THEGAYUK

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  • Botswana decriminalises gay sex

    Botswana decriminalises gay sex

    The High Court in Botswana strikes down discriminatory laws which effectively outlawed homosexuality.

    nancydowd / Pixabay

    Today’s High Court decision in Botswana to strike down antiquated laws criminalising consensual same-sex sexual conduct is a huge win for the human rights of LGBT people in the southern African country and beyond, says the Human Dignity Trust (HDT).

    In a broad and forward-thinking reading of the Botswana Constitution, the three-judge bench unanimously ruled that the criminalising laws were discriminatory against LGBT people and breached their rights to privacy, dignity and liberty.

    Embed from Getty Images

    “We heartily congratulate the Botswanan and southern African LGBT human rights defenders and lawyers who have worked tirelessly on this pivotal case. LGBT people in Botswana have had their constitutional rights confirmed today and can now be more hopeful of a future free from discrimination, harassment and violence,” said Téa Braun, Director of HDT.

    “This judgment, which comes less than three weeks after a deeply regressive decision on the same issue from the Kenya High Court, is legally sound, ground-breaking and courageous, and is a ray of hope for all those LGBT Africans looking to their legal systems for justice and fair treatment,” she added.

    Sections 164, 165 and 167 of Botswana’s British colonial-era Penal Code outlawed ‘carnal knowledge of any person against the order of nature,’ attempts to commit carnal knowledge and acts of ‘gross indecency’ respectively. Those convicted under these laws faced jail sentences of up to seven years. Section 167 was updated in 1998 to apply to same-sex acts between women as well as men.

    A court case from 2003, in which it was argued that these sections of the Penal Code were unconstitutional, was dismissed by the Court of Appeal, so today’s victory is especially welcome as it aligns Botswana’s criminal domestic laws with both the country’s 1966 Constitution and international human rights law, says HDT.

    Botswana has shown increasing tolerance towards LGBT people in recent years.

    In 2016, the Court of Appeal sent a strong and progressive signal that LGBT people have the same human rights as everyone else in the country, whilst in 2018 the President said they are, ‘Just like other citizens (…) and deserve to have their rights protected.’

    The victory at the High Court today was notable given the generally hostile climate towards the human rights of LGBT people across Africa. Of the continent’s 53 countries, 32 continue to criminalise homosexuality.

  • Gay couple beaten on top of London bus

    Gay couple beaten on top of London bus

    A same-sex couple say they were attacked on the top deck of a London bus, after refusing to kiss for a gang of men.

    Melania Geymonat and her girlfriend Chris say they were attacked in an apparent homophobic attack in North London.

    The Ryanair employee, Melania said that she and her girlfiend were travelling on the top deck of the bus when a group of men began to harass the couple, calling on the two to kiss.

    When the couple refused, the gang allegedly became violent towards the couple, according to The Metro.

    Melania released a picture of the couple the moments after the attack, which shows them covered in blood with numerous facial injuries.

    Melania said, “They wanted us to kiss so they could watch us. I tried to defuse the situation as I’m not a confrontational person, telling them to please leave us alone as Chris wasn’t feeling well.’

    “The next thing I remember was Chris in the middle of them and they were beating her.

    “I didn’t think about it and went in. I was pulling her back and trying to defend her so they started beating me up.

    “I don’t even know if I was knocked unconscious. I felt blood, I was bleeding all over my clothes and all over the floor. ‘We went downstairs and the police were there.”

    Melania said that at least one of the alleged attackers spoke Spanish but the remaining gang all spoke with a British accent.

    Lewd and homophobic comments

    A spokesperson said, “Police are appealing for witnesses and information after two women were assaulted and robbed in a homophobic attack on a bus in Camden. ‘The incident happened at approximately 02:30hrs on Thursday, 30 May after the two women, both aged in their 20s, boarded a N31 bus in West Hampstead.

    “As they sat on the top deck they were approached by a group of four males who began to make lewd and homophobic comments to them.

    “The women were then attacked and punched several times before the males ran off the bus. A phone and bag were stolen during the assault. ‘Both women were taken to hospital for treatment to facial injuries.”

    Anyone who witnessed the incident or who has information is asked to contact police on 101 or tweet @MetCC and quote CAD737/30May. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111

     

    LGBT couples don’t feel they can hold hands in public

    CREDIT: © oneinchpunch Depositphotos

    THEGAYUK.com recently conducted a flash poll on social media, asking 200 people from the LGBT+ community whether they felt they could hold the hand of their same-sex partner, where opposite-sex partners could and would hold theirs – and the results are staggering.

    Over 80 per cent (85%) of those who answered the poll said that they didn’t feel they could hold their same-sex partner’s hand in public in the UK. Only 15 per cent of those who answered said they would feel comfortable.

