From my daily Al-Fatiha e-mail newsletter:

Joins Global Day of Action against persecution of gay men in Egypt

MANILA, MAY 14, 2003 - In a brave demonstration of “brotherly and sisterly love”, Filipino gays and lesbians articulated their objection over the persecution of gay men in Egypt.

In a letter to the Egyptian government, Amnesty International – Pilipinas (AIP) expressed grave concern over the human rights situation of Egyptian men who face persecution and discrimination based on their perceived or actual sexual orientation. The letter was addressed to Egyptian President Muhammad Hosni Mubarak and sent through Ambassador Saber Abdel Kader Mansour, Egyptian mission to Manila.

The letter called to attention the case of 52 Egyptian men who were arrested in May 2001 while at a nightclub in Cairo. Last 15 March 2003, 21 men were convicted of “habitual debauchery”, one of “contempt of religion”, and another on both charges. It also raised alarm over reports of allegedly gay men who were detained and tried after having agreed to meet people contacted over the Internet who turned out to be security officers or police informants.

AIP called for the release of all individuals who were imprisoned on the basis of their actual or perceived sexual orientation, it also urged the Egyptian government to investigate of allegations of torture and ill-treatment while the men were in detention.

The Lesbian and Gay Legislative Advocacy Network (LAGABLAB) also sent a statement conveying solidarity to the Egyptian gay and lesbian community. LAGABLAB likewise reiterated Egypt’s responsibilities as signatory to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Convention on Civil and Political Rights, and the Convention Against Torture.

The AIP and LAGABLAB support action is part of a series of international activities initiated by Amnesty International to mark the second anniversary of the arrests of 52 men in Cairo.

Dubbed as the Global Day of Action, it is a call to protest the continuing imprisonment and ill-treatment of men in Egypt because of their actual or perceived sexual orientation. Moreover, it seeks to draw attention to the human rights crisis facing gay men in Egypt.

By registering their concern to the Egyptian authorities, AI-Pilipinas and LAGABLAB joined other gay and lesbian communities, as well as, human rights defenders from various countries in showing their solidarity to the Egyptian gay and lesbian community.

Aside from the Philippines, various activities and protests are expected in Belarus, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Norway, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States of America, Uruguay, among others.

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This is a nice idea (i.e., to "do good" while announcing ("coming out") your group's existence.

It ALSO establishes that there are LGBT activists stationed around the world, at the ready to assist where needed.


[Thread title edited to correct case - Outsports moderator]

[ May 15, 2003, 07:24 AM: Message edited by: m1 ]