April 28, 2009
April 20, 2009
Article 92 of the Military Criminal Act is unconstitutional!
The Constitutional Court of Korea must accommodate the military court's request for a legal judgment on the unconstitutionality of Article 92 of the Military Criminal Act!
Article 92 of the Military Criminal Act: "Those who have engaged in sodomy and/or other indecent act shall be imprisoned for 1 year or less"
In August 2008, the Normal Military Court of the 22nd Infantry Division of the Korean Army requested the Constitutional Court for a legal judgment on the unconstitutionality of Article 92 of the Military Criminal Act because it could violate equal rights, the right to sexual self-determination, and the right of privacy. Although half a year has already passed, the Constitutional Court has postponed and delayed this issue. Judging that Article 92 of the Military Criminal Act promotes homophobia and violates equal rights and the right to sexual self-determination, the Network for Reporting the Violation of the Human Rights of Sexual Minorities in Relation to the Military has initiated activities to urge the Constitutional Court for a judgment on its unconstitutionality. The anachronistic Article 92 of the Military Criminal Act can't completely resolve sexual violence in the military. Instead, it is the time to strengthen policy and education to eradicate homophobia. The Constitutional Court mustn't repeat the mistake it made in 2002 in an examination of a petition regarding the constitutionality of the same Article 92: "The said article must exist to maintain the sexual health of the military family." We strongly hope that many will take part in and support our activities to urge a judgment on the unconstitutionality of Article 92 of the Military Criminal Act.
The easiest way to take part in the campaign:
Completing a petition to the Constitutional Court
1) Download, print out, complete, and sign the petition form attached above (either of the two files above).
2) Individuals may also create their own petitions.
3) Mail or fax the completed petition to the Network for Reporting the Violation of the Human Rights of Sexual Minorities in Relation
to the Military (see address below).
4) Finally, actively encourage your family, friends, and colleagues to participate!
Why must Article 92 of the Military Criminal Act be abolished?
First, Article 92 of the Military Criminal Act promotes homophobia and discrimination. Included in Article 92 of the Military Criminal Act, the Korean word for sodomy denigrates a particular sexual act by likening it to an act performed on an animal. This hateful language designates as an "indecent act" even a consensual sexual act, as if homosexuality itself were but a type of sexual violence. Indeed, the National Human Rights Commission of Korea has pointed out in "2007-2011 Recommendation Proposal on National Action Plans for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights; NAPs on Human Rights" that
the same article revealed discrimination and prejudice against homosexuality and recommended the Ministry of National Defense to reform this law. No term or name used in laws must reflect prejudice and preconception. The Korean word for sodomy in this article must be replaced by a more neutral and objective word or removed altogether.
Second, Article 92 of the Military Criminal Act can violate equal rights and individual privacy.Even when the special nature of the military is taken into consideration, the criminalization and punishment even of relations based on mutual consent can't be justified constitutionally. If two male soldiers engage in sexual acts in a private space under mutual consent on their leaves, should they be punished for it? It's preposterous indeed for the parties involved to be punished because no one has been harmed, rank hasn't been used unjustly, and force hasn't been used for coercion. However, Article 92 of the Military Criminal Act makes all of this possible. In fact, in 1999, a similar case was punished based on Article 92 of the Military Criminal Act. However, just as consensual sexual acts between members of different sexes aren't seen as "indecent acts," consensual sexual acts between members of the same sex mustn't be seen as "indecent acts." Everyone has a right to sexual self-determination. No one must be discriminated against just because of a different sexual orientation.
Third, the ambiguous regulation in Article 92 of the Military Criminal Act is inappropriate for determining whether an individual is innocent or guilty. It's nearly impossible to understand and accept which acts are forbidden and which aren't from the expression "sodomy and/or other indecent act." In other words, this article can be applied to diverse situations because it completely fails to provide the criteria for judgment including the agent and the other party, types of acts, location of the acts, and consent. Consequently, it becomes difficult accurately to judge the innocence or guilt of the parties involved so that it is very likely for the applier of the law to interpret this article arbitrarily at his or her discretion.
