UN Restores Sexual Orientation Reference To Violence Measure

The United States has successfully persuaded the United Nations to include "sexual orientation" as a category of vulnerable populations whose targeted killings the world body condemns.

Controversy broke out after African and Arab states successfully stripped the resolution of a reference to killings for reasons of "sexual orientation," which was included along with killings for racial, national, ethnic, religious, or linguistic reasons, and killings of refugees, indigenous people, and other groups.
(http://www.rferl.org/content/un_sexual_orientation_gays_lesbians_transgender_violence/2255644.html)

It is reassuring to see the UN stepping-up and acknowledging the rights of minority groups, no matter how controversial the subject matter. There has been a polarization in the past few years when it comes to "sexual orientation" rights. While some countries, such as those in Latin America are passing same sex marriage and civil unions, other countries are condemning their gay citizens through lengthy prison sentences and execution.

Each of us is born with a unique set of identities: ethnicity, race, gender, sexual orientation, etc., and as Hilary Clinton sums it up, "no one should be killed for who they are."

Sri Lankan Tamils

A boatload of around 490 Tamils arrived in Vancouver 2 weeks ago. Since that time, I've been reading editorials and "closed-minded" opinions about how "they" should be sent back. I'm really at a loss as to why so many people are against this group.

Is it because they are "terrorists"? I've seen that term overused. Lest we forget where that fear mongering attitude came from...I'll give you a hint, the president before Obama. Tamils do not equal Tamil Tigers. This brings back memories of post-911 which saw a backlash against all Arabs because of a similar call (and even Sikhs because some less educated segments of society didn't know the difference).

Is it because of the money that it will cost tax payers? That is ridiculous. We seem to have no problem with our government spending 100s of millions of dollars to buy new weapons of war, but when it comes to humanitarian spending, we forget that there are individuals involved.

Is it because we in Canada are scared of losing our "culture"? Well our culture has evolved continuously since the French and English decided to exploit local populations so that they could get the upper hand on the beaver trade. Canada has since that time, became a country of immigrants, refugees; people looking for a better life. Canada has redefined itself on a number of occasions and we seem to forget that.

The redefining I see at the moment is a Canada I do not want to live in. It is a place of intolerance, fear, petty worry over the economic bottom-line, no concern about others; a country being changed not by immigrants, but by apathy and complacency.

I spent 1.5 years in Sri Lanka during the war. Try putting yourself in the shoes of a Tamil who is constantly being targeted by the government because of your ethnicity. Try being a post-war Tamil who is still being targeted by that same government who has no concern for individual rights, who sees all Tamils as terrorists, and continues to detain people without due process. Lock them away, and throw away the key...wouldn't you be looking for a better life as well?

A request I have, is that before we begin labelling and judging people we know nothing about, we each need to make the effort to learn more, get informed, be open to another side. Statements such as "so called human rights abuses", or "these terrorists", do not bode well for a society that has been progressive and a world leader on issues related to humanitarianism. It makes me feel as though Canada has lost its way and would rather have a balanced budget than to remember its compassion.

Nigeria's Child Witches

Just when I thought there couldn't possibly be any more stories which define humans as "ludicrously-regressive", this article about Nigeria's witch hunt has appeared. Children are being targetted as witches, as evildoers, as scapegoats in order to advance the power of religion and superstition.

"The devil's children are "identified" by powerful religious leaders at extremist churches where Christianity and traditional beliefs have combined to produce a deep-rooted belief in, and fear of, witchcraft.The priests spread the message that child-witches bring destruction, disease and death to their families. And they say that, once possessed, children can cast spells and contaminate others. The religious leaders offer help to the families whose children are named as witches, but at a price. The churches run exorcism, or "deliverance", evenings where the pastors attempt to drive out the evil spirits. Only they have the power to cleanse the child of evil spirits, they say. The exorcism costs the families up to a year's income."

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/nigeria/3407882/Child-witches-of-Nigeria-seek-refuge.html

Pride in Vancouver

In only a few days Vancouver Pride Week begins. Many people have been asking why we still need Pride, the parade, etc, when the GLBT community has "equality" in Canada (including marriage). With the approach of the celebration, I challenge people to forget about petty politics, stop complaining about liquor prices, go beyond the parties and the glamour, and reflect and somehow get involved in "the meaning of Pride". Attend a social justice event, find a queer arts space, volunteer for something that you feel passionate about, and take a stand against homophobia.

Just because elements of "equality" are written into law does not mean that suddenly the communities across this country accept them, or respect the people for whom these legal entities are created. Some Canadians do not realize that this is not a completely peaceful, live-and-let-live country where everyone accepts and respects eachother regardless of the identities we each have (either visible or invisible). This is apparent from the recent increase in gay bashings in the westend, and Vancouver's recent distinction as one of the top cities in Canada for hate-crimes (based on religion, culture, race, and sexual orientation).

Relatively speaking, Canada may be progressively ahead of other countries, both in legal and societal terms, but we have to stop believing that the world of Canada is becoming more progressive, that social divides do not exist, and that our multicultural framework is alive and well. By sitting back and thinking things are and will always be good is just plain foolish.

The present minority conservative government keeps showing its true colours when it cuts funding to human rights groups (or any group that disagrees with its policies), when it takes the same-sex piece our of the immigration guide, and when it works behind the scenes guaranteeing privilege to certain organizations which have religious or "family values" mandates. Stand up, show the government that the GLBT community is not just a passing phase, show your community that your serious about your rights, and show those who try to make you feel less of yourself through their verbal or physical attacks that you are stronger than them...Take Pride!

Terry

The Story Of Human Rights

A basic lesson in Human Rights. Simple but effective.

US Military: Modern Weapons, Neolithic Mindsets

While Obama tries to further the plight of "gays in the military" in order (in my opinion) to bring the USA into the 21st century, his push for a repeal on the ban is being met with resistance and a slow bureaucratic process.

"Amid criticism from opponents of the ban that the Pentagon was moving too slowly, (Defence Secretary) Mr Gates warned against rushing through a change to the law without gauging the views of service members and their families. The Department of Defence is the biggest, most complex, organisation in the world. Our military culture is one of our greatest strengths but it's also a strong culture,'' he said."(http://www.smh.com.au/world/powell-does-aboutface-on-gays-in-us-military-20100204-ngae.html)

My response to that is...why is Mr Gates worried about views of service members and families? and so what if there is a strong culture. It's time to start respecting all rights, and not worrying about treading on some peoples' toes because they don't agree that a certain element of the population is worthy of equal treatment. GROW UP AMERICA!!! Start putting "rights policy" into practice and although it may not happen overnight, society will catch up at some point.