Category - gay

Free speech and homophobia

Symon Hill — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 18:56:03 +0000

Those who disagree with the allegedly homophobic views of a Norwich resident suspected of a hate incident have spoken up for her right to express them. Her supporters, on the other hand, have generally not issued statements showing such generosity or understanding.

Gay rights campaigners stand up for free speech of opponents

staff writers — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 11:03:32 +0000

Supporters of gay, lesbian and bisexual people's rights have expressed support for the freedom of those who criticise them, casting doubt on claims by a Christian group who suggested that gay rights activists are trying to stifle free speech.

American campaigners urged to fight both militarism and homophobia

staff writers — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 19:50:08 +0100

US activists working for the inclusion of gay, lesbian and bisexual people in the military have been urged to avoid an uncritical approach to the armed forces. They are being encouraged to oppose militarism as well as homophobia.

Gay Muslims need support, says leading commentator

staff writers — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 12:23:20 +0100

The Muslim commentator Inayat Bunglawala has called on the Muslim community to be more supportive of its gay and lesbian members. He suggested that "Muslim and some Christian communities" were not showing "respect and tolerance".

Vatican hits out at other faiths over child abuse

staff writers — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 11:40:34 +0100

The Vatican's representative at the United Nations has shocked listeners by suggesting that there could be more child abuse within Protestant and Jewish communities than in the Roman Catholic Church.

Campaigners win apology for persecution of gay codebreaker

staff writers — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 15:58:18 +0100

The Prime Minister has issued an apology for the homophobic hounding of the wartime codebreaker Alan Turing. He was driven to suicide in the 1950s by criminal prosecution and “medical treatment” imposed in response to his sexuality.

Gene Robinson given standing ovation at Greenbelt festival

staff writers — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 23:45:20 +0100

The Anglican Communion's first openly gay bishop has received a standing ovation at the Greenbelt festival in Cheltenham. Gene Robinson's call for a sexual ethic based on integrity and trust was greeted with prolonged applause.

Thousands flock to Greenbelt festival despite criticism

staff writers — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 13:38:25 +0100

The Greenbelt Christian festival in Cheltenham has attracted over 15,000 participants despite attacks from conservative campaigners opposed to the invitation of a gay bishop.

Gay and lesbian Zimbabweans push for constitutional equality

staff writers — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 11:10:09 +0100

Human rights campaigners in Zimbabwe believe they have a 50:50 chance of seeing the rights of gay, lesbian and bisexual people protected in the country's new constitution. This would overturn existing Zimbabwean law.

Quakers show the way on same-sex marriage

Symon Hill — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 21:58:55 +0100

The Quakers have become the first major denomination in Britain to endorse same-sex marriage, putting themselves in conflict with the law. Their example is an inspiration to people in other denominations struggling for equality.