The Christian owners of a bakery found to have discriminated against a gay man are to appeal on six points of law.
A judge at Belfast County Court ruled that Ashers Baking Company acted unlawfully by declining an order from gay rights activist Gareth Lee last year.
Mr Lee, a member of the LGBT advocacy group Queer Space, wanted a cake featuring Sesame Street puppets Bert and Ernie with the slogan Support Gay Marriage.
Lawyers have agreed to test whether the judge was correct as a matter of law to hold that the bakery had discriminated against Mr Lee directly on grounds of sexual orientation, a lobby group supporting Ashers said.
They will also challenge whether district judge Isobel Brownlie was correct as a matter of law to hold that Ashers discriminated against Mr Lee directly on grounds of religious belief or political opinion.
In papers lodged in court earlier this week lawyers for Ashers said: "We have identified the broad points of law with which the applicant is dissatisfied."
The cake was ordered for a private function in Bangor, Co Down, to mark International Anti Homophobia Day last May.
Mr Lee, who paid in full when placing the order at Ashers' Belfast branch, said he was left feeling like a lesser person when he was told his request could not be fulfilled.
The publicly-funded Northern Ireland Equality Commission, which has a statutory duty to monitor anti-discrimination laws, brought the legal action on his behalf.
Ashers, owned by the McArthur family, employs almost 80 people across six branches and delivers throughout the UK and Ireland.
The family said they opposed same-sex marriage on religious grounds and could not produce the cake with a message that was contrary to their deeply-held Christian beliefs.
District judge Brownlie found the bakers discriminated against Mr Lee on grounds of his sexual orientation and his political beliefs.
Ashers was ordered to pay agreed damages of £500.
International Day Against Homophobia & Transphobia
Brazil(01 of26)
Over 100 actions are anticipated in Brazil for the International Day Against Homophobia & Transphobia 2014, with all major cities and all 27 states expected to be represented. In the state of Rio de Janeiro alone, LGBT communities and allies -– as well as top figures from politics, literature, academic, activism and the arts –- will come together for a symposium on LGBT rights and freedom of expression at the Amnesty International offices in Rio city center. The nationwide LGBT membership organization, ABGLT, will also host its 2nd annual conference to coincide with the IDAHOT in Niterói. A public march, an afternoon of 'guerilla gardening', musical performances, film screenings, a major photography exhibition documenting Brazilian LGBT lives, workshops and seminars have also been announced in the South-Eastern state.A whole month of diverse events spanning arts, politics, culture and sports -– organized by a huge coalition of groups -– will take place around May 17 in the North-Eastern state of Bahia. In different towns and cities of São Paulo state, many events are also already announced. And, further inland, many actions have already been confirmed in Brazil's rural heartlands, marshlands and rainforest areas. In Manaus, Amazonas, for example, activists will be holding an awareness-raising 'Rainbow Run' in honor of May 17.Brazil's ex-President Luiz Inácio 'Lula' da Silva passed a federal decree recognizing May 17 as an official national day in 2009 and, year after year, a growing number of towns, cities and states make the choice to recognize the Day –- as the city of Betim most recently did, on April 15, 2014. In Brazil –- home to one of the largest and most visible LGBT movements in the world –- May 17 provides a unique moment for activists to organize in a unified way, and to raise awareness of international LGBT rights issues.
