UK's New Law Against HOMOPHOBIC HATRED

This March 2010, UK once again has taken a step forward to show equality in their country particularly on treating homosexuals living there. The law takes in effect, which makes it criminal to 'stir' homophobic hatred, be it in words,behaviour or material that is threatening in nature.

This new law is very important to address the many websites and material stirring anti-gay hatred. Due to words being included in this new law, another area that will be put under scrutiny is song lyrics. This has the potential to stop, or at least minimise it.

It is also important to note that in London alone, 1,192 homophobic offences were reported in the year to September 09, up from 1,008 the previous year - a rise of 18.3% and an average of almost 3 per day. Most attacks go unreported.

There have been several concerns from religious leaders and comedians, that with the passing and implication of the new law, they will be criminalised by it.

However, the law will not impede freedom of speech, and the House of Lords have passed an amendment that will protect those who “urge gays to turn straight” or who “criticise homosexuality”. The amendment was tabled by Conservative party member Lord Waddington, the former Home Secretary under Margaret Thatcher. The amendment was made in such a way that it “allows the ‘discussion or criticism’ of sexual practices”, without those participating being prosecuted for it.

The new law will, however, “help prevent and tackle acts of serious hatred against individuals defined by reference to their sexual orientation, with a high threshold for prosecutions which must be approved by the Attorney General and heard before a jury.” Convictions of such offences could lead the offender to a fine, or up to a 7 year prison sentence.

ROCK for EQUALITY

The other day, I posted about the huge group lobbying for the equality in social security benefits in the USfor same sex couples. The gay centre is a general group for LGBT but it is also in support of another huge group working especially on the issue of social security equality. It is called ROCK FOR EQUALITY. L.A.Times had just runs a front page article about it and it's primary mission to fight discrimination. The group is in the front row lobbying the recognition of rights same-sex couples in access to social security. Here is the link for their website to know more and a video of testimonies of couples's experience about the social security benefits they struggle to access: http://rockforequality.org
 

It is worth knowing the issue and the people who have been silenced for years and are now out in search for respect and equality.

Social Security Revolution?

The issue on the revision of the social security in the US is once again the talk of the town. Yes, many suggestions and speculations but who knows really what will happen or have happened? My big question is: how is it taking into account ALL citizen of the country? All tax payers particularly those who are same-sex couples? There is a huge group lobbying for this and they should be heard. This is the situation that is currently very hot, not only in the US but as well in many European countries. If US wants to be a role model for protecting every citizen of the country, then I think that it is about time to listen to this growing number of people wanting to protect their love ones and hoping to offer a secured future for their family. One can learn more by exploring the website of the LGBT group:
http://www.gaycenter.org/

The fight of same-sex couples to be given equal rights as any other couples in the US has become a serious concern not only of the gay community, but also of many straight people who believe that human rights should be enjoyed by everyone regardless of one's sexual orientation.