    Speaking about the findings, editor of THEGAYUK.com, Jake Hook said, “What this poll shows is very troubling. Despite LGBT+ people having almost equal legal rights in the UK, our community still don’t feel that we’re societally equal.

    “Gay and bisexual men and women should be able to walk down any street in the UK, where their straight counterparts hold hands and feel that they can do the same without ridicule, attack or comment”.

  • Ann Widdecombe is cancelled

    Ann Widdecombe is cancelled

    Ann Widdecombe has had her one-woman show cancelled after suggesting that science may have an answer to homosexuality.

    Ann Widdecombe has one less opportunity to spread her thoughts after a theatre company, Selladoor, scrapped an event at a venue in Ilfracombe, Devon, where the right-wing politician was due to host a one-woman show, next March.

    The decision to cancel the show follows on from an interview on Sky News in which Widdecombe suggested that science may “produce an answer” to homosexuality – a comment which has led to a huge backlash against the Brexit Party politician.

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    David Hutchison, Selladoor’s chief executive – posted on Twitter, “Absolutely disgusted at Ann Widdecombe’s comments.

    “Took no time in immediately cancelling her planned ‘evening with’ event at one of our venues.

    “We will never provide a stage for these vile people.”

     

    During her time in office as the MP for Maidstone and The Weald, Ann Widdecombe voted against every piece of pro-LGBT+ or equalising legislation for the gay community in the UK.

    In 2003 she voted to maintain Section 28 in schools and in 1998 she voted against the law to equalise the age of consent. Between 1998 and 2009 she was involved in 17 votes pertaining to LGBT+ rights – 13 of which she voted against and the other four she was absent from, according to theyworkforyou.com

    Ann Widdecombe’s career as an MP was ended in 2010.

  • The guy who is leading the anti-No Outsiders protests at schools – doesn’t have kids at the school

    The guy who is leading the anti-No Outsiders protests at schools – doesn’t have kids at the school

    One of the leading voices of the protests in Birmingham against LGBT+ equality lessons in schools – doesn’t, in fact, have children at the school.

    Asfar seen arguing with MP Jess Philips over teaching No Outsiders at Primary schools in Birmingham.

    Shakeel Afsar has become one of the leading voices of protest at Anderton Park primary school in Birmingham where Muslim-majority parents are heard shouting “our kids, our choice”, “let kids be kids” over the decision by the school to include the “No Outsiders” equality lessons, which includes, in part, LGBT+ equality and acceptance.

    However, it turns out that Asfar doesn’t have children at the school. Last week he was filmed arguing with MP Jess Philips over her support for an exclusion zone around the school – to ensure that teachers and children at the school feel safe. He does however have a sister who has two children at the school, according to Sky News.

    Tensions have been mounting for weeks as parents have protested outside Anderton Park and Parkfield schools for weeks over, it turns out, two books, according to LGBT+ activist Khakan Quereshi, that are read in the “no outsiders” lessons, which take up a tiny proportion of total teachable time during the school year.

    Parents have also removed their children from the school. In April around 600 children were removed from Parkfield Primary school by protesting parents.

     

    Last week Asfar appeared on This Morning to debate whether LGBT+ acceptance should be taught in British schools. In the interview he said that parents at the school felt “that the LGBT community are becoming intolerant towards them and their religious beliefs”.

  • TV star India Willoughby says she’s considering running as an MP

    India Willoughby has said that she’s considering entering the political arena.

    Celebrity Big Brother star and journalist  India Willoughby has suggested that she is considering entering politics saying that she is thinking about standing as an MP. Speaking to THEGAYUK.com the journalist said that she’d run as an MP for the newly formed Brexit Party.

    https://twitter.com/IndiaWilloughby/status/1134397547760508930

    India has become very vocal on politics on social media.

    Her fans have already lined up their support saying that she should and at least one mentioning her celebrity status, saying “Well at least you are well known! I haven’t heard of many of these MPs”.

    Who are the Brexit Party?

    Embed from Getty Images

    The Brexit Party is a new party to the UK and is headed up by former UKIP leader, Nigel Farage. The party calls Ann Widdecombe as one of its star voices. The party also has Doctor David Bull as one of its MEPs. During the latest EU elections, the party made a huge impact winning 29 seats out of the total of 73 available, which represents around 31.6 percent of the vote.

    The Liberal Democrats came second with 16 seats, around 20.3% of the vote.

    https://twitter.com/IndiaWilloughby/status/1134408314425675776

    India told THEGAYUK.com that she was a fan of Farage’s politics, saying, “(I’m) sure Nigel and I will get on fantastically. Plain talkers. It was a really simple choice between leave or stay. The majority voted leave. Let’s just do it”

     

  • Eastenders has revealed its Gay Bar’s name, and its cheeky…

    Eastenders has revealed its Gay Bar’s name, and its cheeky…

    We want to go there…

    EastEnders is opening a gay bar and they’ve just revealed the name!