United Kingdom(02 of26)
Once again, the United Kingdom is expected to see events in all major cities, with actions already announced in 20 towns and cities, including London, Manchester, Brighton, Liverpool, Sheffield, Edinburgh, Belfast and Coventry. In 2013, approximately 200 events took place for the International Day Against Homophobia & Transphobia in the UK alone. Already, a full panorama of all actions planned for May 17 is impossible. Some highlights include:A cross-party coalition of 13 UK Members of Parliament have tabled an Early Day Motion (on April 8, 2014) formally welcoming the IDAHOT 2014, and calling on the government to move forward debate on the international classification of trans identities in terms of mental health conditions. A coalition of LGBTI Christian groups will be coming together in London on May 17 for a day of prayer, reflection, film and discussion about how to challenge hatred against LGBT people worldwide. GALHA, Kaleidoscope Trust and Stonewall, and other major national organizations all have various events announced for the Day. A week of events around IDAHOT is scheduled in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Manchester Pride is hosting various major events, including 'Run with Pride' and 'Discuss with Pride'. The Pansy Project will be in Brussels, Belgium, for May 17 with 'guerilla gardening' sessions planned in Brighton, Bristol, London, as well as internationally for IDAHOT. In Brighton, community groups will also join for a day of music -– together with The Brighton & Hove Rainbow Chorus -– as well as discussions and a one minute noise against LGBT hate crimes. Scotland will see its first ever Dyke March on May 17 in Edinburgh city center.Local authorities up and down the country will be answering the LGF's call to 'Fly the Flag' on May 17, with commitments already announced in Gloucestershire, Merseyside and Greater Manchester. Sing with Pride in Norwich will be having an international singing workshop, ending with a flashmob song in the city center. Various other UK choirs also plan to join the Global Sing-in for IDAHOT 2014!
Fiji(03 of26)
LGBT, women's and human rights activists are organizing various events for IDAHOT 2014 in the South Pacific island of Fiji. Activists are currently applying for permission to hold the country's first ever pride march in the capital Suva on Saturday, May 17. Two years ago, the planned march for May 17, 2012 was cancelled at the last minute by police, regardless of activists securing a permit. In solidarity with LGBT communities, FemLINK Pacific, a women's grass roots media project, will also be engaging the IDAHOT 2014 with a detailed and pioneering series of radio broadcasts and various other actions. Again, they will also be addressing the global focus on freedom of expression through the lens of LGBT and women's rights and through the lens of community media and free speech.Although Fiji became only the second country in the world to outlaw discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity in its Constitution in 1997, Fijian politics and civil society are also significantly shaped by the country's history of military governance, with the latest military authoritarian administration seizing power in 2006.It is therefore one of the countries where the 2014 IDAHOT global focus issue -– on freedoms of expression and assembly, for LGBT communities and for the whole of civil society -– is a particularly neat fit, with various actions planned around these themes.
Mauritius(04 of26)
For several years now, LGBT and human rights activists have been marking the International Day Against Homophobia & Transphobia with different series of events, and 2014 is set to be a particularly creative year. Community groups are organizing a creative day and art exhibition, as well as a Rainbow Parade which engages with the global focus on freedom of expression.As activists explained: “On the 17th May, we are going to have an art-expo where couples have painted their bodies, and made actions like 'making out' on a large cloth. And on the 7th June, we are going to have the Rainbow Parade under the theme 'exprime-toi' (Express Yourself).”The Southern African island nation of Mauritius is one of the many countries in which LGBT activists will be taking IDAHOT actions where repressive sodomy laws are in effect. That said, same-sex relationships are not explicitly criminalized and the Mauritian government has recently backed efforts to extend LGBT rights at the United Nations. Civil society associations and expressions are also broadly protected.IDAHOT is the day where activists can highlight the ways in which repressive laws impact their lives. (credit:STRINGER via Getty Images)
Germany(05 of26)
In many cities in Germany there will be diverse actions for IDAHOT 2014. For example, the IDAHOT* Festival in Jena will take place May 17 - 25, and Kiss the Pride -- a massive Kiss-In and a 'Show your Faces for Acceptance' exhibition –- will take place in Mainz. An IDAHOT* demonstration in Leipzig will highlight the importance of intersex communities and their struggles within the LGBTI community and, in general, whilst a film screening and small street action in Heidelberg are also announced, amongst many more actions.For several years now, LSVD (the Lesbian and Gay Association of Germany) has organized 'Rainbow flash' events in various cities in Germany, and joined with the IDAHOT in 2013, to extend this message to the world. On May 17, 2014, once again, thousands of people will gather in public places to release colored balloons with personal messages attached to them. The action stands as a symbol of acceptance and for equality for all sexual and gender identities.Aside from commemorating the Day (when the WHO removed homosexuality from the list of mental diseases on May 17, 1990), the LSVD also highlights the German 'Paragraph 175' which criminalized homosexual acts between men until 1994, when it was finally taken off the books.Even though same-sex acts are not illegal in Germany anymore, LGBTI people still face many legal obstacles. For example, same-sex marriage is still not completely equal to heterosexual marriage, and joint adoptions by same-sex couples are not possible. Also, on a daily basis LGBTI people still face social stigma, exclusion, discrimination and violence, despite laws that prohibit them.The rainbowflash events in Germany raise awareness of the discrimination and violence that LGBTI people face all over the world. For the LSVD Hamburg, which helps to coordinate the events in Germany, there is a special focus on the situation for LGBTI people in Russia, because of the partnership between the city of Hamburg and St. Petersburg. In 2012, the LSVD Hamburg and the founder of the rainbowflashes in Hamburg received awards for their work in organizing the events and promoting LGBTI rights.Various other LGBTI organizations have joined forces to realize these events, and so far rainbowflashes have been confirmed in the cities of Hamburg, Dresden, Leipzig, Chemnitz, Plauen and Pirna.
