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In
depth I
Sexual diversity and the law
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Map on LGBTI rights in the world
Source:
International Lesbian and Gay Association (ILGA)
This map created by the International Lesbian and Gay Association (ILGA) shows how the world’s countries persecute, protect or recognize same sex relationships between consenting adults. April 2008.[see more]
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The legal status of lesbians, gays, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people varies widely around the world, but nowhere do they enjoy equality of rights with heterosexuals.
Leading the vanguard, South Africa, Fiji and Ecuador include sexual orientation as a category protected from discrimination in their Constitutions. However, many other countries maintain laws that prohibit or regulate sexual activity between consenting adults of the same sex. Often called 'sodomy' laws, some statutes regulate specific sexual acts (for example anal sex) regardless of gender or sexual orientation while others prohibit a range of same-sex sexual activities. Many laws are quite broad in their scope, for example prohibiting any 'unnatural' or 'indecent' sexual act. In some countries, in particular Moslem nations where very conservative forms of Sharia law are followed, such as Saudi Arabia and Iran, homosexual acts are illegal, and subject to a maximum penalty of death. In other countries -and more often the case with lesbian relationships- national laws make no mention regarding either their criminalization or legality.
In 1994 the United Nations Human Rights Committee, ruling in a case brought by an Australian against a law criminalizing consensual sex between adult men in the state of Tasmania, Australia, found that such laws violate the right to privacy and to freedom from discrimination and added that the reference to 'sex' in the non-discrimination clauses of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) (Articles 2(1) and 26) should be taken as including 'sexual orientation'. In other words, the rights set out in the ICCPR cannot be denied to any individual because of their sexual orientation.
Both the criminalization and the legal invisibility of homosexual relations affects the rights of lesbians and gays to equal treatment, opportunities and access in areas such as employment, housing, public services, pensions, health benefits, etc.
While profound socio-cultural changes are necessary for LGBT people to be able to enjoy and exercise their full rights as equal citizens in society, campaigning for legal reforms to eliminate existing discriminatory legislation and introduce new laws that explicitly defend freedom of sexual orientation is an important step towards achieving those changes. Many national and international LGBT organizations dedicate at least part of their energies to lobbying for such reforms, and in some cases to defending gains already made against conservative backlash.
Versión
en español
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| COMMENTS |
Tue Jul 31 2007 |
Hi, I am a gay man that worked for in a sales environment in a call centre for a bank for 4 years in Canada. Just to talk about "sexual diversity" openly their brought out some vicious behaviour from many of my co-workers. Many think that if you are gay that should not be aired in the workplace or celedrated. That homosexuality is or homosexuals should not work with heterosexuals. Many new Canadians I found especially from India are vicously homophobic. Most of my co-workers are new Canadians from India. I've also experienced general hatred from them referred to African Americans and African Canadians, and many other groups. I never experienced such hatred from so many at a workplace in Canada.
I've been referred to as a "dog", and spat on by one co-worker. Many of my former co-workers have made it very clear to me that homosexuality is not appropiate in the workplace, nor its expression, or face fear or termination of employment, and slander. I hope that by your continued work that gay men and women like me, may be able to work openly as a gay people, without fear of termination, slander, or attack. The Sexual Diversity concept may bring up intense personal hatred from many who think homosexuality has no place in the workplace. This attitude exists in Human Resources as well at the bank I worked at in Toronto. Possible sexual diversity training to present employees may help, but those that think homosexuality should not be in the workplace, or is not right, have very deep issues to deal with. I hope that you continue to work on "sexual diversity" for future generations.
without prejudice
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Chris
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Canada
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News |
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Tue Mar 04 2008
Book: SexPolitics - Reports from the Front Lines
Tue Feb 19 2008
LGBT groups: gaining the right to speak in our own name at the UN
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In-depth
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Sexual and reproductive rights
Women’s involvement in contributing to expand the scope of the concept of human rights.
Homophobia
The fear and rejection of homosexuality pervades society, making this a hostile and dangerous world for non-heterosexuals.
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NGOs |
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Sexuality Policy Watch - SPW
Global forum composed of researchers and activists from a wide range of countries and regions of the world. The SPW's mandate is twofold: to contribute to sexuality related global policy debates through strategic policy-oriented research and analysis projects, and to promote more effective linkages between local, regional and global initiatives.
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Legal status of gays, lesbian and transgender people worldwide |
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Sexual orientation in international law |
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In the United Nations |
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Analysis of legal status in selected countries |
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Landmark legal reforms and rulings |
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Bills presented defending LGBT rights |
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Setbacks and regressive legal measures |
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Books |
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