Humanists UK in a statement has called for action to address an increase in violence and discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity as part of the 35th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council.
In a statement delivered by Chris Ward, on behalf of Humanists UK and its section LGBT Humanists, concerns were raised about human rights abuses against gay and bisexual men in the Russian republic of Chechnya. There have been reports that men suspected of being gay or bisexual have been abducted, tortured, and murdered at the encouragement of government authorities, who publicly deny the existence of LGBT people in the republic. Abuses include daily beatings, electrocution, and being forced to sit on bottles.
Humanists UK also warned the Council that LGBT rights are under increasing threat in other parts of the world where discriminatory legislation has been passed. For example, in the United States, legal protections for transgender students have been removed, and the recently signed so-called ‘religious liberty order’ has been described as a weapon to discriminate against LGBT people.
Humanists UK Director of Public Affairs and Policy Richy Thompson commented, ‘Today we have called upon the UN Human Rights Council to investigate the role that socio-cultural norms play in the proliferation of human rights abuses against LGBT people. We urge the Council to take steps to encourage member states to remove all legislation that discriminates on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity and continue to work towards full equality for LGBT people.’
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For further comment or information, please contact Humanists UK Director of Public Affairs and Policy Richy Thompson on richy@humanists.uk or 020 3675 0959
Read the full statement here.
At Humanists UK, we advance free thinking and promote humanism to create a tolerant society where rational thinking and kindness prevail. Our work brings non-religious people together to develop their own views, helping people be happier and more fulfilled in the one life we have. Through our ceremonies, education services, and community and campaigning work, we strive to create a fair and equal society for all.
Humanists UK recently changed its name from the British Humanist Association: https://humanists.uk/2017/05/22/bha-becomes-humanists-uk/