South Africa(06 of26)
While South Africa was the first African country and the fifth country in the world to legalize same sex marriage, LGBTI people in the country still face social stigma, violence and exclusion. Many of the actions for this year’s International Day against Homophobia & Transphobia in South Africa will connect with the global focus for IDAHOT on freedom of expression. Iranti-org, an LGBTI organization based in Johannesburg, will document discussions with stakeholders within institutions that either accept and acknowledge SOGI issues, or do not including traditional, cultural and religious leaders and then screen all the digital stories on May 17th in Johannesburg at a public event. Iranti-org –- in a joint effort with TIA, IHAWU, Tiisa Tshireletso, Vutha LGBTI, Tulo ya Kagiso, Uthingo the Rainbow -– will also gather to celebrate free expression for LGBTI communities and to discuss the issues which impede on the extension of LGBTI rights. Religious leaders, feminist theologians, activists and artists will join in support of the event.The Upper Room Communion -– a sexual and gender diversity affirming church based in Durban, South Africa -– will also highlight LGBTI communities' rights to freedom of expression with a march for LGBT Freedom of Expression along the city’s beachfront. In 'solidarity with their sisters and brothers in Zimbabwe, Namibia, Uganda and other places in Africa where LGBT people fear to be punished or even killed for expressing their freedom', participants intend to walk in heels for one mile.
Australia(07 of26)
The battle for same-sex marriage and adoption rights in Australia has captured international headlines over the past 12 months, and with good reason. Culturally, the country is split on the issue, whilst a series of anti-LGBTI stances have come from the new conservative administration. At the same time, activists, local authorities, schools, artists and many more will be taking joint actions in support of the IDAHOT 2014. Various actions have already come in, and some highlights include:One Sydney-based participatory arts project 'World Love' will address issues of free expression worldwide by asking people around the world to send in the word for love in their language -– and turning it into 3 minute film to be released on May 17! Organizers advise that it is intended to bring hope and create awareness, that all LOVE is equal and beautiful. For the first time ever, Brisbane's iconic Story Bridge will be lit up in rainbow colors to mark the International Day Against Homophobia & Transphobia 2014 –- which local authorities confirm will be the first of many years. Maleny Pride, in Queensland, will be commemorating the IDAHOT 2014 with ‘Dance your Heart Out & Proud' –- a night of dance, music, community celebration and glamour. The organizers especially invite younger members of the community, and those who don't necessarily see themselves as part of LGBTI communities. And in Blue Mountains, activists will be joined by the local Mayor for a rainbow flag raising ceremony on Saturday May 17, followed by talks, music and a few surprises.
