On the occasion of the 2013 International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia, the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) publishes the results of the EU’s largest LGBT hate crime and discrimination online survey ever conducted.

The survey asked LGBT people whether they had experienced discrimination, violence, verbal abuse or hate speech on the grounds of their sexual orientation or gender identity. They were also asked to identify where such incidents took place, such as at school, work, when seeking healthcare or in public places.

The survey shows that many lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people cannot be themselves in their daily lives. Many hide their identity and live in isolation or even fear. Others experience discrimination, and even violence, when being themselves.

“Everyone should feel free to be themselves at home, work, at school and in public – but clearly, LGBT people often don’t. Results from FRA’s survey show that fear, isolation and discrimination are common in Europe’s LGBT community,” says FRA Director Morten Kjaerum. “We need EU-wide action to break down the barriers, eliminate the hate and create a society where everyone can fully enjoy their rights, no matter what their sexual orientation or gender identity is.”

Some of the difficulties many LGBT people face include:

• Schooling: 2 out of 3 LGBT respondents were hiding or disguising being LGBT at school. At least 60% personally experienced negative comments or conduct at school because they were LGBT while over 80% in every EU Member State recall negative comments or bullying of LGBT youth at school. Therefore, Member States need to ensure LGBT students feel safe at school as this is where negative LGBT experiences, societal prejudices and exclusion often begin. This could include LGBT awareness campaigns for teachers and pupils and policies against homophobic bullying.
• Work: 19% of respondents felt discriminated against at work or when looking for a job, despite legal protection under EU law. This underlines the need for EU-wide action to counter the many obstacles LGBT people face to their basic rights in their everyday life.
• Fear: 26% of LGBT people who answered the survey had been attacked or threatened with violence in the last five years. 66% of respondents across all EU Member States were scared of holding hands in public with a same-sex partner. For gay and bisexual men respondents it was about 75%. This shows that LGBT victims need recognition and protection EU-wide and nationally to counter harassment and hate crime that results in LGBT people living in fear. This could include police training and victim support services as well as laws against hate speech and hate crime.

The survey also reveals that transgender people are the most affected among LGBT respondents to have personally felt discriminated against, particularly in employment and healthcare. About 30% said they were victims of violence or threats of violence more than three times in the year before the survey.

High levels of under-reporting of instances of discrimination and hate crime were also detected. This is despite 56% of respondents being aware of laws against discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation or gender identity. Half of all victims of violence and harassment felt that the police would do nothing. This pattern is not unique to the LGBT group researched. FRA found such under-reporting also in other groups, for instance, among members of ethnic minorities (See FRA hate crime reports, 2012).

The analysis of the survey findings are contained in two reports. They will feed into discussions in the EU and Member States on legislation and policies to improve the situation for LGBT people.

Read the survey’s results here.

Source: FRA website.

Most Anglicans, Catholics, Jews, Hindus and Sikhs back change in law, but majorities of Muslims and Baptists do not.

Large majorities of believers are in favour of legalising assisted dying. Photograph: Alamy

A major survey of religious opinion shows that large majorities of believers are in favour of legalising assisted dying.

The poll, carried out by YouGov for the Westminster Faith Debates and involving nearly 4,500 people, reveals that only among Muslims and Baptists are there majorities against a change in the law that prohibits assisted suicide.

Majorities of Anglicans, Catholics, Jews, Hindus, Sikhs, Methodists and Pentecostalists are in favour of changing the law.

Christian groups reacted with dismay to the results. Austen Ivereigh, of the lobby group Catholic Voices, said: “It shows how little exposed even practising religious people are to the teachings of their church. I can only remember hearing three homilies on the subject in all my years in church.”

A Church of England spokesman said: “This study demonstrates that complex discussions on topics such as assisted suicide and euthanasia cannot be effectively conducted through the medium of online surveys.”

The poll shows that the proportion of believers who say they make up their minds with the help of “local or national religious leaders” is 2% among Anglicans and 9% among Catholics. Most people rely on their own judgment or on reason when making moral decisions, and among those groups there is overwhelming support for a change in the law.

The organiser of the survey, Professor Linda Woodhead of Lancaster University, said neither age nor gender nor church attendance significantly predicted opposition to assisted suicide. The only thing that did was a claim that God or the teachings of scripture supplied moral authority. These attitudes are held by a distinct minority of believers.

