interests, and preferences that enrich our experiences.'

Meanwhile, similar messages of support have poured in on the Vassar Facebook page.

One comment read: 'I am so proud to be an alumna of a school that stands for people, for diversity, for compassion, and against hate. Thank you for continuing to lead the way.'

Another said: 'Bravo. It's moments like this that make Vassar the great school that it is.'

Last week, GSN reported how two key members of the notorious Westboro Baptist Church left the group and apologized for their past.

http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/students-fight-westboro-baptist-church-haters-40000-gay-charity130213

The super gran who walked out of church when her pastor attacked a gay teen

in: http://gaystarnews.com/article/super-gran-who-walked-out-church-when-her-pastor-attacked-gay-teen040213

Reddit user tells story of how his grandmother left her church after the pastor singled out a gay teen and promised to 'address the problem of homosexuality'


 

A proud grandson has described how his grandmother walked out of her church after an anti-LGBT sermon.

The American Reddit user, registered as BMMiller10, posted on the site that his grandmother had changed her conservative attitudes to homosexuality after he came out to her the previous year.

And after her pastor singled out another gay teenager in front of an entire congregation, promising to 'address the problem of homosexuality', she apologized to the teen and walked out.

She said: 'There are a lot of problems here, and him being gay is not one of them.'

Since then the grandmother has left the church, apparently to the ire of the anti-LGBT pastor.

The user said: 'It's a small thing, and I'm not the best storyteller, but I'm so proud of her, and I thought I'd share.'

The user's heartfelt story rocketed to the top of the LGBT Reddit bulletin board in recent days, while comments praising the grandmother's bravery have poured in.

One comment said: 'I can only imagine the amount of distress the kid had to go through experiencing that, but at least your grandmother hopefully softened the blow by making a stand like that.'

Another read: 'I don't think it's a small thing at all. It's a very big thing. I love her and I'm proud of her for standing up for herself, and you, and the boy at church. And for me too, even though she might not have known it.'

http://gaystarnews.com/article/super-gran-who-walked-out-church-when-her-pastor-attacked-gay-teen040213

France: Cartoon characters share gay kisses at equal marriage rally

in: http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2013/01/28/france-cartoon-characters-share-gay-kisses-at-equal-marriage-rally/


The banner featuring the images was featured at an equal marriage rally in south west France (Image: Tumblr)

 

Famous cartoon characters were paired up in same-sex couples in a display as part of a rally for equal marriage in France.

Minnie Mouse and Daisy Duck, Tintin and Captain Haddock, Asterix and Obelisk and Smurfette, and her un-named female friend, among others, were featured on a banner as part of demonstrations in support of equal marriage in Angouleme, southwestern France.

Cinabre, who posted images of the banners online, encouraged people to join the rally in the town, and explained where the images came from.

She wrote: “March for LGBT rights today in Angouleme, France… Angouleme is famous for the International Comics festival (FIBD), which starts in less than 2 weeks. So of course, here is the truck used in the march! In the background it’s (sic) the town hall.”

She goes on to say: “Notice the [wedding] rings on the hands of the characters.”

As many as a quarter of a million people gathered in the French cities of Paris and Lyon yesterday to support plans to introduce same-sex marriage equality.

Cinabre went on to say that she had a favourite out of the same-sex cartoon couples featured.

She wrote: “I think the best one is the one with the smurfette, because it mocks the fact that the smurfette is the only female in the smurfs world. She’s not alone anymore.”

On 7 November 2012, French President Francois Hollande’s government approved a bill to legalise equal marriage and allow gay couples to adopt.

When he approved the bill, the same day that three US states - Maine, Maryland and Washington - legalised equal marriage, President Hollande told his cabinet that it would mean “progress not only for individuals but for the whole of society”.

Polls show a majority of French voters support marriage equality, but it has divided the country’s left and right, with lawmakers from the conservative UMP denouncing the measure.

The President had previously conceded that the religious opponents of his equal marriage plans were proving to be “tough” to deal with.

In November, thousands of pro-equality demonstrators turned up to rally at the National Assembly in Paris, to show support for equal marriage and adoption rights for same-sex couples.

Last August, a Guernsey artist caused a storm of debate by displaying a collection of artwork showing popular Disney characters engaged in same-sex kisses.




http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2013/01/28/france-cartoon-characters-share-gay-kisses-at-equal-marriage-rally/

France: A quarter of a million rally for same-sex marriage in Paris and Lyon

in: http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2013/01/27/france-a-quarter-of-a-million-rally-for-same-sex-marriage-in-paris-and-lyon/

 

Hundreds of thousands lined up to protest (Photo: Twitter)

As many as a quarter of a million people have gathered in the French cities of Paris and Lyon to support plans to introduce same-sex marriage equality.

The rally was held today, two days before the French Parliament debates a same-sex marriage bill that has divided politicians.

Police initially estimated the total number who attended as 125,000 while organisers claimed that 400,000 people attended. Third parties have suggested that 250,000 people were on the streets to campaign for the change in the law.

Yesterday, Justice Minister Christiane Taubira said changing the law would rectify “a situation of flagrant inequality”. She added: “This bill will protect all families. It will protect children’s rights,” she claimed given the number of children being brought up by at least one gay parent.

Last Sunday’s ‘March for All’ attracted an estimated 340,000 to 800,000 people to the Champs-de-Mars to oppose marriage equality. The organisers were handed a €100,000 bill to clean up the area by the city’s gay mayor.

The anti-equal marriage movement in France, which organised the rally, hoped to bring out 200,000 demonstrators, and found an unlikely leader in a comedian who denied that she was anti-gay.

On 7 November 2012, French President Francois Hollande’s government approved a bill to legalise equal marriage and allow gay couples to adopt.

