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Beyond Asia
Utah Repeals No Promo Homo Law
Utah has repealed “no promo homo” laws restricting discussions of homosexuality in schools, recognising that the laws are discriminatory and harmful. The provision prohibiting “advocacy of homosexuality” in schools was vague in its description and was applied in many schools to silence any discussion of LGBT topics. The law discouraged school personnel from intervening to stop […]
British heterosexual couple loses battle over the right to have a civil partnership instead of ‘patriarchal’ marriage
A British couple lost their Court of Appeal battle for the right to enter into a civil partnership instead of marriage, which they consider to have patriarchal baggage. As per the Civil Partnership Act of 2004, only same-sex couples are eligible to enter civil partnership in the UK. A government representative said that a decision had […]
US withdraws guidance instructing schools to respect gender-identity of queer students
The Trump administration in February revoked guidance issued by the previous administration which affirms legislation prohibiting discrimination against transgender students. The earlier guidance had specified that schools receiving federal funding must ensure students can access bathrooms and locker rooms freely. Students in schools without the guidance had expressed how they face verbal, physical and sexual […]
Finland legalizes same-sex marriages
Finland in March joined 13 European countries which have marriage-equality laws. Same-sex couples in the country will now be able to marry and adopt children. The move was opposed by far-right groups but the Parliament voted with a large majority to uphold the law. Source: http://bit.ly/2lSewMF
US reinstates global ‘gag rule’
The President of the United States in January signed into law an executive order reviving a policy that prohibits US aid to groups which engage with abortion, be it providing, offering counseling, advocating for abortion law reform or providing referrals. Under this rule organizations will be disqualified from receiving US assistance if they use their […]