    A PRINCE AMONG MEN.
Kathy Beale set to open Walford’s first ever gay bar, The Prince Albert.

    Brace yourselves Walford, there’s a new bar in town. The much anticipated opening of Walford’s very first gay bar is upon us and Kathy Beale will soon be flinging the doors open to The Prince Albert.

    In recent weeks viewers have seen Kathy discover the necklace that Ben gave her is worth a considerable amount of money, leading her to attain the lease for the bar. Keen to overhaul the bar’s look and name, Kathy deliberates on what to call it and after some inspiration settles on The Prince Albert.

    It’s never plain sailing for a Walford boozer; with both The Queen Vic and the E20 providing backdrops for some of EastEnders’ most dramatic moments. From a simple pint over the head to numerous affair reveals and even murder, Walford watering holes are often very dangerous places.

    As Kathy settles in behind the bar, only time will tell what drama will unfold on the dancefloor…

    We’re just wondering whether the rest of the UK will get what a Prince Albert is!

  • Community which filmed the anti-LGBT “No Outsiders” protests has rife homophobia on its Facebook page

    Community which filmed the anti-LGBT “No Outsiders” protests has rife homophobia on its Facebook page

    Alum Rock Community Forum, a Facebook community which filmed the anti-No Outsiders protests outside Parkfield Primary school is filled with vile homophobic abuse.

    Alum Rock Community Forum which was instrumental in bringing live footage from the protests outside the Parkfield Primary school in April has uploaded another video to its group. In this video, Ferhan Khan, an out Muslim activist, who marched in Birmingham Pride’s parade, was denied access to the pride, due to not having a wristband.

     

    However, comments from viewers and members of the group have been widely homophobic and moderators of the Facebook group have as yet, failed to remove any of the vile comments, allowing it to become a breeding ground of hateful bigotry.

    The video currently has around 55 comments, with the majority of the comments calling the activist homophobic names, such as fa***t, “drama queen” and many questioning Khan’s gender.

    One commenter even went as far as to say that security should have battered him.

    Another called upon the “Almighty” to “destroy all gays”.

    The group, which has just under 10,000 users describes itself as “a non-profit organisation that provides a platform for the residents of Alum Rock to share their ideas and work together for a better future”.

    The group first uploaded the video with the following remarks, “#LGBT Muslim campaigner Ferhan Khan who led this weekend’s BirminghamPride parade alongside Parkfield School teacher Andrew Moffat was kicked out of the event security staff. Is this the #love #nooutsiders #Equalities being promoted?”

    It then edited the statement to, “#LGBT campaigner Ferhan Khan who led this weekend’s BirminghamPride parade alongside Parkfield School teacher Andrew Moffat was kicked out of the event security staff. #nooutsiders #Equalities”

    The group has now removed the video as well as all the comments.

    *This story was updated on the 29th May 2019 to reflect the fact that the group had removed the video and all associated comments.

  • Grindr killer apparently was having sex with a convicted paedophile in Prison

    Grindr killer apparently was having sex with a convicted paedophile in Prison

    According to reports, Stephen Port had been having sex with Britain’s most notorious convicted paedophile.

    Stephen Port

    Stephen Port and Richard Huckle, who has been dubbed Britain’s “worst paedophile” allegedly had a sexual relationship while they were both in prison together according to the Mirror Online.

    According to the report, Port and Huckle struck up a relationship while both at MHP Belmarsh in London. The pair shared the prison with 90 other inmates and apparently, there are only three guards to keep tabs on all the prisoners.

    The two have now been separated, but their relationship was an “open secret” according to the paper.

    The relationship allegedly happened while Port was waiting to be sentenced for the raping and murdering of four men.

    Remembering Port’s victims: Who were the Grindr Killer’s victims?

    In 2016 Port was imprisoned for life for the murders of Anthony Patrick Walgate, 23, Gabriel Kovari, 22, Daniel Whitworth, 21 and Jack Taylor, 25. Their bodies were dumped in or near a graveyard in Barking. The graveyard was 500 meters away from his flat in east London.

    The 44-year-old was also found guilty of 10 offences of administering a substance with intent, four rapes and four sexual assaults.

    “Open secret”

    Stephen Port

    A source at HMP Belmarsh told Mirror Online, “It’s an open secret the two of them had sex, everyone knows about it.

    “They were both in the max area of the prison but when the cells door are open those in that area can mix.

    “You have 90 inmates being overseen by three guards, they can’t see everything going on in every cell.

    “It happened when they were both here before Port was sentenced, their paths crossed.

