GLYNI – Gay and Lesbian Youth Northern Ireland

Today, the Californian Supreme Court ruled to uphold the decision made by the state government to ban gay marriage. The ruling comes at a time of change in America as many states have introduced Gay Marriage bills, one big step back for a country once labelled the “land of the free”…

Unfortunately the Californian supreme court voted 6-1 to uphold the decision made by Governor Schwarzenegger and his Californian state government. All but Justice Carlos Moreno, the only democrat on the committee, voted against the repeal of the ban, placed back in November 2008. However, the 28,000 gay marriages that took place before the ban are still legal!

America, a place most know as one of the most diverse communities on earth, espousing western liberal democracy, a democracy that fought to give its citizens in 1792, is now a democracy that has removed the rights of its citizens as of the 26th May 2009. The introduction of Gay Marriage in California, something that would’ve astounded and made Harvey Milk proud has now been removed, as have the rights to marriage of loving men and women.

A lesson to be learned in this is never to give up. Even when governments and courts rule that you do not have the same rights as your neighbour, challenge their authority, you have the same ability as anyone, challenge everything, educate people, friends, family and strangers!!!

Tags: california, gay marriage, proposition 8, rights, usa

BattleFront is a mini programme which promotes tolerance, encourages diversity and challenges stereotypes. 20 young campaigners have taken to activism to change the world, for different reasons – to stop knife crime, to have a cleaner environment and to end homophobia. The programme airs all this week at 11.30 am so tune in on 4OD or the TV to see what its like!

Check out the BattleFront homophobia campaigners website and see if you’d like to help!! Go to http://battlefront.co.uk/campaign/homophobia-zero-tolerance/ for more!

Tags: 4od, activism, battlefront, diversity, homophobia, TV Reviews

Census petition lobbies Downing Street website

A new petition demanding a question on homosexuality for the next UK census has been launched on the government’s official website.

Currently, lesbians and gay men are discounted from any specific mention in the survey, which measures Britain’s population in detail every decade.

“The current position is that no such question is likely to be included in 2011, meaning at least another decade
before we see such a question on what is the most important survey of the UK population. The survey will contain references to same-sex civil partnerships, so it makes no sense to then omit a question on sexual orientation, ” said a spokesperson for the Gay Police Association.

“At the 2009 Stonewall Workplace Conference, the Chief Executive of the Equalities & Human Rights Commission indicated clearly that the EHRC’s view was that such a question should be included in 2011, challenging the Office
of National Statistics position. As the UK authority on equality issues, the EHRC’s point of view should be taken seriously.

“In keeping with the proposed Single Equality Act, it is the perfect time to add a question on sexual orientation to the census. This government has an excellent record on LGB rights so far, please don’t tarnish that by accepting the ONS stance on this issue. Show courage and don’t make us wait yet another decade. The GPA National Executive Committee fully supports EHCR on this and invites you also to consider supporting this issue by adding your name to the petition.”

Sign the petition here:
Census Petition

Tags: census, government, police, stonewall