Brussels(08 of26)
Every year, Brussels pride is organized on the Saturday closest to May 17th to mark the importance of fighting homophobia, biphobia and transphobia even in contexts which might appear safe supportive of sexual and gender diversity.In Brussels, the incidence of hate speech and rampant homophobia and transphobia through stereotyping has had a terrible impact on young people, whose suicide rates are alarmingly higher than 'conforming' youth. In the Francophone provinces, IDAHOT has been marked for many years now with education campaigns for diversity, lead by regional educational authorities. (credit:GEORGES GOBET via Getty Images)
Burundi(09 of26)
In Burundi, LGBT groups will be presenting their annual report on the state of homophobia in the country's only LGBT center in the capital city of Bujumbura. Community meetings will be held in rural towns, where public events are unthinkable, in the context of exploding homophobia in the region.In Burundi, activists fear the contagion of the homophobic, biphobic and transphobic violence that is sweeping through the region and events are likely to be held under heavy security concerns IDAHOT provides a major opportunity in the year where LGBT activists can count on the support and protection from allies, amongst which are major international human rights organizations, diplomatic representations, etc. (credit:Norberto Cuenca via Getty Images)
Indonesia(10 of26)
Diverse actions are expected in at least seven cities covering Sumatera, Java and Sulawesi from May 8 to 22. A LGBT-themed public lecture, a LGBT-movie screening, a photo story competition and a pride walk are among the planned actions.Even though homosexuality is not criminalized. national laws generally do not support LGBT people. However, homosexuality is criminalized in local ordinances where it is seen as an immoral behavior, although four out of five relevant ordinances do not state an explicit punishment. Neither marriage nor adoption by LGBT people is permitted. There are no specific anti-discrimination laws that pertain to sexual orientation or gender identity. Thus, human rights violations for LGBT people in Indonesia are not unheard of.The IDAHOT celebration is seen as a global movement that could be used as a platform to raise the awareness of inclusion for LGBT individuals in Indonesia’s local communities. With the Indonesian Health Ministry’s verdict on disassociating homosexuality with mental illness, IDAHOT -- which takes place on the day WHO declassified homosexuality from its mental disorder list -- provides a congruence for Indonesian’s organizations to celebrate the day.
Myanmar(11 of26)
Nine cities will celebrate IDAHOT with various events, such as a pride parade and a panel discussion. Yangon, in particular, is also conducting an LGBT photo contest titled “Out&Proud LGBT Photo Competition.” The event is organized by Colors Rainbow, an umbrella LGBT organization in Myanmar. The best shots will be announced during the week of IDAHOT.LGBT people are commonly perceived by Burmese society as people living with HIV. The events are therefore conducted to increase the visibility of LGBT people in a positive, more accurate image.Celebrating IDAHOT is viewed as another catalyst for Burmese LGBT activists’ primary campaign in repealing the country’s Section 377 law (the country’s criminalization on homosexuality). 2013’s campaign saw the first ever celebration, in which 3 transgendered women led the efforts.
Hong Kong(12 of26)
Tripartite team of IDAHOT Hong Kong Committee (Amnesty International HK, Pink Alliance and the Transgender Resource Center) will conduct an "IDAHOT HK Event Series." The series will include a fundraising party, #RainbowLace social media campaign (in which they also create and disseminate actual Rainbow Laces for public), transgender awareness discussion, candlelight vigil and community picnic.Homosexuality was decriminalized in Hong Kong in 1991. Five years later, the Equal Opportunity Commission was mandated to carry out anti-discrimination legislation. A public consultation in 1996, however, found strong opposition to laws protecting sexual minorities, so they were not included in the new ordinance. Thus, today, it is not illegal to discriminate against someone on the basis of sexual orientation or identity. At the same time, while the acceptance towards LGB people is increasing, the broadmindedness toward trans individuals is still lacking.As IDAHOT also aims to eliminate transphobia, the day provides an all-encompassing platform to increase the visibility of the trans community and its demand for equal rights to both LGB community and non-LGB individuals in Hong Kong.