Please fax or mail the petition to:
Network for Reporting the Violation of the Human Rights of Sexual Minorities in Relation to the Military
302 Myodong Building, 183 Myodong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Korea 110-370
Fax: 82-2-744-7916
http://chingusai.net
tel:02-745-7942
fax:02-744-7916
Article 92 of the Military Criminal Act: "Those who have engaged in sodomy and/or other indecent act shall be imprisoned for 1 year or less"
In August 2008, the Normal Military Court of the 22nd Infantry Division of the Korean Army requested the Constitutional Court for a legal judgment on the unconstitutionality of Article 92 of the Military Criminal Act because it could violate equal rights, the right to sexual self-determination, and the right of privacy. Although half a year has already passed, the Constitutional Court has postponed and delayed this issue. Judging that Article 92 of the Military Criminal Act promotes homophobia and violates equal rights and the right to sexual self-determination, the Network for Reporting the Violation of the Human Rights of Sexual Minorities in Relation to the Military has initiated activities to urge the Constitutional Court for a judgment on its unconstitutionality. The anachronistic Article 92 of the Military Criminal Act can't completely resolve sexual violence in the military. Instead, it is the time to strengthen policy and education to eradicate homophobia. The Constitutional Court mustn't repeat the mistake it made in 2002 in an examination of a petition regarding the constitutionality of the same Article 92: "The said article must exist to maintain the sexual health of the military family." We strongly hope that many will take part in and support our activities to urge a judgment on the unconstitutionality of Article 92 of the Military Criminal Act.The easiest way to take part in the campaign:
Completing a petition to the Constitutional Court
1) Download, print out, complete, and sign the petition form attached above (either of the two files above).
2) Individuals may also create their own petitions.
3) Mail or fax the completed petition to the Network for Reporting the Violation of the Human Rights of Sexual Minorities in Relation
to the Military (see address below).
4) Finally, actively encourage your family, friends, and colleagues to participate!
Why must Article 92 of the Military Criminal Act be abolished?
First, Article 92 of the Military Criminal Act promotes homophobia and discrimination. Included in Article 92 of the Military Criminal Act, the Korean word for sodomy denigrates a particular sexual act by likening it to an act performed on an animal. This hateful language designates as an "indecent act" even a consensual sexual act, as if homosexuality itself were but a type of sexual violence. Indeed, the National Human Rights Commission of Korea has pointed out in "2007-2011 Recommendation Proposal on National Action Plans for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights; NAPs on Human Rights" that
the same article revealed discrimination and prejudice against homosexuality and recommended the Ministry of National Defense to reform this law. No term or name used in laws must reflect prejudice and preconception. The Korean word for sodomy in this article must be replaced by a more neutral and objective word or removed altogether.
Second, Article 92 of the Military Criminal Act can violate equal rights and individual privacy.Even when the special nature of the military is taken into consideration, the criminalization and punishment even of relations based on mutual consent can't be justified constitutionally. If two male soldiers engage in sexual acts in a private space under mutual consent on their leaves, should they be punished for it? It's preposterous indeed for the parties involved to be punished because no one has been harmed, rank hasn't been used unjustly, and force hasn't been used for coercion. However, Article 92 of the Military Criminal Act makes all of this possible. In fact, in 1999, a similar case was punished based on Article 92 of the Military Criminal Act. However, just as consensual sexual acts between members of different sexes aren't seen as "indecent acts," consensual sexual acts between members of the same sex mustn't be seen as "indecent acts." Everyone has a right to sexual self-determination. No one must be discriminated against just because of a different sexual orientation.
Third, the ambiguous regulation in Article 92 of the Military Criminal Act is inappropriate for determining whether an individual is innocent or guilty. It's nearly impossible to understand and accept which acts are forbidden and which aren't from the expression "sodomy and/or other indecent act." In other words, this article can be applied to diverse situations because it completely fails to provide the criteria for judgment including the agent and the other party, types of acts, location of the acts, and consent. Consequently, it becomes difficult accurately to judge the innocence or guilt of the parties involved so that it is very likely for the applier of the law to interpret this article arbitrarily at his or her discretion.
Please fax or mail the petition to:
Network for Reporting the Violation of the Human Rights of Sexual Minorities in Relation to the Military
302 Myodong Building, 183 Myodong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Korea 110-370
Fax: 82-2-744-7916
http://chingusai.net
tel:02-745-7942
fax:02-744-7916
(Notice: This is a forwarded email to me and I feel the urge of posting it here to have the appropriate response from the readers to abolish these kinds of laws violating the human rights of individuals according to their gender identities Thank you!)
