International News Amnesty condemns Russia’s Supreme Court’s ‘extremist’ label for LGBTQ+ groups, effectively outlawing the LGBTQ+ movement In response to yesterdays’ ruling by Russia’s Supreme Court which designates the “international public LGBT movement” extremist and effectively outlaws any public activity related to LGBTQ+ issues, Marie Struthers, Amnesty International’s Eastern Europe and Central Asia Director, said: “This shamefu By Graham Robson • 2 min read
A participant holds up a placard during the International Transgender Day of Visibility rally in Shibuya district of Tokyo on March 31, 2023. (Photo by Yuichi YAMAZAKI / AFP) (Photo by YUICHI YAMAZAKI/AFP via Getty Images) International News Supreme Court of Japan makes ‘landmark decision’ ruling surgery not required for legal gender change The Supreme Court of Japan has today (October 25) issued a ruling in a family law case, declaring that the stipulation of the Special Law on Gender Identity Disorder, which mandates surgical sterilisation as a prerequisite for gender reassignment, is unconstitutional in Japan. This decision was base By Graham Robson • 1 min read
International News Death penalty case against 20-year-old Ugandan man for ‘aggravated homosexuality’ must be dropped immediately, says Amnesty International The man is the fifth Ugandan to be charged with an offence under the country’s new Anti-Homosexuality Act By Graham Robson • 2 min read
International News Attack on LGBTQ+ bar in Lebanon an “ominous sign”, says Amnesty International Videos of the attack on the Madame Om bar by people identifying themselves as members of the Jnoud El-Rab Christian group show the assailants destroying furniture outside the bar, beating up people who tried to leave the premises, and threatening the owner with more violence if they continued to “pr By Graham Robson • 1 min read
International News Ugandan President’s signing of highly repressive anti-LGBTQ+ law ‘dark day’ for human rights The Ugandan President’s signing of highly repressive anti-LGBTQ+ law is a ‘dark day’ for human rights, according to Amnesty International. The Anti-Homosexuality Bill imposes a punishment of life imprisonment for same-sex sexual acts, and up to ten years behind bars for attempted same-sex sexual act By Graham Robson • 1 min read
International News New report from Amnesty International and National Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission finds LGBTQ+ refugees in Kenya at high-risk of rape and violence in refugee camp The 54-page report, Kenya: “Just Like Any Other Person”, details the extreme discrimination and violence suffered by LGBTQ+ residents in Kakuma – both as a result of their status as asylum seekers or refugees and their sexual orientation, gender identity By Graham Robson • 4 min read
LGBTQ+ News Ugandan Parliament passes notorious bill which “blatantly violates’ LGBTQ+ rights “This law will have a devastating impact on LGBTI individuals in Uganda, who already face persecution and discrimination.” By Graham Robson • 1 min read
International News New Gender Recognition law in Finland is ‘major step’ towards protecting trans rights Lawmakers in Finland have removed the requirement for trans people to be sterilised and obtain a psychiatric diagnosis in order for them to obtain legal gender recognition. By Graham Robson • 1 min read
International News Move to ban LGBTQ+ characters from film and TV in Russia will “increase homophobia”, say Amnesty International Amnesty International has warned that a likely move by Russia’s media regulator to ban films and television series with LGBTQ+ characters will further stigmatise LGBTQ+ people in the country. By Graham Robson • 2 min read
International News Russian court upholds lengthy prison sentences for Chechen LGBTQ+ siblings Amnesty International has responded to news that a Russian court has upheld lengthy prison sentences for Chechen LGBTQ+ siblings Salekh Magamadov and Ismail Isaev – who, Amnesty say, had been “falsely accused of aiding illegal armed groups”. By Graham Robson • 1 min read
International News Thousands march in anti-LGBTQ+ demonstration in Istanbul Several thousand people have taken part in an anti-LGBTQ+ demonstration in Istanbul, calling for LGBTQ+ associations to be closed down and displaying signs that read: “protect your family and your generation”, “Say no to society without gender”, and “Father + mother + baby = family”. By Graham Robson • 1 min read
International News TURKEY: Ban on METU Pride March ‘deeply disappointing’, say Amnesty Pride event due to be held tomorrow at METU banned by the university because it would ‘threaten the university’s reputation’ By Graham Robson • 1 min read