When he approved the bill, the same day that three US states - Maine, Maryland and Washington - legalised equal marriage, President Hollande told his cabinet that it would mean “progress not only for individuals but for the whole of society”.

Polls show a majority of French voters support marriage equality, but it has divided the country’s left and right, with lawmakers from the conservative UMP denouncing the measure.

The President had previously conceded that the religious opponents of his equal marriage plans were proving to be “tough” to deal with.

In November, thousands of pro-equality demonstrators turned up to rally at the National Assembly in Paris, to show support for equal marriage and adoption rights for same-sex couples.

 

 

http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2013/01/27/france-a-quarter-of-a-million-rally-for-same-sex-marriage-in-paris-and-lyon/

US gays join Russian campaign against propaganda law

in: http://gaystarnews.com/article/us-gays-join-russian-anti-homophobia-campaign270113


Gay rights advocates in San Francisco, California, are the latest LGBT Americans
and allies to protest Russia's gay gag law with a photo campaign

 

American allies are joining forces the Russian LGBT community in a new photo campaign to protest Russia's anti-gay propaganda bill.

Mike Petrelis, San Francisco-based blogger and gay rights advocate (pictured), has joined other Americans in the 'I am Not Propaganda' campaign started by Coming Out, an LGBT organization based in St. Petersburg, and OutLoudMag.ru

A Russian policeman, a Christian straight man and a teacher are some of the hundreds of individuals who've contributed photos of themselves holding signs that read: 'I am ______ and I oppose homophobia'.

The photo campaign comes as Russia's State Duma voted in favor of the new law on Friday (25 January), which forbids 'homosexual propaganda' to minors which it links to pedophilia.

On Thursday (25 January) the Kaliningrad region, with a population of almost a million, became the 10th Russian region to pass a law. The Kaliningrad governor just needs to sign the bill in order for it to become law.

According to the Coming Out website, the campaign challenges the moral grounds of the anti-gay propaganda bill.

The website reads: 'Champions of morality and the "children's rights advocates" in Russia have consistently indicated that Russian society is traditionally against homosexuals. Authors of the campaign ask the question: is this true? Does the Russian society really believe gays and lesbians should be persecuted?'

To view the photos that have been submitted so far, visit OutLoudMag.ru.

To contribute your own photo to the online campaign, take a picture of yourself holding a sign that reads 'Я человек а не пропаганд', which translates to 'I am a human being and not propaganda'. Submit your photo to yanepropagnda@gmail.com.

http://gaystarnews.com/article/us-gays-join-russian-anti-homophobia-campaign270113

Rússia aprova homofobia

in: http://pt.euronews.com/2013/01/25/homofobia-ganha-forca-de-lei-na-russia/

A Duma aprovou em primeira leitura a lei anti propaganda gay.

Em nome da tradição e da defesa dos jovens russos foi a igreja ortodoxa russa que propôs o texto para repressão da homossexualidade em todo o país.

A legislação visa impedir qualquer informação que possa ser definida como propaganda, inclui a proibição de eventos públicos que promovam os direitos dos homossexuais. São Petersburgo e uma série de outras cidades russas já têm leis semelhantes.

O Ministério da Defesa russo recomenda ao Exército de examinarem as tatuagens de novos recrutas para verificarem “vestígios de homossexualidade“ e determinar a sua saúde mental.

O investigador independente Denis Volkov, sociólogo do Centro Levada, considrera que o projeto de lei se encaixa na lógica do governo de limitar diferentes direitos civis e humanos.

“Ao aceitar essas leis e outras semelhantes, as leis restritivas e proibitivas, o estado tem como alvo limitar a maioria das leis progressistas da sociedade”.


Pela oposição a legislação anti-homossexual, faz parte de uma ofensiva do Kremlin contra as minorias de qualquer espécie – política, religiosa e sexual – e projetado para desviar a atenção pública do crescente descontentamento com o governo de Putin.

http://pt.euronews.com/2013/01/25/homofobia-ganha-forca-de-lei-na-russia/

Traffic control refuses Mumbai Pride permission to march

in: http://gaystarnews.com/article/traffic-control-refuses-mumbai-pride-permission-march150113

Police give permission, but traffic control reject application for fifth Queer Azaadi Pride march in Mumbai, India


 

Traffic control has refused Queer Azaadi (freedom) Mumbai (QAM) permission to march through the city on Saturday 2 February.

Local police has agreed permission for the parade, which has been held every year since 2008, but traffic control rejected the organizers' application.

'They have just rejected our file without even meeting us or giving us any clear explanation,' organizer Pallav Patankar told Gay Star News.

'But we intend o speak to higher authorities and not let it go so easily.'

Patankar said he believed the hiccup was 'just Indian bureaucracy' rather than attempt to censor an expression of LGBT rights. He said there have been a lot of public protests in Mumbai recently and the authorities may feel that because QAM are not a political party, nor have political backing, 'we are the easiest voices to silence'.

'We, the LGBT community, walk the pride march to tell the nation that we are part of this country,' Patankar told Times of India. 'By denying us the right to march, we are being denied our right of free expression.'

The QAM festival started on Sunday with a kite flying event on Mumbai's Juhu Beach and a queer games competition.

The full program includes theatre, a meeting for families, a treasure hunt, an open mic night, films, a rock concert and a flashmob.

QAM 2012 was a resounding success despite police interrupting a pre-festival fundraiser at the behest of a maverick 'moral guardian'.

Last September police in the southern Indian city of Hyderabad refused permission for the first LGBT pride march there. 

 

 

http://gaystarnews.com/article/traffic-control-refuses-mumbai-pride-permission-march150113