Lesbians “are a small minority” “who don't adhere to the prevails of nature.”
These are the remarks made by a Committee member on the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). CEDAW is an independent body of experts tasked to implement the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women.
The meeting, held on July 16, brought together a number of NGOs concerned about discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender.
Astonishingly, the Committee member then implied that NGOs were bringing forward “false-issues” that “have no basis on international law.” The Committee member then said that sexual orientation and gender discrimination would not be recognized in the committee's text nor work.
Such derogatory remarks made by a member of CEDAW is of serious concern. Homophobia has no place in society and much less so in an organization that espouses anti-discrimination ideals.
Indeed, article 2 of CEDAW explicitly states the absolute prohibition of discrimination in all its forms against women. While these remarks do not reflect the whole of CEDAW it is nevertheless depressing that one of its members believes lesbians are the exception to article 2.
Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, Human Rights First, Center for Women's Global Leadership and International Service for Human Rights have all signed a letter (pdf), addressed to Ms Dubravka Simonovic
Chairperson of CEDAW, condemning the remarks.