Mongolia(13 of26)
Together with a feminist young women's NGO called Young Women for Change, LGBT Center of Mongolia is planning a transwomen fashion show to commemorate IDAHOT.Transgender Mongolians face severe violence and discrimination, much of which goes unreported because the law does not acknowledge their existence. With last year being the first time Mongolia celebrated its Pride Week, there are signs that conditions may improve for the country’s trans community. The same vibe can be said for the LGB community as well. Through educating the younger generation about human rights principles and democratic values and tolerance, the LGBT Center of Mongolia believes that the attitude of the public can be slowly changed.IDAHOT celebrations will magnify Mongolian LGBT community’s campaign in educating the public about equal rights LGBT individuals deserve. The day provides an angle that shows Mongolian society that the rest of the globe is also fighting for the same cause (with their own IDAHOT events).UPDATE: A previous version of this slide featured a photo of Montenegro identified as Mongolia. This has been corrected. (credit:PeskyMonkey via Getty Images)
Sri Lanka(14 of26)
The IDAHOT campaign organized by Equal Ground, a notable LGBT organization in Sri Lanka, will consist of a discussion forum and a documentary video. Equal Ground is developing a documentary exclusively for IDAHOT, which will premiere in Colombo and Anuradhapura on the day.Homosexuality in Sri Lanka is illegal. No national legislation exists to protect the LGBT community. None of the political parties have been in favor of LGBT-rights. The current government feels that homosexuality in Sri Lanka would ruin the Buddhist heritage of the nation.IDAHOT has been Equal Ground’s commemorative campaign for several years. Given the purpose of the Day, IDAHOT is considered a fitting agenda to focus on as the organization’s mission is geared towards human and political rights of LGBT individuals in Sri Lanka.
Philippines(15 of26)
IDAHOT in The Philippines will be filled by various events organized by various organizations in many cities. A huge and colorful parade walk, “Grand Flores de Mayo Pride,” will take place in Quezon City. Lucena City will launch its first ever pride pedestrian lane on the Day. A party event titled “(L)et's (G)et (B)old (T)onight!" will take over Manila to celebrate the Day with a main message of honoring the LGBT activist/heroes of the country’s history.Teachings of the Roman Catholic church, the country’s major religion, has been heavily influential in opposing LGBT rights. However, the country’s LGBT community has progressively been gaining greater and more positive visibility, particularly in the media and social platforms. Politically, the country is also deemed as one of Asia’s most progressive countries in advancing sexual and reproductive health and rightsIDAHOT commemorations are believed to add another opportunity to amplify the visibility of LGBT individuals in the country. IDAHOT becomes a constant reminder for LGBT Filipino activists and allies to continue educating, informing, and ending homophobic and transphobic hate, until they reach the safe, inclusive Philippines for everyone.
Perú(16 of26)
Perú will be celebrating this year’s IDAHOT with several events, including a press conference and a formal presentation on the violation of rights representing LGBT victims of hate crimes in the Peruvian Amazon. They will also release a video against homophobia and have a parade against hate crimes on May 17th. While Perú is currently on its way to legalize same-sex civil unions, which may include adoption by same-sex couples for the entire country, the actions for the International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia 2014 are focusing on their fight against homophobia and transphobia, where crimes have impacted more than 70 victims a year since 2005.In the past few years Peru has been changing and there is a growing public awareness willing to defend the rights of minorities, as demonstrated by the massive March for Equality celebrated in early April. Visibility is the key to change society in all Latin American countries, and Peruvian activists are currently fighting to get equal right for everyone and using IDAHOT for that visibility.
Argentina(17 of26)
On May 17th, IDAHOT in Argentina will be focused on ending bullying and encouraging respect for LGBT identities. The city of Buenos Aires will host the creation of a graffiti wall painted by several recognized artists. Various provinces will convene parades, cultural and artistic events focused on bullying. LGBT rights in Argentina are among the most advanced in Latin America, following the legalization of same-sex marriage, which also included full adoption rights in July of 2010. Upon legalizing same-sex marriage, Argentina became the first country in Latin America, the second in the Americas, and the tenth in the world to do so. A Gender Identity law bill was also passed on 2012, considered as the “best in the world” given that it does not require medical diagnosis or judgment to access to name and gender change in identifications.Despite the rights achieved by the LGBT movement, Argentinian society has much to learn. Hate crimes are still a reality through much of Latin America and the lack of an anti-discrimination law leaves LGBT activists vulnerable. With these activities, activists will use IDAHOT to pressure to the National Senate to pass the discriminatory acts bill and ensure employment protections for trans persons. (credit:Robert Ginn via Getty Images)
Chile(18 of26)
Chilean society has shifted significantly in the last few years. Ironically, most of the debate and legislation around LGBT issues had to wait until Sebastián Piñera, Chile's first right-wing president since Pinochet, took office. The anti-discrimination law, a bill for same-sex civil unions and the announced health coverage of sex-reassignment surgeries by the country's public health plan had been the three most celebrated milestones in the latest chilean LGBT history. IDAHOT, May 17th parade this year will be focused, as in other countries in Latin America, around hate crimes under the slogan “no more hate crimes. No more hate murders.” Three LGBT people have been killed this year due to their sexual orientation in Chile.Activists see IDAHOT as a time to concentrate conversations around issues faced by gender and sexual minorities.