“For most people, death is no longer the last enemy, pain and loss of autonomy is, “she said. “Add in the growing conviction that individuals have the right to choose when and how to end their lives – 82% in my poll, among them 75% of the Catholics who support change. Add the changing role of medical professionals. And that’s where we are.”

Muslims who opposed a change in the law did so on the grounds that death should take its natural course, and with reference to the sanctity of human life. Catholics were far more likely to cite concern for vulnerable people being exploited as a reason not to change the law.

Andrew Brown

The Guardian, Tuesday 30 April 2013 18.32 BST

From : http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2013/apr/30/assisted-suicide-poll-religious

From left to right: Bjarni Jonsson, Vice-President of Sidmennt, Hope Knutsson, President of Sidmennt, Ogmundur Jonasson, Minister of the Interior, and Ragnhildur Hjaltadottir, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of the Interior

On Friday May 3, 2013 the Icelandic Minister of the Interior, Ogmundur Jonasson held a formal reception where he presented Hope Knutsson, president of Sidmennt, the Icelandic Ethical Humanist Association with a formal statement that Sidmennt has now been registered as the first secular life stance organization in Iceland in accordance with the law about registered religions and life stance organizations which was passed by the Icelandic Parliament (Althing) on January 30th of this year.

A giant step has now been taken towards full equality of life stance organizations and this puts Iceland again in the forefront of human rights victories worldwide. Hope and the rest of the Sidmennt board members expressed deep appreciation for Sidmennt’s new status. Our Humanist life stance is now officially recognized by the government. This turning point demonstrates that in Iceland there are progressive people who respect human rights. Icelandic recognition of GLBT rights in recent decades is an excellent example and now people with a secular Humanist philosophy of life are gaining respect and acceptance. Sidmennt is now listed in the national registry and will receive the so-called church tax for people who join through that institution.

Sidmennt has been organizing secular confirmation ceremonies for 25 years and secular and Humanist baby-namings, weddings, and funerals for the past 5 years. Now that Sidmennt is registered, our marriage ceremonies will be legal and couples will no longer have to go to government authorities to have a non-religious wedding. Almost all of the work within Siðmennt which was founded in 1990, has been done on a volunteer basis which has limited its growth. We look forward now to being able to develop our services and programs more fully and to continue to work for separation of church and state and towards a truly secular society where diversity and respect for all life stances and human rights are celebrated.

Sidmennt

Accused by a student wearing a niqab to have slapped her while she was vandalizing his office, in March 2012, Habib Kazdaghli, the dean of the Manouba University of Tunis, was charged with “acts of violence committed by an official in the exercise of its functions.” Although he has always vehemently denied the charges, Habib Kazdaghli was facing a sentence of five years in prison. Pierre Galand, President of the European Humanist Federation, visited Tunis on several occasions to show solidarity with the dean. “

Even if it’s just a fair decision, the acquittal of Habib Kazdaghli is a great relief for all democrats who supported him in Tunisia and abroad throughout the trial,” commented Pierre Galand just after the court reached its verdict. Victim of assault, threats and violent occupation of the Manouba University by Salafist militants, Habib Kazdaghli has always opposed the full veil (niqab) in the classrooms. ” I am delighted with the role played by judges who took the side of justice, said Habib Kazdaghli soon after the court’s decision. This means that the struggle for the rule of law is still possible in Tunisia. “

 FR

Habib Kazdaghli acquitté : la Fédération Humaniste Européenne (FHE) salue la victoire de l’Etat de droit en Tunisie

 Habib Kazdaghli, le doyen de Faculté des Lettres de l’Université de la Manouba, à Tunis, est sorti gagnant, hier, du procès qui l’opposait plusieurs mois à deux étudiantes proches de la mouvance salafiste. Accusé par l’une des deux jeunes femmes de l’avoir giflée alors qu’elle mettait son bureau à sac, vêtue de niqab, en mars 2012, le doyen était poursuivi pour « actes de violence commis par un fonctionnaire dans l’exercice de ses fonctions ». Bien qu’il ait toujours farouchement nié les accusations dont il faisait l’objet, Habib Kazdaghli encourait une peine de cinq années de prison.

