And Speaking of the United Nations--U.S. to Join Declaration Decriminalizing Gays!

Really, I wish I didn't even have to post on these things--but this is good news! After the Bush administration refused to give U.S. approval to a UN declaration calling for the decriminalization of homosexuality around the world, Obama has said he will! Finally, a president who has some sense!

Here's an excerpt:

"We join with the other supporters of this statement and we will continue to remind countries of the importance of respecting the human rights of all people ..." said a White House official, who added that the U.S. was concerned about "violence and human rights abuses against gay, lesbian, transsexual and bisexual individuals" and was also "troubled by the criminalization of sexual orientation in many countries."

Bet they're talking about Burundi, which I posted on back in 2008. I find it so surreal that places like this still exist. Thank you, whatever gods there are that I wasn't born there! Just this week, 20,000 people marched in Burundi--in favor of making homosexuality a criminal offense! Hmmm, guess Burundi gets crossed off the list for the next White Party.

So much fear, so much drama and so unnecessary...

And Speaking of the United Nations--U.S. to Join Declaration Decriminalizing Gays!

Really, I wish I didn't even have to post on these things--but this is good news! After the Bush administration refused to give U.S. approval to a UN declaration calling for the decriminalization of homosexuality around the world, Obama has said he will! Finally, a president who has some sense!

Here's an excerpt:

"We join with the other supporters of this statement and we will continue to remind countries of the importance of respecting the human rights of all people ..." said a White House official, who added that the U.S. was concerned about "violence and human rights abuses against gay, lesbian, transsexual and bisexual individuals" and was also "troubled by the criminalization of sexual orientation in many countries."

Bet they're talking about Burundi, which I posted on back in 2008. I find it so surreal that places like this still exist. Thank you, whatever gods there are that I wasn't born there! Just this week, 20,000 people marched in Burundi--in favor of making homosexuality a criminal offense! Hmmm, guess Burundi gets crossed off the list for the next White Party.

So much fear, so much drama and so unnecessary...

Hell on Earth for Gays: Burundi

Not that it's on your must-see list (like Utah), but if you think California or whichever state has now outlawed gay marriage is bad, try the war-torn African nation of Burundi. It outlawed the death penalty but also criminalized homosexuality which, according to one report, used to be tolerated. What--are gays suddenly running amok?

Sure, Burundi is far away, but let's not get complacent people!

And for those who don't think gays have suffered much, consider this report about why Britain decriminalized homosexuality back in the 1950s:

"The law's function is to preserve public order and decency, to protect the citizen from what is offensive or injurious, and to provide sufficient safeguards against exploitation and corruption of others. Not, in our view, the function of the law to intervene in the private life of citizens, or to seek to enforce any particular pattern of behaviour."

I can't even imagine living my life like a criminal--and don't ever want to. So on Thanksgiving, let's be thankful!

Hell on Earth for Gays: Burundi

Not that it's on your must-see list (like Utah), but if you think California or whichever state has now outlawed gay marriage is bad, try the war-torn African nation of Burundi. It outlawed the death penalty but also criminalized homosexuality which, according to one report, used to be tolerated. What--are gays suddenly running amok?

Sure, Burundi is far away, but let's not get complacent people!

And for those who don't think gays have suffered much, consider this report about why Britain decriminalized homosexuality back in the 1950s:

"The law's function is to preserve public order and decency, to protect the citizen from what is offensive or injurious, and to provide sufficient safeguards against exploitation and corruption of others. Not, in our view, the function of the law to intervene in the private life of citizens, or to seek to enforce any particular pattern of behaviour."

I can't even imagine living my life like a criminal--and don't ever want to. So on Thanksgiving, let's be thankful!