An Indian state may introduce civil unions
Argentina elects a far-right radical as president
India: The Madras High Court in Chennai, Tamil Nadu state has recommended to the state that it recognize and register ‘deeds of familial association” (so, civil unions) for same-sex couples as it drafts its policy for LGBTQIA+ people. This comes a month after the Supreme Court ruled against requiring legalization of same-sex marriage.
Russia: The government has appealed to the courts to ban the “International LGBT public movement” as “extremist.” It’s not clear what this would mean in practice, as no particular individuals or organizations have been named as targets.
Argentina: Far-right outsider Javier Milei won the presidential run-off after previously campaigning against progress on LGBT and women’s rights (although Milei’s personal position on LGBT issues is probably best described as ‘malign indifference’ rather than outright hostility. Milei is essentially a one-man party without any support in Congress or the provinces, so its unclear how much of his radical agenda he’ll be able to implement at this time.
Nigeria: Some local outlets are freaking out about the Samoa Agreement – a framework for relations between the EU and several Asian, African, and Pacific, and Caribbean states – because they claim it forces countries to recognize same-sex marriage, which is all a hoax. While the document aims to promote human rights, democracy, and rule of law, it doesn’t even mention sexual orientation, gender identity, LGBT, or same-sex marriage. After all, the EU doesn’t even require same-sex marriage among its own members.
Ethiopia: LGBT people are facing rising attacks in real life and on social media.
Hungary: The government plans to deploy a nationwide survey on issues related to the EU, including support for Ukraine and repealing the “LGBT propaganda” law. Critics have decried the government’s frequent surveys as a propaganda tool of its own.
Mexico: Legislators for Mexico City have frozen a number of bills under consideration for the LGBT community, including a law that would classify and penalize transfemicides (hate-motivated murders of trans women), and repealing a law that criminalizes HIV transmission, but a legislator hopes the left-leaning legislature can take them up soon. I believe Mexico City already has a hate crime law, so this would be an additional penalty.
A report has indicated that 80% of trans people in Tamaulipas state face so much discrimination that they have been unable to find formal employment. Trans people in the state are planning to hold 16 days of demonstrations calling for a gender identity recognition law, repealing the state’s ban on HIV-positive people getting married, and repealing the criminal penalties for HIV transmission.
And trans activists in Veracruz are getting fed up with delays in passing a gender identity recognition law there.
Hong Kong: The government has told the Equal Opportunities Commission to stop working on draft law changes to protect LGBT rights, saying that goes beyond its mandate.
UK: A bill to ban conversion therapy has been introduced in the House of Lords — it’s still a longshot for the bill to become law, however.
United Nations: The global envoy for LGBT issues has called for a ban on conversion therapy.
Meanwhile, in the States
Pennsylvania: County Commissions in Lehigh Valley (around Allentown) deferred a vote on a nondiscrimination ordinance to Nov 21 (tomorrow).
Utah: A state lawmaker has tabled a draft bill that would ban schools and teachers from displaying pride flags.
And for the Los Angeles Blade, I interviewed up-and-coming comedian Quincy Bazen (pictured below), who digs deep laughs out of dark issues.
