Holocaust Memorial Berlin

Undoing Human Wrongs

Set-up on Saturday, June 2, 2007, this site has been established to address human rights issues. I have always been disturbed, concerned, and saddened by humanity's preoccupation with fearing difference. Ethnic conflict, criminalizing sexuality, exclusionary processes, political and religious frameworks guaranteeing division; these are ever-present topics taking place in all parts of the world. On the other hand I have always been inspired by communities and states that have moved forward in a quest to guarantee universal rights for all, creating laws which include rather than exclude certain groups. I have also been inspired by individuals who challenge others to think about prejudice, racism- discrimination at all levels. My challenge to friends, family, and the bloggers reading this is to become aware of new places with human rights abuses, learn about inspirational people, send stories, and make people aware. You can send messages out through your own sites, in emails to friends, or to the comments section of my blog. If you have links, videos, literature, etc, that you would like added send me a note (email in my full profile below). Terry

Thursday, July 2, 2009

Delhi Ruling Rules!

Delhi's High Court ruled that the law outlawing homosexual acts was discriminatory and a "violation of fundamental rights". The court said that a statute in Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, which defines homosexual acts as "carnal intercourse against the order of nature" and made them illegal, was an "antithesis of the right to equality". http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8129836.stm

In a country of over 1 billion, this ruling, in my opinion, will set a precedent for dialogue on sexual rights, de-stigmatization, and HIV/STI related issues throughout India and in the South/South East Asian region in general.

This decision will not go unchallenged, nor will it be an easy road ahead for advocates who continue to fight for the cause...but as a first step I'm sure it has created hope, along with a feeling that there is at least some political and legal will to advance the rights of people marginalized because of their sexuality.