Uganda's parliament has passed a controversial bill that criminalizes same-sex relations and identifies as LGBTQ, with severe penalties including death for so-called aggravated homosexuality and life in prison for gay sex. The bill has been met with strong opposition from the LGBTQ community and human rights groups, and is expected to be signed into law by President Yoweri Museveni in the coming weeks. Human rights groups have called on the president to veto the bill, citing its potential to further endanger the LGBTQ community.
Posts tagged as “LGBTQ”
Florida is facing a wave of anti-trans legislation from Republicans, which President Joe Biden has called "cruel" and "close to sinful." These bills include banning public drag performances, blocking trans athletes from playing on school teams, and barring discussion about sexuality and gender identity in schools. LGBTQ advocates have also spoken out against the bills, urging the state to focus on protecting the rights of LGBTQ individuals, rather than attacking them. President Biden and LGBTQ advocates have strongly opposed the legislation, and it remains to be seen how the state will respond.
The White House has called for former Vice President Mike Pence to apologize for a joke he made about Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg's parental leave at the annual Gridiron Club dinner. The joke has been deemed offensive and inappropriate, as it treated women suffering from postpartum depression as a punchline. Karine Jean-Pierre, White House press secretary, has stated that Pence should apologize to women and LGBTQ people for the joke.
Tennessee Lt. Gov. Randy McNally (R) issued an apology Thursday following allegations of hypocrisy for leaving heart and fire emoji, along with occasional remarks, beneath photographs of Franklyn “Finn” McClur, an aspiring performer often seen dressed only in tight underwear. McNally said it was not his intent to embarrass or hurt his friends and family or colleagues in the Legislature, and noted that he had been unaware of the bills targeting the LGBTQ community that had been passed in the state. His apology has sparked criticism from LGBTQ advocates, who have accused him of hypocrisy for supporting bills that target the community while also expressing support for a gay man on social media.
Tennessee Lt. Gov. Randy McNally, a Republican, has been leaving supportive and potentially flirtatious comments and emojis under risque social media photos posted by a 20-year-old performer from Knoxville. McNally's comments have raised eyebrows, especially in light of his support of bills targeting LGBTQ people, and it remains to be seen how the public will respond. The 79-year-old's spokesperson has attributed the comments to his "prolific" social media commenting abilities.
Florida Republicans have introduced three bills to expand upon the state's "Don't Say Gay" law, which restricts classroom instruction on sexual orientation or gender identity in kindergarten through third grade. The bills, H.B. 1223, H.B. 1069, and H.B. 1320, all take aim at different aspects of gender and sexuality education in public schools. The bills have been met with criticism from LGBTQ advocacy groups, while supporters argue that they are necessary to protect the rights of parents. The bills are currently being considered by the Florida Legislature and are expected to be voted on during the 2023 session.
Georgina Beyer, the world's first openly transgender member of Parliament, passed away at the age of 65. She was a tireless advocate for LGBTQ rights and was known for her work in the legalization of civil unions and gay marriage as well as the decriminalization of prostitution. Her death has been met with an outpouring of grief from the LGBTQ community and Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, who praised her for her courage and commitment to equality.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed a law that gives him control over Walt Disney Co., in response to the company's criticism of his "Don't Say Gay" law. The law cancels the dissolution of a special taxing district for Disney's 25,000 acres south of Orlando, allowing DeSantis to replace the existing board with one of his own choosing. The law is expected to have a major impact on Central Florida, with Disney being a major employer and economic driver in the area.