THEGAYUK

Category: News

  • Ann Widdecombe has joined the Brexit Party

    Ann Widdecombe has joined the Brexit Party

    Ann Widdecombe, one of the UK’s most anti-equality politicians, has joined the Brexit Party.

    One of the UK’s most conservative politicians, Ann Widdecombe has joined the brand new Brexit Party, which is headed up by former UKIP leader Nigel Farage. The party was formed ahead of the forthcoming European elections, in which the UK will vote in.

    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.

    She also voted against the Equality Bill which promotes equality and various human rights.

    Nigel Farage described Widdecombe’s entry into the Brexit Party, as “great news”. He took to social media to say, “I welcome Ann Widdecombe as our lead candidate in the South West, the Brexit Party is a stronger alliance as a result. This is great news”.

     

  • Everything you need to know about the UK’s “porn ban”

    Everything you need to know about the UK’s “porn ban”

    With the UK Tory government pressing ahead with its porn ban, we asked Alastair Graham, Chair of the Age Verification Providers Association and CEO of AgeChecked on what we should know before the ban comes into place in July.

    Kurious / Pixabay

    New rules mean that you will have to prove you are over the age of 18 – and be on a database, in order to view porn from mid-July. Users will need to, from 15th July 2019, prove that they are over the age of 18 with official documents such as a driver’s license, passport or an age verification card. One of the systems in place is called the AgeID system another is called AVSecure. Alastair Graham, Chair of the Age Verification Providers Association and CEO of AgeChecked answers some questions on what you’ll need to do come mid-July.

    How will the porn ban work?

    Whenever a UK IP address attempts to access a website with age-restricted content, the user will have to verify they are over 18. They will not be able to view explicit content until they have proven their age.

    The onus of implementing such checks will fall on individual pornographic websites. Given that the government has not created its own verification system for websites to use, website operators will need to choose from a number of different age-checking software services on the market.

    There are variations between suppliers with regards to how each company will verify customers. AgeChecked, for example, works by allowing customers to confirm their age securely via an anonymous username and password. In order to get the username and password, users must first age verify themselves. They can choose from a range of methods, utilising a mobile app, credit card or driving licence.

    Each time the user logs on to the website in question, they will not have to re-verify themselves in order to access it. Instead, they simply sign in as normal and they will be granted instant access. This way, compliant age checks can be carried out without disrupting the user’s journey.

    Three key myths

    “My data will be hacked or leaked”
    Perhaps unsurprisingly, the incoming legislation has triggered privacy fears. Will porn companies be able to link people’s identities to their porn preferences? This is a very valid concern.

    The only way sure-fire way to avoid highly sensitive data leaking is to make sure that such data is not created in the first place. In this respect, it’s vital that all age verification systems are third-party providers (and not in any way affiliated with the porn sites themselves.)

    AgeChecked never stores personal information on its users and credentials are completely anonymised. When a user tries to access an age-restricted website or service, the website will only receive a simple ‘pass’ or ‘fail’ alert – nothing more.

    “It’s just a censorship tool”
    The whole point of the new age verification regulations is simply to prevent children from stumbling across pornographic content; these measures will not have any control over what content adults can and cannot view.

    “People can bypass the system”
    Online age verification works by implementing barriers that make it as difficult as possible for young children to stumble upon inappropriate or damaging adult content.

    Of course, there will always be a minority that tries to undermine these barriers, which is unfortunate but unavoidable. That’s why it’s so important that age-gating software does not work in silo; but rather plays a role in an overall solution. Underage access to adult content is a problem that needs support from both parents and government to be properly tackled going forward.

    Looking ahead

    Overall, while it is easy to become fixated on the pros and cons of the upcoming porn ban, what people need to remind themselves of is the core purpose of this legislation – to protect and prevent vulnerable youngsters from needlessly stumbling across this graphic, damaging content.

     

    AgeChecked is just one of the companies which will be able to verify users’ ages.

  • The government’s porn database to come online in July

    The government’s porn database to come online in July

    New rules mean that you will have to prove you are over the age of 18 – and be on a database, in order to view porn from mid-July.

    CREDIT: ©-lofilolo-Depositphotos

    Anyone who is watching porn via a British IP address will have to prove they’re of legal age to watch the content from mid-July. The new legislation has many critics concerned about privacy protection. The House of Commons passed the issue quietly on Monday, 17th December 2018.

    Users will need to, from 15th July 2019, register on porn sites with official documents such as a driver’s license, passport or an age verification card. One of the systems in place is called the AgeID system another is called AVSecure.

    The law means that you have to prove you are over the age of 18 before you can access porn sites in the UK and is part of the Digital Economy Act. The rules will apply to any website or platform which offers porn on a “commercial basis”.