April 1, 2009
Hanggang Dito na Lamang at Maraming Salamat: Term Ender
De La Salle University’s 3rd Term for School Year 2008-2009 is not yet over but I would like to create my term ender article as early as now. I might not have the time when the finals week comes in and I have to review for two (2) comprehensive final examination in Microbiology and Cell Biology (tough ones I have for this term).I felt so awkward when I went back to school. Siyempre I had to adjust from being an employee back to being a student again. There was even a time when I wanted to return to my previous work because I miss my colleagues so much, and, also, I am so dependent, once again, to my parents. Some people would think that I am rich because I left my job to study, which is so wrong; I am living with Php.70.00 per day and I had to sell my cellphone just to purchase my textbook in Microbio and Cellbio subjects, I don’t need it anyway. Yeah right, I had the money for my tuition fee alone, na kasya sa 4 subjects. Haha. Masarap magtrabaho kasi kumikita ka ng pera, pero kailangang magbalik sa pag-aaral para magka-diploma.
At first, I was an outcast in each subject I enrolled in because they are block sections. Pero ang lola niyo ma-PR. I made new friends, specially Trish and my former high schoolmate Abby who made my return to DLSU a nice memory to ponder. Aside from them, I became close to some, but not all, of my classmates in my subjects. Wow, siyempre bakla eh. PR dito. PR dun. Naging close ko sa lahat yung mga kapwa ko "iregular". Thank goodness, there are no homophobic people in my classes. Pero there are some topics in a certain subject that deems homosexuality as immorality, saan pa, eh di sa Religion! Nagtaka ka pa. Hehehe.
I love being a student again. I had to read. Read more. And then, I have to read over and over again. This is a habit that I had to recover since the things that I have to browse before are work related like visa application, medical certificates, and even fake credentials submitted my applicants. Now, I feel the challenge of my academic life and I still have one year to adventure with by reading my reference materials.
Microbiology & Cell Biology
These are my most serious subjects. Obvious ba? Name pa lang di ba! Dito ako nagsusunog ng kilay. Pero impressively, I thought I lost my passion for Biology, but now, my neurons are craving for more mental stimulation. Echos. I can’t comment more on these courses because I can only speak of technical terms and critical life processes taught in the class. Well, the professors often assume that the students should know the concepts on Biochemistry, Botany2, or Histology, well; I don’t have those subjects in my flowchart because my degree is not a pre-med! I am a future teacher, a high school teacher. Hahaha. So I had to adapt to this kind of teaching method, well, what do you know, I’m not just passing these two subjects, I am one of the highest scorer when it comes to quizzes and long exams. Echos ulit!
RELSFOR (Religion: Christian Social Teaching)
This subject teaches us to have an advocacy for the poor. Hmmm. Ironically, I belong to the mass and I had to debate on the issues such as the main causes of poverty. Kailangang ipagtanggol no, ang iginigiit ba eh nagcocommit ng sins ang mga mahihirap dahil nagnanakaw sila. Excuse me, nagnanakaw sila dahil naghihirap sila dahil wala silang makain due to extreme poverty caused by improper allocation of wealth by the greedy and corrupt people who are in power! However, there are three incidents that occurred in the classroom strikes me the most during my term and it is a about my gender identity. The first one was when we were discussing about sins and evils when my professor declared that having a pre-marital relationship (I think it included sex) between two men is much graver than a man and a woman couple having a relationship before being married. No offense to my prof, I still love her but not the topic. Second was when I had to erase the word homosexuality TWICE and replaced it with adultery and murder in my two of my group mate’s paper to the list of crimes that needs corporal punishment in the Old Testament. Mamamatay tao ba ang mga bakla para ihelera sa abortion?!? Lastly, when a group reporting on one of the catholic encyclicals and sited that HOMOSEXUALITY IS ONE OF THE CULTURAL SINS. My professor commented, “kawawa naman sila, bakit nailagay dyan”, then the reporter answered, “because it is written in the encyclical that it is a cultural sin”. What I did was I acted as if I heard nothing, I continued reading “KUNG PAANO KO PINATAY SI DIANA ROSS” while placing the book in front ofmy face, making the picture of a GAY impersonator visible to the reporter. Deadma. Talk to Diano Ross! Charing.
