Polish conservatives try to oust equalities minister over LGBT rights bills
Malaysia and Nigeria's HIV responses challenged by anti-LGBT laws
If you’re in Los Angeles, check out this preview I wrote for the Los Angeles Blade of Fountain Theatre’s Alabaster, which just had its opening on Sunday.
Poland: Conservatives in Parliament held a vote of non-confidence in the Minister of Equality, alleging that proposed bills on civil unions and gender recognition are actually dividing Poles. The motion was voted down. Still no date on when either proposal will come to a vote.
Mexico: LGBT groups in Morelos state want the government to finally create inclusive regulations for assisted reproduction and surrogacy.
Germany: A look at what Germany’s Nazi AfD party wants to do on LGBT issues if they become part of government after next week’s election. It’s not good!
Niger: A national conference has recommended extending the current military junta’s rule by five years before considering a transition to civilian rule. The conference also resolved to reject any promotion of same-sex marriage and to increase surveillance of social media networks. Niger is part of a trio of increasingly aligned military-run states that are seeking to form a federation called the Alliance of Sahel States, or ASS, along with Mali and Burkina Faso, all of which have taken an anti-LGBT stance and moved to criminalize gay sex.
Nigeria: The National Human Rights Commission has expressed concern about ongoing stigmatization of people living with HIV, which has only gotten worse after the passage of the Same-Sex Marriage Prohibition Act, which criminalizes most LGBT expression and organizing.
Malaysia: The health minister says that HIV infections are soaring among gay and bisexual men, despite awareness campaigns pushed by the ministry. Not considered: repealing the ban on gay sex, so that gay men can access these campaigns and treatment without fear of persecution.
Meanwhile, in the States
The Department of Heath and Human Services has issued new guidance declaring there are only two sexes, attempting to erase trans and intersex people from existence.
California: Former NFL player Chris Kluwe was arrested at Huntington Beach City Council for protesting against a pro-MAGA plaque installed at the local library, correctly calling the MAGA movement a Nazi movement. Kluwe was known for his advocacy for equal marriage when he was a player.
Idaho: A bill that would allow children to sue for up to $5000 if they are allowed to see an “indecent sexual performance” has advanced to the house floor. A separate bill in Idaho would make it illegal to display breasts, artificial breasts, or toys that resemble genitalia in public – a requirement so vague that truck nuts and classical sculpture could both qualify.
Iowa: Republicans are advancing a trio of anti-LGBT bills; one would make it a felony to bring a minor to a drag show; one would ban classroom discussion of sexual orientation or gender identity in all schools; and a third would repeal an exemption to obscenity laws that applies to public libraries.
Oklahoma: Legislators, including Republicans, voted down two proposed “covenant marriage” bills in committee; the bills would have restricted the right to divorce for anyone who signed.
Ohio: State Democrats have reintroduced an LGBT nondiscrimination bill, but this time it stands even less chance of passage as not a single Republican has signed on as a sponsor.
Minnesota: Republicans have advanced a trans sports ban through the Education committee, using the temporary majority they have. Even if it passes the house, it’s unlikely to be approved in the Democrat-controlled Senate, but the fact it’s even getting this far is because of Democrats temporarily losing control of the house.