Switzerland(19 of26)
In cooperation with Swiss LGBT organizations, UNESCO will be translating and promoting the “Teach the IDAHO Lesson” education kit to combat LGBT bullying in schools, and will be cooperating on various events in Switzerland.A great number of LGBT organizations will be organizing a number of events in Geneva and Bern, including a Equality of All Love campaign, a campaign against homophobia and transphobia in sports and an event with politicians, information booths and a choir performance. Together they will also start a petition to deliver to the federal council and ask for an official recognition of the IDAHOT Day in Switzerland. There will also be cooperation with officials from the Education Ministry, Geneva Municipality and a high number of politicians. The Bernese choir Schwubs will also give a concert on May 17 on the Münsterplatz, Bern. Governmental discrimination based on sexual orientation has been constitutionally prohibited since 2009. Registered partnerships have been recognized since January 2007, however, even though single people, regardless of sexual orientation, may adopt children, there is still no legal provision for same-sex couples to adopt children which remains as one big problem. Even though progressive laws have been achieved, religious and traditional conservatism still pose a threat to LGBT activism in the country. Cooperation between LGBT organizations and various political parties and municipalities will pave the way for further legal steps for and full recognition of needs of LGBT people. UNESCO publications will give teachers and NGOs tools to tackle issues around bullying at schools. (credit:FABRICE COFFRINI via Getty Images)
The Russian Federation(20 of26)
Different actions are anticipated in many Russian cities including Moscow, St. Petersburg, Samara and Tomsk. Many activists support the traditional Rainbow flashmob and by now activists from five regions demonstrated a strong desire to have it. In some regions LGBT activists plan also plan to stage dance flash mobs, street-art projects, one-person pickets and pillow-fights.In June 2013, Russia enacted a wider federal law banning the distribution of "propaganda" in support of "non-traditional sexual relationships" to minors as an amendment to an existing child protection law. Human rights organizations also reported a surge in anti-LGBT rhetoric, violence and hate crimes, many of which using the law as justification. IDAHOT celebrations in five different regions of Russia will not only be a powerful and symbolic resistance to oppressive laws and treatments, but also an empowering chance for the rest of the global LGBT movement to get engaged with Russian LGBTs. The events will also attract attention to the lives of LGBTs in smaller/rural cities.
Egypt(21 of26)
Community events will take place in at least two major cities in Egypt, as part of a week of actions around May 17. Activists will address sports, engage the arts, host a play and dedicate a day of events to trans community issues.Certain laws are used to impose what amounts to a de facto ban on homosexuality and cross-dressing. Public crackdowns, arbitrary arrests, blackmailing, anal and vaginal examinations, raidings of gay bars and meeting points have been a regular practice by Egyptian police as a form of intimidation. Homosexuality has recently become more visible in Egypt, due to the rise of social media and recent demonstrations. Last year, there was widespread Egyptian media coverage of the LGBT celebrations of International Day Against Homophobia. This year’s IDAHOT actions will underline the message that homosexuality and transsexuality are neither phenomenon nor Western practices. (credit:Spencer Platt via Getty Images)
Azerbaijan(22 of26)
Azerbaijan will see an unprecedented series of events for IDAHOT 2014, with an online participatory art campaign, a sing-in for equality and a march for equality - to the historic settlement of Gobustan. On May 17 there will be a “March for Equality” to one of the oldest settlements of Azerbaijan – Gobustan. The slogan of the march will be “We are as old as Gobustan” and “We were here, we are here, we will be here.”Activists are also organizing “Sing for Equality,” a collection of music that symbolizes the interests of LGBTs or other minorities (ethnic, religious etc.) in Azerbaijan. People from different backgrounds (age, social group, profession etc.) will be involved to sing this music.As part of a campaign, they will also disseminate in 30 European countries posters that read “Homophobia is harmful for your health and people around you," inspired by notes on cigarette packages. Repeal of Article 121 was a requirement for Azerbaijan to join the Council of Europe, and after sodomy was removed from the Azerbaijan criminal code in 2000, Azerbaijan became an official member of the Council. Even though homosexuality is no longer criminalized, state-controlled media outlets use homosexuality as a tool to harass and discredit critics of the government and opposition journalist. IDAHOT actions will provide a great level of visibility and a platform for LGBT organizations to get engaged with political and media figures. As Azerbaijan doesn’t consider recommendations of international organizations in the field of human rights, activists will use IDAHOT as an opportunity to analyze the legislation in terms of LGBT rights in Azerbaijan and to propose new bills.
