- “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men (or women) to do nothing.”
- - Edmund Burke (1729-1797)
This statement is so true which is why LGCM has to remain vigilant and constantly challenge the attitudes and beliefs of society.
Below you will find a number of current petitions, research projects and campaigns that you can sign up to and help create a more just and fair society where true equality is the norm and no one need fear discrimination because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Or you can simply make a commitment to pray daily for LGBT people around the world who continue to face ongoing threats to their freedom, safety, health and well-being for no other reason than their real or perceived sexual orientation and/or gender identity.
Pray for God’s blessing and protection upon their lives, that they may find strength and hope in the midst of adversity, and that governments everywhere will treat their citizens with fairness, justice and compassion.
And pray that people of faith and leaders everywhere may become global allies with us in the work of advancing peace and goodwill among all God’s children.
Uganda’s Proposed “Anti-Homosexuality” Bill
A Private Member’s Bill being proposed in Uganda is among the world’s most draconian legislation against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered (LGBT) people. The Bill which aims to “deal with emerging internal and external threats to the traditional heterosexual family” has widespread support from a number of Ugandan MPs, and it, would seem, considerable government support. It could lead, in some cases, to the death penalty for homosexual acts.
The planned Bill would legislate against responsible education and information about homosexuality, and support for homosexuals. Punishments could range from 3 years imprisonment to the death sentence. A catch all clause in the Bill even covers any Ugandan homosexuals who might break the law while abroad. Clause 17 of the Bill also makes anyone charged under the Act liable to extradition.
The Bill would also hold responsible for illegal activities those who are in positions of trust, from Church leaders to organisations aimed at helping people living with HIV/AIDS. The Bill says that all people in positions of trust are obligated to aid in enforcing the law. This means anyone with “power and control over other people because of your knowledge and official position”, and includes anyone who ”exercises religious, political, economic or social authority“.
Homosexuality is already illegal in Uganda and can be punished with life imprisonment. But the anti-homosexuality legislation, proposed by ruling party MP David Bahati on October 14th 2009, was designed to “fill the gaps” in the provisions of existing laws.
A coalition of human rights and civil society groups led by Human Rights Watch have blasted the measure for attacking human rights protections and placing “everybody” at risk – including parents, teachers, landlords, doctors, media and religious leaders and those who provide counselling to anyone struggling with their sexuality or work with those infected with HIV/AIDS. Anyone who does not report an offence within 24 hours of their gaining knowledge of such is liable to prosecution.
LGCM has attempted to contact the two Primates of the Anglican Church in Britain hoping they would speak out unequivocally on Uganda’s proposed new legislation which threatens catastrophic effects on the lives of ordinary men and women who are lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered (LGBT). A deafening silence comes from the Anglican Church in Britain towards the bill.
Please consider signing the online petition calling on Christian leaders, including Rowan Williams, to oppose the anti-homosexuality bill in Uganda.
Civil Partnerships are not available in Ireland
Recently, Coco Television produced a short film, Sinead’s Hand, staring Irish actor, Hugh O’Connor. The film follows the adventures of an Irishman who knocks on the doors of Irish homes, and when answered, asks for Sinead’s hand in marriage.
The film is accompanied by music from Lisa Hannigan and ends with the words: “How would you feel if you had to ask 4 million people for permission to get married?” “Lesbians and gay men are denied access to civil marriage in Ireland.” It really highlights the need for Irish legislators to extend civil marriage rights to same-sex couples.
Please find a link to the film here
Please tell us your views on same-sex marriage
The Equality Network is doing a survey of people’s opinions on marriage and civil partnership. Are you happy with the law as it stands? Should same-sex marriage be available, or is civil partnership fine? How important is this issue to you? Please would you take a few minutes to answer the survey? Knowing your views will really help the work on this with the Scottish Government and Parliament.
The survey is here
Research on Civil Partnerships
A group of researchers from Manchester are conducting a study looking at the everyday experiences of couples who entered into Civil Partnership before they turned 35. They are particularly interested in knowing how couples got together, what attracted them to each other, why they entered into Civil Partnership and how the relationship has progressed since then. The study will involve in-depth interviews with couples across the United Kingdom.
As a small team of researchers, they have been involved in numerous projects on lesbian and gay life (for more information please visit their website to find out more and participate in the study contact Anna at anna.einarsdottir@manchester.ac.uk
Petition HM Government for sexual orientation to be included in next Census.
Please see below the link for the 10 Downing Street Petition to include Sexual Orientation in the next Census. The current position is that no such question is likely to be included in 2011, meaning at least another decade before we see such a question on what is the most important survey of the UK population. The census will contain references to same-sex civil partnerships (which is a great step forward), so it makes no sense to then omit a question on sexual orientation. At the 2009 Stonewall Workplace Conference, the Chief Executive of the Equalities & Human Rights Commission (EHRC) indicated clearly that the EHRC’s view was that such a question should be included in 2011, challenging the Office of National Statistics (ONS) position. As the UK authority on equality issues, the EHRC’s point of view should be taken seriously. If you back this call for clearer statistics on LGBT people in the UK, please sign the petition by following this link
Petition HM Government to allow churches to perform Civil Partnerships.
Please see below the link for the 10 Downing Street Petition to allow Churches to conduct Civil Partnerships.
The current position is that Churches can be registered to conduct Marriages but Civil Partnerships can only take place in secular buildings. This ruling also applies to Church buildings owned the Metropolitan Community Church whose congregation is largely from the lgbt community. This is absurd and blatant discrimination. Please sign the petition at the following link