LITERA (Philippine Literature)
I thought that this would be the most boring subject that I would have but
contrary to this previous belief, Philippine Literature under Mr. Genaro Gojo-Cruz is a very empowering subject for me. First of all I was the class clown in this class. I would crack some jokes when people are reporting or even when we are viewing films, siyempre tatawa sila and those simple giggles and laughter are music to my ears. Ito naman ang silbi ko sa mundo, ang magpasaya ng tao. And in this subject was my first report after three years and I had to inculcate the remaining knowledge I have in teaching which eventually lead to regaining my self confidence. There are two readings that I love the most and these are “Kung Paano ko Pinatay si Diano Ross” by Rody Vera and “Hanggang Dito na Lamang at Maraming Salamat” written by Orlando Nadres. Madaming lines na sobrang ganda sa "hanggang dito na lamang", and gustong gusto ko ang character ni Julie, ang totoong pangalan ay JULIUS CEAZAR AQUINO, biruin mo, same pa kami ng surname! Both literary works discusses homosexuality and the struggle for acceptance. BONGGA! NAKARELATE AKO. Siyempre best in recitation ang lola niyo. Napag-usapan kasi lahat gaya ng mga GAY LINGO wherein bentang benta ang word na LOTLOT AND FRIENDS.I love my Literature class. Sobra!
Lastly, I voted for Vernon of Santugon for VP Activities in the Student Council Election. He is gay and unfortunately he lost. I love his speech that whatever he is (pertaining to his gender identity) it is the leadership he offers to his fellow students that matters. I wanted him to win, sobra. Last year a gay candidate run but eventually lost to the incoming student council president. Did they lose because of what they are? But how come Simoun Ferrer won the presidency? I wasn't there so I can't tell. I did not vote straight despite of my political affiliation. Let them condemn and hate me for my vote yet I will stand for what I think is right and to conform is something I can not do. I am now apolitical.
Three years. Yeah. That was a long time of waiting. But it paid off. Because my three years of being out from the academe brought fort a new chapter in my life and that is my enlightenment which gave me a new purpose to live for. And that is to be of help to my people. People like me who needed guidance and comfort upon venturing to the fierce world of uncertainty and unacceptance and hoping that one day, alam mo na, cliché na nga toh eh, tanggapin na ng buong mundo kung ano ako. Kung ano tayo. Yun lang. Tatlong taon akong nawala sa school, and pagbalik ko, hindi na ako ang Raffy na naglilihim kung ano ako! Ang ako na hindi nasabi kay Louis Pieraz na minsan sa buhay ko naminahal ko siya dahil wala akong lakas ng loob at pilit na isinusulat sa mga tulang kinimkim na lamang sa limot. Nakakaloka! Tanggap ko na sa sarili ko kung ano ako. Tanggapin man ako o hindi ng lipunang ginagalawan ko.
Hanggang dito na lamang at maraming salamat!
March 24, 2009
Pope's visit to Cameroon raises questions about gay and lesbian rights
Source: http://www.fridae.com/newsfeatures/article.php?articleid=2430&viewarticle=1&searchtype=all
March 24, 2009
Pope's visit to Cameroon raises questions about gay and lesbian rights
By Amnesty International
Since the Holy See had said that it advocates against criminal penalties against homosexual persons, Amnesty International attempted to engage the Pope while on his first pilgrimage to Africa.
On his first trip to Africa last week, Pope Benedict XVI visits Cameroon, a country that criminalizes same-sex sexual relations.
Amnesty International has asked Pope Benedict during his visit, to urge the government of Cameroon to eradicate discrimination based on sexual orientation.
A senior Cameroonian Roman Catholic Church leader was reported by local media in December 2005, to have publicly denounced homosexuality. Before and since, many have been persecuted.
The Holy See said at a meeting of the UN General Assembly in December 2008 that it "continues to advocate that every sign of unjust discrimination towards homosexual persons should be avoided, and urges States to do away with criminal penalties against them."
"The Pope should take the important opportunity of this visit to Cameroon to make clear that the Holy See abhors any attacks or persecution of people based on their sexual orientation, and call on the government to decriminalize homosexuality," said Tawanda Hondora, Deputy Director of Amnesty International's Africa Programme.
Over the past three years, Amnesty International has documented the arrest and detention of several dozen young men and women, some of whom have been sentenced to prison terms and fines for allegedly engaging in consensual same-sex sexual relations.
In a typical case, two men were arrested on 16 August 2007 by gendarmes in Yaoundé, accused of engaging in same-sex sexual relations. The suspects were held at Nlongkak gendarmerie until 31 August 2007, when they were transferred to Kondengui prison.
While in custody, the detainees were subjected to anal examinations in an attempt by the authorities to establish if they had been engaged in sexual acts.
The men appeared in court on 23 November 2007 and pleaded not guilty to engaging in same-sex sexual relations. The court found them guilty of same-sex acts on 13 March 2008 and sentenced them to six months' imprisonment and a fine of 25,000 CFA Francs (approximately $US44). They were released soon after their trial because they had already spent more than six months in custody.