 Pierre Galand, le président de la Fédération Humaniste Européenne, s’est rendu à Tunis à plusieurs reprises afin de marquer sa solidarité avec le doyen. Le 25 octobre 2012, il était présent aux côtés de Habib Kazdaghli lors de sa comparution devant le tribunal et le 28 mars 2013, il participait à la conférence de presse de soutien au professeur incriminé organisée à l’occasion du Forum Social Mondial de Tunis.

 « Même si ce n’est que justice, la décision d’acquitter Habib Kazdaghli est un grand soulagement pour les nombreux démocrates qui l’ont soutenu, en Tunisie comme à l’étranger, tout au long de son procès », a commenté Pierre Galand, à la lecture du verdict.

 Ce procès s’est inscrit dans un contexte continu d’intimidations que le professeur Kazdaghli a subies depuis octobre 2011. Victime d’agressions et de menaces, jusqu’à l’occupation violente de la Faculté de la Manouba par des militants salafistes, le doyen s’est toujours opposé au port du voile intégral sur les bancs de son université, considérée comme l’un des foyers de résistance à la poussée fondamentaliste en Tunisie. Les deux étudiantes ont été respectivement condamnées à quatre et deux mois de prison avec sursis pour «atteinte aux biens d’autrui » et «préjudice à un fonctionnaire dans l’exercice de ses fonctions ».

 « Je suis ravi du rôle joué par les magistrats qui ont pris le parti de la justice, a déclaré Habib Kazdaghli à la sortie du tribunal. Cela veut dire que la lutte pour l’Etat de droit est encore possible en Tunisie. »

(CNN) – Proposed new legislation won’t change Ireland’s general ban on abortion, Prime Minister Enda Kenny said Wednesday, but is about “saving lives” when pregnant women are in danger.

Ireland’s government published the controversial draft measure late Tuesday to clarify what happens when there’s a threat to the mother’s life, including a risk of suicide.

The government wants the legislation, the Protection of Life during Pregnancy Bill 2013, to become law before the summer recess at the end of July.

The draft bill is already prompting a divided response in Ireland, with much concern focused on the provision for pregnant women who are suicidal.

Kenny, Ireland’s Taoiseach, or prime minister, acknowledged in a speech how contentious the proposal may be in the majority Roman Catholic country.

“This is an issue that has been very divisive and contentious for over 30 years,” he said. “It’s also an issue that is complex and sensitive, about which many Irish people have sincere and strongly held views.

“We are a compassionate people. This is about women, it is about saving lives — the life of the mother and the life of the unborn.”

The government’s aim, Kenny said, “is to protect the lives of women and their unborn babies by clarifying the circumstances in which doctors can intervene where a woman’s life is at risk.”

At the same time, he said, the bill “restates the general prohibition on abortion in Ireland.”

The draft bill seeks to bring the country’s legislation into line with a Supreme Court judgment two decades ago that it is legal to end a pregnancy when there is a risk to the life of the mother.

Ireland has also had to look again at its abortion legislation because of its obligations under European human rights law.

Legal framework

Presentation of the draft law follows calls for change from some quarters after the death last October in Galway of an Indian-born dentist who was denied an abortion while miscarrying.

The coroner at an inquest into the death of Savita Halappanavar last month recommended that authorities lay out exactly when doctors can intervene to save the life of a mother.

Woman’s death in Ireland abortion case ruled ‘medical misadventure’

The government says its proposed bill sets out a “clear legal framework” for women and medical practitioners in Ireland.

Under the draft legislation, when the threat is not from suicide, two doctors must jointly certify that there is a “real and substantial risk” of the loss of the pregnant woman’s life, and that they believe abortion is the only way to avert that risk.

One of the doctors must be an obstetrician or gynecologist, and at least one of the two should consult with the woman’s own doctor where possible.

When the risk to the pregnant woman’s life is from suicide, the assessment must be made by an obstetrician or gynecologist, along with two psychiatrists.

Husband testifies his wife died after abortion was denied in Ireland

A doctor is also allowed to terminate a pregnancy in the case of a medical emergency if there is an immediate threat to the pregnant woman’s life, the draft states.

The procedure must be carried out by a registered medical practitioner at an appropriate location. The final decision on whether to carry out the abortion will always be made by the pregnant woman, it adds.