Palestine(23 of26)
Activists will have a study day for school counselors to raise awareness about sexual orientation and gender identities. They are planning an awareness campaign for sexual and bodily rights. It is important to note that homosexuality is not illegal within Palestine, but various occupations of the land have created a patchwork of legislation. There is not only the oppression of the LGBTIQ society by the Israeli regime, but also the siege of lives by Islamist groups as well as seculars in the name of “morality.”While many LGBT Palestinians are reported to have fled to Israel, they have also been subject to house arrest or deportation by Israeli authorities, on account of the inapplicability of the law of asylum to areas or nations in which Israel is in conflict. (credit:Shutterstock / Max Lindenthaler)
Macedonia(24 of26)
Activists have planned several activities that are comprised of flashmobs against homophobia and transphobia, public panels and online campaigns. The LGBT Network, in cooperation with the Municipality, will be hosting a program comprised of music program, speeches by LGBTI and Human Rights activists and experts, stands with promotional and educational material. The activists will also host a public panel debate on which will participate Macedonian, Spanish and Greek LGBTI NGO representatives, each presenting the experience of LGBTI issues within their respective countries.The LGBTI Support Centre will also join No Hate Speech Movement via a blog post that represents the reality LGBTI people face in Macedonia today. The final report, which will contain information from the blog posts, will be reviewed by the Commissioner for Human Rights of Council of Europe. Homosexuality was decriminalized in 1996, as a condition for becoming a member of the Council of Europe, but LGBT community is constantly prejudiced and harassed by the society, media and the government. Activists representing the rights of LGBT individuals reported incidents of societal prejudice, harassment and use of verbal and physical attacks, including in the media and from the government. In November 2011, the LGBTI Support Center was vandalized and two activists were attacked while hanging signs for the march of tolerance. In September 2013, a proposed constitutional amendment to define marriage as a union between a man and a woman failed to meet the required two thirds majority in the Macedonian Assembly. (credit:SAKIS MITROLIDIS via Getty Images)
Bulgaria(25 of26)
May 17 events will focus on promoting an LGBTI national equality plan. This year’s global IDAHOT theme of Freedom of Expression will definitely be an area of highlight in the country. As it fits with their current advocacy campaign, the group will aim to familiarize Bulgarian public figures with the need to apply a cross-sectorial approach, in plans to eliminate of all forms of discrimination of LGBTI people in the country. Bulgaria, along with Hungary, Poland, Croatia, Latvia and Lithuania, is among the 6 European Union countries that have constitutional bans on equal marriage. IDAHOT actions will play a crucial place in challenging religiously and culturally conservative norms.
United States(26 of26)
On May 17th in the United States, The Equality Pledge Network is mobilizing a "Day of Organizing" to form 50 state coalitions, linked nationwide, to demand full and equal SO/GI non-discrimination protections as a human rights' imperative and a public health emergency. Grounded in The Pledge for Full LGBT Equality, supported by over 200 groups in 44 states, state groups and grassroots activists are joining forces in 2014 to form a united front for full federal civil rights on the 50th Anniversary of the 1964 Civil Rights Act that now protects all other minorities except the LGBT community. The action is on IDAHOT to invoke help from the international community to pressure the U.S. government to outlaw discrimination against LGBT Americans, as an international human rights duty affirmed by the United Nations. And also in proud solidarity with LGBTIQ people worldwide, to shine a beacon of hope across the globe to inspire all activists to rise up, not only for safety from arrest, but for full LGBT freedom and equality as a human right to which we are all entitled.