    Sites that do not keep a database of its users and their ages maybe blocked to users in the UK.

    Advocates for the new rules hope that the measures will protect children from online porn.

    However, despite its intentions to protect children from accessing porn, the new law will not stop minors from being able to view unlawful content on social media.

    Porn Passes from the Newsagents

    igorovsyannykov / Pixabay

    Plans are being made to make “porn passes” available at local newsagents, which will allow people in the UK who want to watch porn to bypass inputting personal data which proves their age to various porn sites, according to The Independent. It is a way in which people can access porn anonymously once the new law comes into force.

    Buying a “porn pass” means that you will have to hand over personal information to your local newsagent, who will be able to issue you with an anonymous pass, which will allow you access to adult sites in the UK.

    Some of the activities banned by the Conservative government could overtly affect the porn consumption of gay men in the UK – including those who watch BDSM, rimming (facesitting) and fisting.

  • Victim of sexual assault left devastated by his attack

    Victim of sexual assault left devastated by his attack

    The vulnerable victim of a violent sexual assault says he has been left  ‘devastated’ by the attack.

    The victim was on a night out in Newcastle City Centre when he was subjected to the horrifying ordeal.

    He told police: “I have never been the most confident of people and this incident has really devastated me.

    “My self-confidence is really low and I am very anxious about being in public places with people I don’t know.

    “Even to this day I feel violated, traumatised and angry that this has happened to me.”

    His attacker Zain Osman, 25, of Gerald Street, Newcastle, admitted sexual assault after he approached the victim on a night out and put his hand down the man’s trousers.

    He then pushed the victim’s head towards his genitals.

    Last month Osman was jailed for 15 months at Newcastle Crown Court.

    “Extremely traumatised”

    During the 20 minute attack, Osman bit the victim on the back which resulted in him falling into a ditch where some road works were being carried out. The victim was left with multiple injuries and was extremely traumatised.

    The 26-year-old victim, who has lifelong anonymity, has been described by his family as ‘a trusting young lad who is unable to defend himself’. They have praised the police for getting justice for their ‘gentle giant’.

    They said: “He is so trusting of others, even when he doesn’t know people. It’s not in his nature to be nasty to anybody. He can’t really stick up for himself so how someone could take advantage of him is just incomprehensible.

    “The police have been so supportive from day one and when Osman was jailed, it was a huge relief for us all.”

    Detective Constable Ross Atkinson who led the case explains why protecting vulnerable people and seeking justice for this victim is exactly what police are here to do.

    Det Con Atkinson said, “The morality of Osman who tried to blame the culture of Newcastle to justify his actions is totally inexcusable. He targeted a vulnerable victim and sexually assaulted him. There is no one else to blame for that but himself.

    “The victim is such a lovely young man and this has utterly traumatised him. When he first came forward he was understandably extremely upset and shaken by what had happened.

    “I think there was an apprehension to report it at first thinking we may not believe what he was telling us, which of course was absolutely not the case – we will treat anyone who reports such offences with compassion and our specialist officers will carry out a thorough investigation.

    “My priority throughout this investigation was to really focus on the victim and support him in any way we could to ultimately get the justice he deserves.

    “Osman pleaded guilty to the offence due to the irrefutable evidence put before him. It gave the victim a sense of relief that he wouldn’t have to go through a trial and that he was believed.

    “I think the important message is that no one should be subject to such an assault in any circumstances.
    “It is our priority to protect victims like this brave young man and make sure we do all we can to raise awareness that help and support is available.”

    If you have been a victim of rape, sexual assault or exploitation, whether this is recent or historic, please come forward and contact police on 101, or 999 in an emergency.

    To contact the 24/7 Crisis Helpline contact 03333448283 or find out more about our Sexual Assault Referral Centre by searching REACH SARC online.

     

    Victims can also contact Victims First Northumbria on 0800 011 3116 who will give independent advice and support.

  • Israel Folah’s contract is ending after ‘Gay Hell’ social posts

    Disgraced Rugby player Israel Folau’s contract has been terminated after a series of offensive social media posts.

    The Australian Rugby Union has served Israel Folau with a contract ending breech notice, following on from offensive social media posts, one of which said that “hell awaits” gay people.

    He can now accept the breach notice, in which case his contract is formerly ended or he can challenge it with a hearing.

    Last week he posted on Instagram that “drunks, homosexuals, adulterers, liars, fornicators, thieves, atheists and idolaters” should “repent” because “only Jesus saves”.

    “Israel was warned formally and repeatedly”

    Chief Executive of Rugby Australia, Raelene Castle said, “At its core, this is an issue of the responsibilities an employee owes to their employer and the commitments they make to their employer to abide by their employer’s policies and procedures and adhere to their employer’s values.

