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UN Resolution on Sexual Orientation

UN Resolution on Sexual Orientation Homosexuality is currently illegal in over 80 countries worldwide, with some countries sentencing same-sex attracted people to life imprisonment or worse, death. Homophobia and the persecution of sexual minorities is prevalent across the globe, with thousands of women and men subject to physical violence, harassment and daily intimidation because of their sexual orientation. Despite this situation, there are no mechanisms under International Law that seek to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Whilst International treaties have been enacted against other forms of discrimination such as racism and sexism, no such treaties exist relating to sexuality or gender identity. In recent years there have been moves by LGBT and other rights organizations to have sexual orientation and gender identity recognized under International human rights law. In 2003 Brazil put forward a motion to the United Nations Commission for Human Rights (UNCHR),that attempted to outlaw discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. That motion has been postponed from being debated at the Annual meeting of the UNCHR due to strong lobbying from the Vatican, some Islamic countries, and right-wing Christians from the US. Since that time the resolution has been postponed again, however it is due to be debated when the UNCHR sits in Geneva during April, 20005. Leading that fight is the International Gay and Lesbian Association (ILGA), of which the Lobby is a member. ILGA has called on supporters throughout the world to join the movement for sexual orientation to be properly recognised by the United Nations. They, along with other supportive organisations, will be lobbying the UNHCR from April 2 to April 17. What you can do: Go to www.brazilianresolution.com and sign the petition that has been signed by more than 45,000 people worldwide. Send an email/letter to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Alexander Downer. The Government was initially undecided on the motion in 2003 and reviewed its position in 2004, so it is important that they continue to support the motion in the 2005 UNCHR session. Mr Downer can be contacted at the following address: House of Representatives Parliament House Canberra ACT 2600 Tel: (02) 6277 7500 Fax: (02) 6273 4112 minister.downer@dfat.gov.au

UN Resolution on Sexual Orientation

Homosexuality is currently illegal in over 80 countries worldwide, with some countries sentencing same-sex attracted people to life imprisonment or worse, death. Homophobia and the persecution of sexual minorities is prevalent across the globe, with thousands of women and men subject to physical violence, harassment and daily intimidation because of their sexual orientation.

Despite this situation, there are no mechanisms under International Law that seek to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Whilst International treaties have been enacted against other forms of discrimination such as racism and sexism, no such treaties exist relating to sexuality or gender identity.

In recent years there have been moves by LGBT and other rights organizations to have sexual orientation and gender identity recognized under International human rights law. In 2003 Brazil put forward a motion to the United Nations Commission for Human Rights (UNCHR),that attempted to outlaw discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. That motion has been postponed from being debated at the Annual meeting of the UNCHR due to strong lobbying from the Vatican, some Islamic countries, and right-wing Christians from the US.

Since that time the resolution has been postponed again, however it is due to be debated when the UNCHR sits in Geneva during April, 20005.

Leading that fight is the International Gay and Lesbian Association (ILGA), of which the Lobby is a member. ILGA has called on supporters throughout the world to join the movement for sexual orientation to be properly recognised by the United Nations. They, along with other supportive organisations, will be lobbying the UNHCR from April 2 to April 17.

What you can do:

Go to www.brazilianresolution.com and sign the petition that has been signed by more than 45,000 people worldwide.
Send an email/letter to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Alexander Downer. The Government was initially undecided on the motion in 2003 and reviewed its position in 2004, so it is important that they continue to support the motion in the 2005 UNCHR session. Mr Downer can be contacted at the following address: House of Representatives Parliament House Canberra ACT 2600 Tel: (02) 6277 7500 Fax: (02) 6273 4112 minister.downer@dfat.gov.au