Japan Supreme Court grants benefit to same-sex couples
Russia, Georgia intensify crackdown on LGBT people
I have a story up on the Los Angeles Blade today about a trans woman who was murdered in South Los Angeles last week. Police have not released the woman’s identity and are still searching for a suspect.
Japan: The same-sex couples involved in the recent Sapporo High Court same-sex marriage case are appealing the decision not to award them damages. The court found that the ban on same-sex marriage was unconstitutional but did not order any remedy. The appeal would take the case to the Supreme Court.
And here’s an early indication they may get a good reception there. Today, the Supreme Court ruled that same-sex couples can receive crime victim benefits on an equal basis as common-law heterosexual couples can – they only have to satisfy that the couple are indeed in a similarly committed relationship. This is a major victory for recognition of same-sex couples nationally.
Georgia: The government is planning to introduce an anti-LGBT law and constitutional amendment that would ban “LGBT propaganda,” ban gender change, ban adoption by gay couples and individuals, ban civil unions, ban use of gender-neutral terms by government, and ban discussion of LGBT topics in state or private schools and universities. It’s among the most draconian anti-LGBT laws ever proposed in modern Europe, and would be a giant obstacle to the country’s supposed EU ambitions.
Russia: The government has added “the international LGBT movement” to its terrorists and extremists list, though it’s not exactly clear what that means in practice. Last year, the Supreme Court declared “the LGBT movement” to be extremist, and there have already been crackdowns on gay bars and organizations.
Slovakia: A presidential runoff election is set for Apr 6, and will feature a race between a pro-EU candidate Ivan Korcok, who came first in the primary election, and a right-wing ally of the current prime minister. Whether Korcok wins will be an important test of whether Slovakia can fend off challenges to democracy and rule of law posed by the current government.
South Africa: The president and cabinet are launching an anti-gender-based-violence pledge, encouraging men across the country to sign.