    “Following the events of last year, Israel was warned formally and repeatedly about the expectations of him as a player for the Wallabies and NSW Waratahs with regards to social media use and he has failed to meet those obligations.

    “It was made clear to him that any social media posts or commentary that is in any way disrespectful to people because of their sexuality will result in disciplinary action.

    “All professional Rugby players in Australia are bound by the Code of Conduct and there is a process in place for any disciplinary matter. We appreciate that this particular matter will attract significant interest, but due process must be followed.”

    Embed from Getty Images

    In 2018 he received a backlash after another anti-gay tweet, in which said gay people would go to hell unless “they repent their sins and turn to God.”

  • Transport for London removes Brunei adverts

    Transport for London has removed adverts from Brunei across its network.

    Adverts which called Brunei an “Abode of Peace” have been removed from across the Transport for London network. The removal comes after numerous people complained about the advert’s messaging following on from Brunei’s decision to enact a law which introduces the death penalty for sex between men.

    Numerous travellers on the network implored TfL to removed the posters, with many saying that the slogan “an abode for peace” was not accurate, particularly for LGBT+ people in the region.

    A statement from TfL said that the advert when reviewed against their policy it is clear that “this is an issue of great public sensitively and controversy” and said that the poster would be removed from the network.

    It also said any future adverts would be “reviewed against the advertising policy, and information that has recently come to light would be considered in any decision”.

     

    Travel boycotts

    ©-anterovium-Depositphotos

    Set featured image

    At least one major travel firm has said it would no longer offer flights on the government-owned airline, Royal Brunei Airlines. STA Travel said, “We’re proud of our open and diverse culture and we expect our partners to demonstrate the same. We do not support in any way the laws being introduced in Brunei (including on Brunei-registered aircraft and vessels). Because of this, we have stopped selling Royal Brunei Airlines flights”.

  • London’s PrEP trial to be boosted by 60 per cent

     Places for London’s PrEP trial to be boosted by 60 per cent.

    PrEP pills
    (C) marcbruxel Depositphotos

    Today (Friday 12 April) London Councils has announced that an agreement has been reached to increase places on the PrEP trial by over 4,000 places.

    The news comes as over two-thirds of sites in London are now closed to gay and bisexual men. The boost still leaves the capital lagging behind many other parts of England which have agreed to double places on the trial.

    “Withholding access is simply not an option”

    Embed from Getty Images

    Debbie Laycock, Head of Policy at Terrence Higgins Trust, said, “Finally the stalemate on PrEP has been broken and some leadership is being shown. This is a welcome step in the right direction that will provide some relief to those in the capital who have been denied access to the trial. We welcome the acknowledgement by London Councils that PrEP must be available to everyone at high risk of HIV exposure and as such withholding access is simply not an option.

    “However this increase is still far short of the doubling of places we were promised by the Health Secretary Matt Hancock over 70 days ago and it won’t be long before we’re once again seeing gay and bisexual men being unable to access PrEP in the capital.

    “‘London continues to outstrip every other part of the UK in the number of new HIV diagnoses each year so it’s critical a sustainable solution for PrEP is found. Today’s news is progress but this remains a job only half complete as places must be doubled to address the high demand seen for PrEP. We need urgent leadership on this from NHS England, the Department for Health & Social Care and councils across the capital because no one at risk of HIV should be turned away.”

     

  • Rugby player to be fired after series of anti-LGBT+ social media posts

    Rugby player, Israel Folau has come under fire for anti-LGBT+ social media posts.

    https://www.flickr.com/photos/125524007@N08/ [CC BY 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)]
    Australian rugby player, Israel Folau, 30, is set to be fired by Rugby Australia and the New South Wales Rugby Union after a social media post by the player suggested that “hell awaits” gay people.

    On Wednesday, he posted on Instagram that “drunks, homosexuals, adulterers, liars, fornicators, thieves, atheists and idolaters” should “repent” because “only Jesus saves”.

    Embed from Getty Images

    In a statement, the governing bodies said, “He does not speak for the game with his recent social media posts, In the absence of compelling mitigating factors, it is our intention to terminate his contract.”

    “Israel has failed to understand that the expectation of him as a Rugby Australia and NSW Waratahs employee is that he cannot share material on social media that condemns, vilifies or discriminates against people on the basis of their sexuality,” the governing bodies said in a statement.

    “As a code, we have made it clear to Israel formally and repeatedly that any social media posts or commentary that is in any way disrespectful to people because of their sexuality will result in disciplinary action.”

