Rise of Homophobia Abroad and international LGBT rights

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Conference
2014 National LGBT Conference
Date
21 July 2014
Decision
Carried as Amended

Conference is concerned about the spread of anti-gay legislation in a number of countries and alarmed at the growing cycle of intolerance where the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community are openly targeted and in many cases attacked.

The growing evidence easily accessible on social media, for example, in parts of Russia where young gay men are humiliated in the most degrading ways imaginable, is a common occurrence. In addition, laws being passed in certain African countries are perpetuating and encouraging open hatred and intolerance against LGBT people.

The issue of tackling international homophobia must be an important priority for the national LGBT committee and this conference urges it to adopt this issue as a major campaign focus, working with partners such as Amnesty International and ILGA. This campaign, where possible, should also involve branches and regions.

In addition, we urge the Committee to:

1. Work with international Trades Union Congress (TUC) committees to campaign for the rights of LGBT people in countries of concern;

2. Work with affiliates to support LGBT activists in these countries, being guided by what activists’ advice they need;

3. Work with the TUC to continue to put pressure on the Government to raise concerns directly with leaders from these countries to end these human rights abuses of LGBT people worldwide.