African psychologists warn of its dangers in Uganda’s anti-homosexuality Bill SPECIAL REPORT | THE INDEPENDENT | Mental health professionals from across Africa, including Kenya, Uganda, Cameroon, Nigeria and South Africa, have signed a declaration against conversion practices that are used to forcibly change the sexual orientation, gender identity or expression of …
Read More »Media and the gay debate
It’s important to put in place safety valves for a more nuanced, hate free debate that seeks to inform rather than vilify COMMENT | Frank Mugisha | The media is an important aspect of our lives; especially in fully grown or nascent democracies. It’s an important channel of information through which …
Read More »Elton John blasts Russian cuts of gay sex scenes in ‘Rocketman’
Moscow, Russia | AFP | Elton John has slammed the removal of gay sex scenes from the Russian version of the musical biopic of his life “Rocketman” as “cruelly unaccepting”. Film critics who watched a preview on Friday said the local distributor had censored some scenes for legal reasons. In …
Read More »US slaps sanctions over Russia rights despite revived ties
Washington, United States | AFP | The United States on Thursday imposed sanctions on five Russians over abuses including the killing of a prominent opposition leader, days after top-level talks seemed to ease tensions between the powers. The State Department highlighted the actions against the five people, plus one …
Read More »Gays and Africa: Quotes
Nairobi, Kenya | AFP | Kenya’s High Court on Friday issues a potentially historic ruling that could roll back colonial-era laws penalising same-sex relationships. Here is a selection of quotes illustrating the situation of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people in sub-Saharan Africa: “Worse than pigs and dogs.” – Former Zimbabwean …
Read More »God and justice: Gay church prays for historic Kenya ruling
Nairobi, Kenya | AFP | A lesbian church leader lights pink, yellow, and purple candles and passes them around to worshippers as they pray for a court decision that will mean they no longer have to live a lie. “The Lord is in control,” she says, as swaying congregants yell out “Victory!” and a musician …
Read More »Cuba decides to scrap same-sex marriage law in new constitution: official
Havana, Cuba | AFP | Cuba will leave out of its new constitution changes that would have paved the way for legal same-sex marriage, despite majority support in local assemblies, a government official said Tuesday. It was a surprising twist given public popular support shown nationwide — and earlier remarks …
Read More »Gay marriage around the world
Paris, France | AFP | Gay marriage, legalised on Thursday in Australia in a parliamentary vote, is now recognised in more than 25 countries, of which 16 are in Europe. Here is a breakdown. – European pioneers – In April 2001 the Netherlands became the first country in the world …
Read More »Serbia’s gay PM at Pride takes tolerance ‘one step at a time’
Belgrade, Serbia | AFP | Serbia’s lesbian prime minister said Sunday that she was working “one step at a time” towards a more tolerant society, as she joined Belgrade’s annual gay march held under heavy security. Ana Brnabic, 41, became one of the few openly gay government leaders in the …
Read More »Gay friendly Madrid gears for WorldPride, Uganda to feature
The annual “drag race” through Chueca with men in high heels, wigs and figure-hugging dresses is another must, as well as the Mr Gay World competition Madrid, Spain | AFP | Some two million revellers are expected in Madrid starting Friday as the Spanish capital hosts WorldPride 2017, one of …
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