Twelve young women were permanently excluded from a college in Douala in March 2006, for their alleged same-sex sexual relations. Amnesty International is concerned that the girls were expelled solely because of their sexual orientation, depriving the girls of their right to education.
Amnesty International and other human rights organizations have made numerous appeals to the Cameroonian authorities, religious organizations and the media to uphold, respect and protect the human rights of all people in Cameroon, regardless of their sexual orientation.
On Thursday, Pope Benedict will be meeting with members of the Special Council for Africa of the Synod of Bishops at the Apostolic Nunciature of Yaoundé.
"Dozens of Cameroonian men and women have been detained solely for their actual or perceived engagement in consensual same-sex sexual relations – this is simply unacceptable. We hope that the Pope will make this clear to the government and the Church’s leaders and many followers in Cameroon during his visit," said Tawanda Hondora.
March 24, 2009
Pope's visit to Cameroon raises questions about gay and lesbian rights
By Amnesty International
Since the Holy See had said that it advocates against criminal penalties against homosexual persons, Amnesty International attempted to engage the Pope while on his first pilgrimage to Africa. On his first trip to Africa last week, Pope Benedict XVI visits Cameroon, a country that criminalizes same-sex sexual relations.
Amnesty International has asked Pope Benedict during his visit, to urge the government of Cameroon to eradicate discrimination based on sexual orientation.
A senior Cameroonian Roman Catholic Church leader was reported by local media in December 2005, to have publicly denounced homosexuality. Before and since, many have been persecuted.
The Holy See said at a meeting of the UN General Assembly in December 2008 that it "continues to advocate that every sign of unjust discrimination towards homosexual persons should be avoided, and urges States to do away with criminal penalties against them."
"The Pope should take the important opportunity of this visit to Cameroon to make clear that the Holy See abhors any attacks or persecution of people based on their sexual orientation, and call on the government to decriminalize homosexuality," said Tawanda Hondora, Deputy Director of Amnesty International's Africa Programme.
Over the past three years, Amnesty International has documented the arrest and detention of several dozen young men and women, some of whom have been sentenced to prison terms and fines for allegedly engaging in consensual same-sex sexual relations.
In a typical case, two men were arrested on 16 August 2007 by gendarmes in Yaoundé, accused of engaging in same-sex sexual relations. The suspects were held at Nlongkak gendarmerie until 31 August 2007, when they were transferred to Kondengui prison.
While in custody, the detainees were subjected to anal examinations in an attempt by the authorities to establish if they had been engaged in sexual acts.
The men appeared in court on 23 November 2007 and pleaded not guilty to engaging in same-sex sexual relations. The court found them guilty of same-sex acts on 13 March 2008 and sentenced them to six months' imprisonment and a fine of 25,000 CFA Francs (approximately $US44). They were released soon after their trial because they had already spent more than six months in custody.
Twelve young women were permanently excluded from a college in Douala in March 2006, for their alleged same-sex sexual relations. Amnesty International is concerned that the girls were expelled solely because of their sexual orientation, depriving the girls of their right to education.
Amnesty International and other human rights organizations have made numerous appeals to the Cameroonian authorities, religious organizations and the media to uphold, respect and protect the human rights of all people in Cameroon, regardless of their sexual orientation.
On Thursday, Pope Benedict will be meeting with members of the Special Council for Africa of the Synod of Bishops at the Apostolic Nunciature of Yaoundé.
"Dozens of Cameroonian men and women have been detained solely for their actual or perceived engagement in consensual same-sex sexual relations – this is simply unacceptable. We hope that the Pope will make this clear to the government and the Church’s leaders and many followers in Cameroon during his visit," said Tawanda Hondora.
March 10, 2009
Philippines Ends Ban on Gays in Military
Source:
http://www.365gay.com/news/philippines-ends-ban-on-gays-in-military/
(Manila) The Philippines has become the second country in a week to officially end the ban on gays serving in the military.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines said that the decision shows the military has a zero tolerance for discrimination among its ranks. But it also warned that despite allowing gays to serve openly, overt homosexual behavior will still not be tolerated.
“Once inside the organization, they have to live by a code of ethics and they have to observe decorum if they want to remain as members of the Armed Forces,” military spokesperson Ernesto Torres told The Manila Times.
To mark the change the military this week began a recruiting drive in the LGBT community.
On Monday, Argentina announced that it had abandoned the gay ban, part of a sweeping military reform act that included the way members of the armed forces are put on trial.
