Europe
Latvia elects Edgars Rinkevics as president – the first openly gay head of state in Europe
Latvia has elected a new president – making history the first openly gay head of state in Europe. The country’s parliament elected Edgars Rinkēvičs to be its next president, Reuters reported prime minister Krišjānis Kariņš saying. Rinkēvičs has spent a long time in Latvian politics, serving as the country’s minister of foreign affairs since 2011,… Read more »
Romania breaching LGBTQ+ couples’ human rights, European court rules
Romania is breaching the human rights of same-sex couples by refusing to legally recognise their relationships, the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has ruled. Currently, Romania doesn’t recognise same-sex marriage or civil partnerships. On Tuesday (23 May), the ECHR ruled that as a result, Romania’s government is in breach of article eight of the… Read more »
Report on scheme to disregard historic convictions of gay and bisexual men in Ireland finalised
The working group has finalised its report on possible disregard schemes for historic convictions of gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men. The report from the working group established by the Department of Justice to examine the ‘Disregard of (historic) Convictions for Certain Qualifying Offences Related to Consensual Sexual Activity between Men’… Read more »
‘A Quick Death or a Slow Death’: Prisoners Choose War to Get Lifesaving Drugs
An estimated 20 percent of Russia prisoner recruits are H.I.V. positive. To some, the front lines seemed less risky than prisons where they said they were denied effective treatments. In Russian prisons, they said they were deprived of effective treatments for their H.I.V. On the battlefield in Ukraine, they were offered hope, with the promise… Read more »
Russia arrests LGBTQ+ YouTubers on ‘gay propaganda’ charges
Russian authorities have arrested a same-sex couple for allegedly violating the country’s homophobic ‘gay propaganda’ law. Bloggers Haoyang Xu and Gela Gogishvili, who originally hail from China and Georgia respectively, were arrested on Wednesday (5 April) over a YouTube video. The couple regularly document their lives as a same-sex couple in Russia in videos also… Read more »
Gay Irish Prime Minister Welcomed at White House on St. Patrick’s Day
The leader and his partner had earlier met with Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband. President Joe Biden welcomed Ireland’s gay prime minister, known as the Taoiseach, to the White House on St. Patrick’s Day on Friday. In a meeting between the countries that had been postponed due to the pandemic, the two leaders… Read more »
Gay Irish Prime Minister Welcomed at White House on St. Patrick’s Day
The leader and his partner had earlier met with Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband. President Joe Biden welcomed Ireland’s gay prime minister, known as the Taoiseach, to the White House on St. Patrick’s Day on Friday. In a meeting between the countries that had been postponed due to the pandemic, the two leaders… Read more »
Slovenia officially becomes first eastern European country to recognise same-sex marriage
The legalisation of same-sex marriage has officially come into effect in Slovenia, in a huge win for LGBTQ+ rights in eastern Europe. The bill, which saw Slovenia’s Family Code updated, officially took its place amongst the country’s other laws on Tuesday (1 February). In October 2022, Slovenia’s parliament passed an amendment making it the very… Read more »
Russia ordered to recognise same-sex relationships by Europe’s top court
The European Court of Human Rights has ordered Russia to recognise same-sex partnerships, but it’s unlikely Russia will implement protections for queer couples. The ruling came in response to a years-long fight by three queer couples for legal recognition and protection after they were denied the ability to marry by Russia. The applicants were originally… Read more »
Liechtenstein prelate cancels parliamentary Mass over gay marriage bill
Audio Rome – The New Year is off to a rocky start for parliamentarians in the tiny European nation of Liechtenstein, who are currently in a standoff with the country’s lone Archbishop, Wolfgang Haas, over the recent passage of a bill legalizing same sex marriage. In December, Haas announced via the official bulletin for the… Read more »
Ukrainian, Russian Nobel Peace winners slam Putin’s ‘insane’ war
The triple peace prize award was seen as a strong rebuke to Russia’s war in Ukraine. Following the awards ceremony in Oslo, the recipients of this year’s Nobel Peace Prize took turns criticising Russia’s continuing war in Ukraine. Jailed Belarusian activist Ales Bialiatski, the Russian organisation Memorial, and the Ukrainian Centre for Civil Liberties were… Read more »
‘Our mere existence is illegal.’ As Moscow toughens anti-gay law, LGBTQ Russians fear for the future
Editor’s Note: If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or mental health matters, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 to connect with a trained counselor or visit the NSPL site.CNN—Young mothers Yana and Yaroslava don’t want to leave Russia with their 6-year-old son. But they fear a harsh… Read more »
‘Our mere existence is illegal.’ As Moscow toughens anti-gay law, LGBTQ Russians fear for the future
Editor’s Note: If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or mental health matters, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 to connect with a trained counselor or visit the NSPL site. CNN – Young mothers Yana and Yaroslava don’t want to leave Russia with their 6-year-old son. But they… Read more »
