Originally published on the CGS blog on February 13, 2014.
In the words of U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon,“Some say that sexual orientation and gender identity are sensitive issues. I understand. Like many of my generation, I did not grow up talking about these issues. But I learned to speak out because lives are at stake, and because it is our duty under the United Nations Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights to protect the rights of everyone, everywhere.”The Sunday, February 9th, 2014 edition of the New York Times contains two articles that stand in stark contrast and highlight some of the recent triumphs and challenges for the human rights of LGBTQ individuals.
The top story on page 25 of the National section, “More Federal Privileges to Extend to Same-Sex Couples,” details new extensions of equal rights to same-sex couples in several areas by U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder. However, the Times’ front page headline, below the fold, “Wielding Whip and a Hard New Law, Nigeria Tries to ‘Sanitize’ Itself of Gays,” describes a newly passed law that criminalizes homosexuality in Nigeria and the harsh punishments those convicted under the law have received. Those convicted of same-sex relationships face 10 years in prison and in some instances in Northern Nigeria, whipping or death. In response to this new law, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay, had this to say: “Rarely have I seen a piece of legislation that in so few paragraphs directly violates so many basic, universal human rights.”
These two articles show that just as progress has been made, it is not inevitable; the struggle for the recognition of universal human rights is always on-going. As reported by the Times, homosexuality is illegal in 38 of the 54 African states and carries the death penalty in Mauritania, Somalia, and Sudan. Throughout the world, the human rights of gay, lesbian, and transgender individuals are violated. Homosexuality has been criminalized in scores of countries, including the world’s most populous, India. Many of these laws were instituted by the British Empire and remain relics of its imperial colonial system. Most recently, as the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia drew nearer, much attention was focused on a law banning the discussion of homosexuality with anyone under the age of 18. In fact, 9 U.S. states have similar laws.
Mr. Holder’s bold declaration of support for the rights of LGBTQ individuals in the United States is refreshing. According to Amnesty International: “Sexuality is not a crime,” and “The criminalization of people based on their sexual orientation contravenes international and regional human rights treaties.” It is for all of these reasons that we must continue to protect and enhance the respect for the human rights of those LGBTQ individuals in our communities and around the world.