    “Turn away from evil”

    Embed from Getty Images

    In another tweet sent on Tuesday, Folau wrote “The devil has blinded so many people in this world, REPENT and turn away from your evil ways. Turn to Jesus Christ who will set you free”, after Tasmania opted to make a baby’s gender optional on birth certificates in its state.

  • Dame Vera Baird’s support for LGBT+ communities recognised by award short-list

    Dame Vera Baird’s support for LGBT+ communities recognised by award short-list

    Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Dame Vera Baird’s long-standing support for the region’s LGBT+ community, has been recognised as she is named as an awards ceremony finalist.

    Celebrating the positive contributions made by individuals, organisations and groups, the LGBTQ North East Awards have named Dame Vera in the short-list to receive the ‘Ally of the Year’ accolade.

    Dame Vera is known as a vocal supporter of LGBT+ rights, championing inclusion and understanding for all.

    Her support has included providing funding to train advocates to engage with the police and the criminal justice system to raise awareness of LGBTQ issues. This has involved training officers on the impact of LGBT+ hate crime, and to help sign-post victims to support services.

    The OPCC continues to hold regular LGBT+ advisory sessions to hear the views of the LGBT+ communities on how Northumbria Police engages well with the community and where further improvements can be made.

    Commenting on her award nomination, Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Dame Vera Baird QC, said, “I’m delighted to have been shortlisted for this award. I’m proud to be considered, alongside other fantastic people, as a voice that represents our LGBTQ communities. Together, we’re bringing issues that matter to the forefront and pushing for positive change – I wish all nominees the best of luck.”

    Ryan Houston, Founder of Rainbow Foundation, said, “We are delighted to see Dame Vera make it to the final of this year’s Awards. This highlights her continued effort to support the LGBTQ community in the North East, as well as her continued dedication to support LGBTQ employees within the Police force.”

  • Seven men wanted after a suspected homophobic attack in Coventry

    Seven men wanted after a suspected homophobic attack in Coventry

    Police in Coventry are appealing to the public for information after a 24-year-old man was left with injuries after a suspected homophobic attack.

    A 24-year-old man was left with severe facial injuries after a suspected homophobic attack in the city of Coventry police say. THEGAYUK has learned that Coventry police are looking for information on seven males, who were filmed by CCTV outside the Noodle Bar in Coventry in March.

    According to the police, a 24-year-old man was attacked and left with multiple injuries which included fractured cheekbones, a broken nose, blurred vision and nerve damage after it is thought that seven men set upon the unnamed victim. The alleged attack happened just before 4.30am on Saturday 16 March.

    The alleged assault happened outside the Noodle Bar on Bull Yard in Coventry city centre. Police say that is believed a homophobic insult was heard during the attack.

    Anyone with information is urged to contact police via Live Chat at west-midlands.police.UK between 8 am and midnight, or call 101 anytime.

    Crimestoppers can be called anonymously on 0800 555 111, quoting crime reference 20CV/68141L/19.

  • Man brutalised and left unconscious by gang of up to six in homophobic assault

    Man brutalised and left unconscious by gang of up to six in homophobic assault

    Detectives investigating a homophobic assault and robbery in Greenwich are appealing for information.

    A man was left with multiple injuries and had his car stolen after he was homophobically assaulted in a London park. Police were called to Vanbrugh Park Road in Blackheath in London at 22:23hrs on Sunday, 7 April following reports of an alleged assault.

    Officers found a 36-year-old man with bleeding and bruising to his face.

    Police are looking for six thugs

    The victim was walking on Blackheath Common, Greenwich, in an area known as Blackheath Dip when he was attacked by a group of around five males, and possibly a female.

    He was repeatedly punched in the face and held around his neck, causing him to lose consciousness. They then dragged him across the ground by his hood and hit his face against the pavement. Throughout the attack, the gang used homophobic words.

    They then stole the victim’s car keys and drove off his white Peugeot 208 Access, which contained his mobile phone and wallet.

    The victim was treated at the scene by paramedics and taken to a hospital. He has since been discharged but is suffering from his injuries and is still in shock.

    One of the males was described as white, with a thin face, thin lips and spoke with a London accent. He was wearing a grey hooded jumper.

    Homophobia was the motivation of this assault

    Investigating officer Detective Constable Adam Pearce, from the South East Command Unit, said, “This was a completely unprovoked and targeted assault and we believe there may be further victims not yet in contact with police.

    “Both the attack and the homophobic motivation of this assault are abhorrent and I appeal to anyone with any information that could assist the investigation to come forward.”

    Anyone with information is asked to contact the South East Safe Guarding Unit by dialling 101 and quoting reference CAD 7270/07Apr, Tweet @MetCC or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.