Ukrainian, Russian Nobel Peace winners slam Putin’s ‘insane’ war
The triple peace prize award was seen as a strong rebuke to Russia’s war in Ukraine. Following the awards ceremony in Oslo, the recipients of this year’s Nobel Peace Prize took turns criticising Russia’s continuing war in Ukraine. Jailed Belarusian activist Ales Bialiatski, the Russian organisation Memorial, and the Ukrainian Centre for Civil Liberties were… Read more »
Russia’s State Duma Approves Bill to Ban ‘LGBT propaganda’
Those found to be spreading so-called “LGBT propaganda” could face a fine up to $6,600. CNN – Russia’s lower house of parliament passed in the third reading amendments to a law on so-called “LGBT propaganda” on Thursday, expanding liability to all ages. The discriminatory law proposes to ban all Russians from promoting or “praising” homosexual… Read more »
Russia’s State Duma Approves Bill to Ban ‘LGBT propaganda’
CNN – Russia’s lower house of parliament passed in the third reading amendments to a law on so-called “LGBT propaganda” on Thursday, expanding liability to all ages. The discriminatory law proposes to ban all Russians from promoting or “praising” homosexual relationships or publicly suggesting that they are “normal.” The original version of the law adopted… Read more »
Italian Court Rules in Favor of Same-Sex Parents
An Italian court ruled that same-sex parents have the right not to be labeled “mother” or “father” on the ID paperwork of their children. A judge in Rome ruled in favor of a lesbian couple who had launched a legal challenge against the regulations for IDs for minors, Reuters reports. Parents or legal guardians must… Read more »
Italian Court Rules in Favor of Same-Sex Parents
The ruling goes against the views of Italy’s new far-right government and prime minister. An Italian court ruled that same-sex parents have the right not to be labeled “mother” or “father” on the ID paperwork of their children. A judge in Rome ruled in favor of a lesbian couple who had launched a legal challenge… Read more »
‘I’m Afraid for My Future’: Proposed Laws Threaten Gay Life in Russia
The laws, all but assured of enactment, would intensify a crackdown on L.G.B.T.Q. freedom in Russia, which Vladimir V. Putin has cast as a corrosive Western influence. Moscow — In an industrial block in northeastern Moscow on a recent Friday night, organizers of an L.G.B.T.Q.-friendly art festival were assiduously checking IDs. No one under 18… Read more »
‘I’m Afraid for My Future’: Proposed Laws Threaten Gay Life in Russia
The laws, all but assured of enactment, would intensify a crackdown on L.G.B.T.Q. freedom in Russia, which Vladimir V. Putin has cast as a corrosive Western influence. Moscow — In an industrial block in northeastern Moscow on a recent Friday night, organizers of an L.G.B.T.Q.-friendly art festival were assiduously checking IDs. No one under 18… Read more »
Bishop of Oxford says church should marry gay couples
The Bishop of Oxford has said Church of England clergy should be able to bless and marry gay couples. The Right Reverend Dr Steven Croft said he was sorry his views on same-sex marriage were “slow to change” and had “caused genuine hurt, disagreement and pain”. In an essay, he said clergy should also be… Read more »
Bishop of Oxford says church should marry gay couples
The Bishop of Oxford has said Church of England clergy should be able to bless and marry gay couples. The Right Reverend Dr Steven Croft said he was sorry his views on same-sex marriage were “slow to change” and had “caused genuine hurt, disagreement and pain”. In an essay, he said clergy should also be… Read more »
Protesters March in Belgrade Against Planned Gay Pride Event
Belgrade (Reuters) – Thousands of religious and right-wing opponents of a European gay Pride event to be hosted by Belgrade protested through the Serbian capital on Sunday, even though the government has said it would scrap or delay the Pride event. Belgrade is due to host the EuroPride march on Sept. 17, an event staged… Read more »
Serbia’s Vucic Cancels EuroPride Event In Belgrade, But Organizers Vow To Push On
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has canceled the international EuroPride event that was scheduled to be held in Belgrade from September 12-18, while organizers of the event have vowed that it will proceed as planned. At an August 27 press conference in Belgrade, Vucic acknowledged that the rights of sexual minorities are threatened in Serbia but… Read more »
Serbia’s Gay Premier Says Unity Key After Orthodox Bishop Curse
Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic, who is openly gay and has a child with her partner, hit back after an attack by a high-ranking Orthodox cleric against her and the LGBTQ+ community and made a plea for national unity. Nikanor, bishop of Banat, in northern Serbia, last week publicly excoriated Brnabic along with the organizers… Read more »
France to create LGBTQ+ envoy role amid backlash over ministers’ anti-gay statements
Emmanuel Macron’s government has been under fire over ministerial appointments. French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne announced Thursday that an “ambassador for LGBT+ rights” position will be created and filled before the end of the year. In a statement, Borne’s office said the ambassador will be responsible for “coordinating French diplomatic action to protect against discrimination… Read more »
Andorra lawmakers extend civil marriage equality to same-sex couples
Small European country’s family code revised Lawmakers in Andorra on Thursday voted unanimously to extend civil marriage rights to same-sex couples. Andorra is a small country known for its ski areas that is nestled between Spain and France in the Pyrenees. Media reports indicate the new Andorran family code that lawmakers approved eliminates the legal… Read more »