     

  • Turns out the “paedophiles” flag was just a “troll experiment” hoax

    Turns out the “paedophiles” flag was just a “troll experiment” hoax

    In 2018 a flag that purported to be a pride flag for paedophiles made headlines, but it turns out it was just a hoax.

    A pride flag, with colourful stripes, made the rounds in 2018 and it was reported by many outlets, including THEGAYUK, that it was the pride flag for MAPS (minor-attracted people) however the rumours are simply untrue and turns out that it was a “troll experiment” that started on Tumblr.

    We are happy to set the record straight.

    The fact-finding website, Snopes has declared the reports, untrue.

    In its report, Snopes.com remarked, “A number of fear-mongering campaigns over the years have attempted to link paedophilia to the LGBTQ community, despite an utter lack of scientific proof of any such connection. In December 2017, for instance, internet trolls spread a false rumour that the letter “P,” representing “pedosexual,” was being added to the initialism LGBT (for “lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender”).

    “An eerily similar rumour was spread via social media in June 2018 in the form of an image purportedly showing a “MAPs (Minor-Attracted Persons) Pride Flag” supposedly created for Gay Pride Month.

    “This picture does not represent a “MAPs Pride Flag.” Rather, the image was created as part of a troll experiment on Tumblr.”

    So there you have it, there is no flag for paedophiles and they are not part of the LGBT+ community.

  • Only 40 per cent of gay men will attend a pride in 2019

    Only 40 per cent of gay men will attend a pride in 2019

    According to a new survey, only 40 per cent of gay men will attend one of the UK’s 150+ prides this year.

    New research from online-dating specialist Gaydar, has revealed that while the UK’s LGBT+ community is planning a big summer of Pride celebrations, not everyone is feeling included.

    Over 500 people completed Gaydar’s survey. While many respondents were excited about being part of Pride celebrations, having their voice heard, and playing their part in ensuring LGBT+ visibility, 32% of respondents have decided that they won’t be attending a Pride event this year, and a further 28% have not yet decided.

    Barriers to attendance identified by the survey included – geography, cost, age, disability, not feeling included, or having no interest or connection to Pride events. A number of respondents felt that Pride events have become over-commercialised, or that they don’t represent who they are.

    Over 150 different Pride celebrations will be held across the UK in 2019.

    While some of the biggest events will be held in cities such as London, Brighton, Manchester, and Birmingham, survey respondents confirmed that they will also be enthusiastically supporting local events in their hometowns.

    “This is going to be a big year for Pride…” said John Edwards, Managing Director of Gaydar. “It’s the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots, which is a major milestone for our community. This year, Gaydar will also be celebrating our 20th anniversary. Plus, it’s been a particularly political year here in the UK – I’m sure that will also be reflected in our Pride marches.”

    Survey respondents were asked to indicate the key issues that they were passionate about and keen to see addressed in Pride marches.

    Issues identified included – a need for more inclusion, Trans rights, anti-discrimination protections, equality, highlighting those countries where homosexuality is illegal, support for older LGBT+ people, HIV stigma, and climate change. Also, quite a lot of respondents feel that Pride should not be addressing social or political issues, or that they have no personal interest in any social or political issues.

    “Gaydar has a long tradition of supporting and being part of Pride events across the UK and around the world…” said John Edwards. “We’re excited that as we celebrate our 20th anniversary, we’re going to be helping LGBTQ communities across the UK to celebrate Pride, tocelebrate the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots, and work towards creating a better future for LGBTQ people around the world.”

  • This MP nailed equality for all in the most perfect way

    This MP nailed equality for all in the most perfect way

    MP Jess Phillips managed to explains how the equality act protects Muslims and LGBT people – ‘you don’t get to pick and choose what equality you have’.

    Jess Phillips talks with a protester Shakeel Afsar outside the Anderton School in Birmingham

    The Labour MP for Birmingham Yardley Jess Phillips managed to explain her belief that the current equality act protects Muslims and LGBT+ people, saying that the current protests against teaching LGBT+ education, in programmes like the No Outsiders campaign, is “damaging the reputation of a peaceful and loving community”.

    Embed from Getty Images

    Speaking outside a school in Birmingham where mainly Muslim parents have been protesting, the MP said, “I don’t agree with these protests, I don’t agree that you get to pick and choose which equality you can and cannot have.

    “Our equality laws protect us all. I want them to protect you. Actually I want to protect the Muslim community, which is getting a terrible… I want our Muslim community to be completely protected.

    “The worse thing about it is it’s damaging the reputation of a peaceful and loving community that I have lived in my entire life.”

    She continued to say that she was advocating for an exclusion area around the school to protect children the current wave of protests.

    Parents have been protesting outside the Anderton Park school in Birmingham in demonstrations similar as seen outside Parkfield Primary school last month.