‘Empty and misleading’

While anti-abortion campaigners say the proposed legislation would make abortion too easy, pro-choice proponents say it will still be too difficult for women to access the procedure.

United Left Alliance lawmaker Clare Daly told the Irish parliament Wednesday that the bill would not stop the “exportation of abortion” — referring to the Irish women who travel to Britain for terminations to circumvent the ban.

Addressing the prime minister, Daly said: “I’m glad this legislation is before us, but let’s be clear what you’ve presented is the absolute minimum. The clear intention is to make it so restrictive that most women who will be affected will not even bother, that instead they will continue to make the journey to Britain so that you can continue to pretend that there’s no Irish abortion.”

Meanwhile, the Pro Life Campaign dismissed the government’s reassurances over the general abortion ban as “empty and misleading,” and said claims the new legislation would be life-saving are dishonest.

“What matters is what’s contained in the bill, and what’s in the bill is dangerous,” said Caroline Simons, a legal consultant to the campaign. “For the first time an Irish government is proposing to introduce a law that provides for the direct intentional targeting of the life of the unborn child.”

The draft legislation will be discussed by the Irish parliament’s health committee over the coming weeks before being presented to both houses of parliament. It is almost certain to be approved in the end, as the coalition government has a big majority.

Some lawmakers from the main coalition party Fine Gael are likely to vote against the bill, however. Their opposition is set to be expressed at their weekly party meeting Wednesday evening.

Anti-abortion protesters may also gather Wednesday.

Ireland’s deputy prime minister, or tanaiste, Eamon Gilmore, reminded lawmakers Wednesday that a small number of pregnant women do find themselves in the awful situation where their life is in danger.

“Women have a right to know that if the worst happens, they will be able to have life-saving treatment,” he said.

“Yesterday, the government made a decision that that right will now be vindicated.”

From : http://edition.cnn.com/2013/05/01/world/europe/ireland-abortion

Last night (Monday) peers voted to retain their original amendment making caste a protected characteristic (as an aspect of race) under equality law via a new clause in the Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Bill. The vote was won by 181 votes to 168.

The Government has now conceded on the principle and has tabled an amendment which requires the Secretary of State to bring forward regulations to include Caste as an aspect of Race (under Section 9(5) of the Equality Act 2010) two months after the enactment of the Enterprise Bill.

Last week the Commons voted to reject the amendment by 64 votes. Earlier the peers had voted in favour of the amendment by 103 votes.

Keith Porteous Wood, executive director of the National Secular Society (NSS), commented:

“We are delighted that the Government has committed to ensure that discrimination against caste will enjoy the same statutory protection as other protected characteristics. Too many British citizens have suffered caste based discrimination. Our equality legislation will now send out a clear signal that it will no longer be tolerated, and offers hope to the tens of thousands of British Asians whose lives are blighted by such prejudice.

“The ‘Informal conciliation’ solution proposed by the Government, possibly in deference to high caste (and high influence) Hindus, was woefully inadequate for such deep-seated discrimination that can ruin people’s lives.

“We particularly regret the Government’s refusal until today to follow the UN’s recommendation (pdf) to bring in this legislation, especially as to do so was an international obligation. A few months ago, the NSS delivered a legal opinion we had commissioned to the Government that confirmed that the UK was in breach of its international treaty obligations by not outlawing caste. We had worked with the International Humanist and Ethical Union (IHEU) to raise this matter at the UN in Geneva, assisted by its head of mission, Roy Brown.

“This is a victory for the Lords and their emphasis on protecting Human Rights. Special thanks go to Lord Avebury, Lord Harries of Pentregarth and Baroness Thornton for promoting this cause, which the National Secular Society has been campaigning on for several years since the first world Conference on Untouchability (pdf) convened by IHEU in London in 2009.

“We are proud that the UK is the first European country to pass this legislation and hope that other nations where caste discrimination is practised will follow the example of India, and now the UK.”

For further details on this issue, please see our briefing on caste discrimination (pdf).

Quoted on BBC: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-22267147

The government dismisses criticism of its policies as liberal lies, but attacks on the media, threats to the independence of the central bank and racism suggest otherwise.

France’s National Assembly decided Monday to bring forward the final vote on France’s gay marriage bill to April 23, raising the prospect of more mass demonstrations by opponents in the coming days.