Almost 400 People Released After Arrests at Istanbul Pride March
Istanbul LGBTQ+ groups say that over 350 people were arrested in the city over the weekend after participating in Istanbul Pride, which had been banned by the Turkish government. The Ankara-based LGBTQ+ rights group Kaos GL said those detained at Sunday’s demonstration were released Monday. “Police attacked İstanbul LGBTI+ Pride March this year as well.… Read more »
Shooting Outside Gay Club in Oslo Leaves 2 Dead Hours Before Pride
Almost 20 people were also injured in the shooting that happened hours before the Norwegian capital’s Pride march was to take place. A mass shooting outside a gay club in Oslo, Norway, early Saturday has left two people dead and around 19 wounded. It came a little more than 12 hours before the city’s Pride,… Read more »
World’s first LGBT+ head of state elected in San Marino, one of the oldest nations on earth
The microstate of San Marino has just elected an openly gay head of state, becoming the first country in the world to do so. Paolo Rondelli, 58, was elected one of two “captains regent” of San Marino, one of the world’s oldest and smallest republics which has just 34,000 inhabitants. He was elected on 1… Read more »
The World’s First Out Gay Head Of State Appointed in San Marino
San Marino, the world’s oldest republic, has taken another historic step this week in appointing the world’s first openly gay head of state: 58-year-old Paolo Rondelli. Rondelli will join Oscar Mina as one of the two captains regent, San Marino’s heads of state, according to The Guardian. The captains regent are the country’s highest elected… Read more »
French parliament bans LGBT+ conversion therapy
Countries including Brazil and Malta have already moved to ban practices that seek to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity Dec 14 (Thomson Reuters Foundation) – France’s parliament voted on Tuesday to ban so-called conversion therapy, joining a handful of countries that have taken steps to outlaw practices that seek to change a… Read more »
Bulgarian LGBTQ community center attacked, vandalized
Ultranationalist presidential candidate accused of leading attack Sofia, Bulgaria — A Bulgarian LGBTQ rights group says the leader of an ultranationalist political party who is running for president led an attack against their offices and community center on Saturday. The Bilitis Foundation in a series of tweets said “a group of about 10 men and… Read more »
Stonewall leaders on beating the bullies and the LGBT+ movement’s inevitable reckoning
Those who do not know their history are condemned to repeat it, so the saying goes. Stonewall, Europe’s oldest and biggest LGBT+ charity, has a rich history – one that seems to have been forgotten by certain LGB activists set on targeting the charity because it dares to support trans rights. As Scottish minister Patrick… Read more »
Switzerland says resounding ‘yes’ to same-sex marriage
Swiss backed proposal, which also allows couples to adopt, by a nearly two-thirds majority in a referendum on Sunday. Switzerland has agreed to legalise marriage for same-sex couples by a nearly two-thirds majority in a referendum, making it one of the last countries in Western Europe to do so. According to results provided by the… Read more »
Italy Creates New LGBTQ English-Language Website for Travelers
Italy is a very welcoming and friendly country, and even better, they’ve just launched a new website, QueerVadis, which helps English-speaking travelers and ex-pats learn more about the dynamic and historic nation and its welcoming spaces for queer visitors and locals. QuuerVadis offers feature articles, travel ideas, and even news about current events and notable… Read more »
Switzerland says resounding ‘yes’ to same-sex marriage
Swiss backed proposal, which also allows couples to adopt, by a nearly two-thirds majority in a referendum on Sunday. Switzerland has agreed to legalise marriage for same-sex couples by a nearly two-thirds majority in a referendum, making it one of the last countries in Western Europe to do so. According to results provided by the… Read more »
Tens of thousands protest in Switzerland to legalize same-sex marriage
The protests came ahead of a national referendum on Sept. 26 on the legalization of gay marriage. Berlin — Tens of thousands protested in Switzerland on Saturday for the legalization of same-sex marriage in the Alpine country. The protests came ahead of a national referendum on Sept. 26 on the legalization of gay marriage, which… Read more »
You Can’t Pray The Gay Away: Netflix Premieres Documentary About Conversion Therapy
The streaming giant Netflix will host to the 2021 documentary Pray Away. The film, directed by Kristine Stolakis and produced by Ryan Murphy and Jason Blum, looks at the leaders of Exodus International, one of the most controversial ‘ex-gay’ conversion therapy organisations during the 1970s, reports TV Blackbox. The documentary also interviews survivors of the… Read more »
Partners Edward Gal and Hans Peter Minderhoud will compete on same Olympic team in Tokyo
Gal and Minderhoud have been together for many years and will compete in dressage together in Tokyo. Edward Gal and Hans Peter Minderhoud are gay partners who will compete together in equestrian for the Netherlands at the Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo. Marlies van Balen will round out the Dutch team with the couple. The… Read more »
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