Given the rampant homophobia in the developing countries and the harsh anti-gay mind set of many Muslim nations, I do not know how far France's proposal will get, but it is heartening to see a country finally trying to bring the issue of anti-gay brutality directly in the open. Being gay is bad enough in most of the USA much less what gays face in some other countries where discovery can mean death. Britain likewise supports the ban on criminalizing gays. The USA? Missing in action as usual. No doubt the Christianists controlling the Republican Party will use this as one more reason to rail against the United Nations. Here are some highlights from Pink News:*
The French minister of human rights and foreign affairs has confirmed that she will appeal at the United Nations for the universal decriminalisation of homosexuality. Rama Yade also said that the EU wanted to take the lead in stopping violence against women worldwide.
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Earlier this year it was reported that the French initiative on decrminalisation will take the form of a solemn declaration from UN states, rather than a vote in the UN on the matter. However, Ms Yade said yesterday that France will submit a draft declaration at the UN General Assembly in December. The British government already advocates universal decriminalisation.
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More than 80 countries outlaw same-sex relations in all circumstances. The maximum punishments range from a few years jail to life imprisonment. In nine countries, or regions of countries, the mandatory punishment for homosexuality is death by execution.
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