A rise in homophobia appears to be spreading throughout the world. Some twenty years ago the World Health Organization removed homosexuality from the list of mental disorders.
But since then, the crimes perpetuated against homosexuals has continued. While the UN Office for the High Commissioner for Human Rights reaffirmed that all individuals have equal rights no matter what their sexual orientation, disturbing trends even within organizations slated to protect the rights continue.
Last year, a Committee member on the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) said that sexual orientation and gender discrimination would not be recognized in the Committee’s text nor work.
Numerous international organizations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch asked for clarification and sent a letter (pdf) in protest.
In Gambia, the president passed an ultimatum onto homosexuals to leave the country within 24 hours or face summary executions.
Homophobia in whatever shape or manifestation is a hate crime. But in the US, homophobia cannot be persecuted in 20 states. The US federal hate crime legislation extends to race, religion, or national origin, but not to sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or disability according the Human Rights First.
If you live in the US and are a citizen – you can change this. The US Senate will soon vote on a hates crime act. This legislation should include homophobia. Write to your senator today.