The issue of gays serving opening in the military has roiled the US armed services.
On Monday, legislation to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” was filed in the House of Representatives.
While previous attempts to repeal the law were bogged down when Republicans controlled Congress, there is renewed hope the measure will pass the Democratically-controlled Congress.
President Barack Obama has said that he supports repeal of the ban.
March 5, 2009
An Assault and Insult To My Ethnicity
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/downe/
Common Signs Nga Mga Kapampangan (Except yung Konting Matitino)
Wed Mar 4, 2009 5:36 pm
1. Nangunguna sa kalaswaan
2. Nagunguna sa nakawan (pati susi papaduplicate), maski brief ipapanakaw or
nanakawin
3. Nagunguna sa bentahan droga
4. Nangunguna sa mga pampatulog at set ups
5. Baligtad underwear pag may operations.
6. Walang nagpapakita ng sinampay kasi puro nakaw damit
7. Nakatingin sa kisame pag umiihi
8. Closed mga bahay
9. Walang lumalabas
10. Me singsing sa huling paa
11. Mahilig sa mga tattoo sa me paanan.
12. Grupo kung lumakad
13. PURO LEFT SIDE PARATI NG BUILDING OR LUGAR. LEFT SIDE DIN NG URINAL MGA IHI.
14. Nagpapali-palit mga rooms.
15. Marumi ang kalat pinagkainan
16. Hindi patas kung lumaban
17. Magaling sa sabwatan
18. Puro kins lang tatanggap
19. Mga tamad magtrabaho
20. Parating late
21. Puro hon at hon-deal system di pwede ng hard work.
22. Walang goal sa buhay, puro sex lang kaya napapag-iwanan. Ayan nangyari ke
Pimentel, binalot lang publicity pero tanga pa rin hangang ngayon.
Even if you guys have disputes against Koko Pimentel and to whatever he did, never generalize our ethnic group with all of those negative traits that you mentioned above. Try reviewing the title of the message, it has the phrase "Except yung konting matitino". And what does that connote? There are only a handful of good Kapampangans and majority are criminals, perverts, back fighters, thieves, etc.? This is very discriminating and an unjust way of describing us, the Kapampangans. Social labeling sucks. And what's next? Commit genocide upon us?
You don't have the rights to ruin the dignity of one group just because of the mistakes done by a few people. No one does. The evil encompassed by the specific person is not the evil of the whole group where he belongs. This is damaging OUR, in reference to the Kapampangans, institution, and culture.
Despite the fact that we have geographical distance and different dialects spoken, we must not forget that we are all Filipinos and are living in one country as one nation. This is one of the reason why our country is not developing and can not push the progress that we are dreaming of. My friends, there is a cold war within our very own system and leads to hatred and prejudice from one ethnic group, to another.
I am gay and I am a PROUD KAPAMPANGAN!
Mayap a aldo kekayu ngan!
February 22, 2009
Forum urges Asia to decriminalise homosexuality
AFP - Saturday, February 21(Source: http://ph.news.yahoo.com/afp/20090221/tls-hongkong-health-aids-asia-aeafa1b.html)
HONG KONG (AFP) - - A three-day forum in Hong Kong on a growing HIV/AIDS epidemic in Asia ended Friday with delegates calling for countries in the region to follow China's lead in decriminalising homosexuality
Beijing's decision in 2001 had helped to minimise the spread of HIV/AIDS in China, Zhen Li, from the Tong Zhi awareness group, told the forum.
"Between 2005 and 2008 China made huge progress (in raising awareness of HIV/AIDS among homosexuals) in addition to working with civil society as partners," Li said.
However, elsewhere in Asia "highly prohibitive legal frameworks" against homosexuality were aiding the spread of an HIV epidemic among homosexual men, the forum's organisers said in a statement.
"As long as these laws are in effect it will push people into dark places," Li told a news conference at the end of the forum.
Edmund Settle, from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), said there were several Asian countries which had yet to follow China's example and that they tended to be former British colonies.
As an example, he cited India, where there is currently a court case challenging the laws banning homosexuality.
Wong Ka-Hing, a consultant in special preventive programmes for Hong Kong's Department of Health, said that the city's HIV/AIDS awareness campaigns would continue to prioritise young homosexuals.
"In Hong Kong we are facing a rising epidemic among men having sex with men... that is why we have tried to target scarce resources towards the most vulnerable sections of the community," Wong said.
The forum was jointly held by Hong Kong's Department of Health, the World Health Organization, the UNDP and the Joint UN Programmes on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS).
