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Frontline LGBT Troops in Ukraine Battle Homophobia

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In Kyiv’s central square, thousands of blue and yellow flags honor Ukraine’s fallen soldiers, with a new addition this month: unicorns, symbolizing LGBT soldiers killed in action. These soldiers face inequality, lacking rights like heterosexual troops due to Ukraine’s ban on gay marriage. Rodion, a costume designer, planted a flag for his deceased boyfriend, highlighting the common sacrifice in war regardless of sexual orientation.

Attitudes toward LGBT rights in Ukraine have evolved, but challenges persist. LGBT soldiers endure harassment and discrimination, even as they serve on the front lines. Mariya Volya, who came out amid the Russian invasion, faced backlash but remains determined to advocate for equality, alongside her fiancée Diana.

The recent Pride march in Kyiv, the first since the invasion, underscored these struggles. LGBT soldiers participated, some using the event to come out publicly. Viktor Pylypenko, Ukraine’s first openly gay soldier, has been instrumental in raising awareness and fostering acceptance within the military and society.

However, resistance to LGBT rights remains strong, both in parliament and society, influenced by conservative and religious opposition. A bill for civil partnerships has stalled, reflecting broader societal divisions despite evolving European integration aspirations.

The war with Russia has intensified the urgency for equality among LGBT Ukrainians, though progress is uncertain amid political and social challenges.

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Pope apologises over reported homophobic slur

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Pope Francis recently found himself embroiled in controversy following reports of his use of highly derogatory language towards gay men during a private meeting with bishops. The Vatican promptly issued a statement in response, acknowledging the incident and expressing regret for any offense caused. Despite the Pope’s public advocacy for respect towards gay individuals, the reported remarks have sparked widespread shock and criticism.

Some supporters of Pope Francis have sought to contextualize the incident, suggesting that his use of language may have been unintentional. They point to his occasional struggles with Italian colloquialisms and his upbringing in an Italian-speaking household in Argentina. However, critics argue that regardless of intent, the remarks reflect a deeper issue of anti-gay bias within the Church.

Marianne Duddy-Burke, representing the LGBT Catholic rights group DignityUSA, strongly condemned the reported comments as hurtful and indicative of ongoing discrimination within the Church. She emphasized the impact on gay priests who have faithfully served their communities, highlighting the need for greater inclusivity and acceptance within Catholicism.

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Polish state TV host decries past anti-LGBT output

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A journalist working for Poland’s state broadcaster has publicly expressed remorse for the channel’s complicity in disseminating anti-LGBT sentiment. Wojciech Szelag, the host of TVP Info, acknowledged the channel’s role in perpetuating hateful rhetoric against the LGBT community over the course of several years. He recognized that LGBT individuals had been subjected to derogatory language and discrimination, emphasizing that they are not merely an abstract ideology but are people with specific identities, relationships, and experiences.

During the Guest of the Evening show, Szelag offered a heartfelt apology to two LGBT activists, Bart Staszewski and Maja Heban. He emphasized the importance of acknowledging the humanity of LGBT individuals, expressing regret for the hurtful language and narratives propagated by TVP Info. Staszewski, deeply moved by the apology, highlighted the significant impact of the channel’s previous actions on the lives of LGBT people in Poland.

Under the previous government led by the Law and Justice (PiS) party, TVP Info frequently broadcast content that vilified the LGBT community. PiS leader Jaroslaw Kaczynski and his allies, including President Andrzej Duda, often condemned expressions of LGBT identity and promoted discriminatory rhetoric. However, since the new Prime Minister Donald Tusk assumed office, changes have been made to the broadcaster in an effort to depoliticize state media and promote more inclusive narratives.

The recent apology from TVP Info’s host reflects a broader shift in Poland’s media landscape, as the country grapples with issues of discrimination and intolerance. While the apology signifies a step towards acknowledging past wrongs, there is still much work to be done in fostering greater acceptance and understanding of the LGBT community in Polish society.

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Transgender people can be baptised and be godparents, Vatican says

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According to recent announcements from the Vatican’s doctrinal office, the Catholic Church is allowing transgender individuals to be baptized, serve as godparents at a baptism, and act as witnesses at weddings, as long as these actions do not cause scandal or confusion among the faithful. This updated stance reflects Pope Francis’s efforts to create a more inclusive environment for LGBT individuals within the Church. The decision was prompted by inquiries from Brazilian Bishop José Negri, with the response signed by the head of the dicastery, Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, and approved by Pope Francis.

Regarding baptism, the document emphasizes that transgender individuals, even those who have undergone hormone treatment and gender reassignment surgery, may be baptized under the same conditions as other believers, provided that their baptism does not result in public scandal or disorientation among the faithful.

The guidance also addresses other questions raised by Bishop Negri. It allows for transgender individuals who have undergone hormone treatment and gender reassignment surgery to serve as godparents, but acknowledges that priests may refuse this request if there is a risk of scandal or disorientation within the Church community.

Furthermore, the Vatican’s response suggests that the decision to baptize a child of same-sex parents or those who use a surrogate mother should be based on the expectation that the child would be raised within the Catholic faith. Similarly, it suggests that individuals in same-sex relationships can serve as godparents at a Church baptism if they lead a life that adheres to the teachings of the faith.

This announcement builds upon Pope Francis’s recent statements indicating a more compassionate approach towards LGBT individuals within the Church, including the possibility of priests blessing same-sex couples. However, the Church still maintains its position that same-sex relationships are considered “objectively sinful” and does not recognize same-sex marriage.

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Spain approves divisive transgender bill

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A transgender rights measure has been passed in Spain, enabling anyone 16 years of age or older to change their ID card’s gender. With 188 votes in favour and 150 votes against, it was adopted. It will now go to the Senate for final approval.

The left-leaning Podemos party, which is a partner in the coalition government with Pedro Sánchez’s Socialist party, has worked to bring about the change. The bill has caused disagreement among feminists in Spain, with some claiming it could weaken women’s rights.

If approved, anyone over the age of 16 will be able to change their gender, but they must affirm it three months later. Applicants must be 12 years of age or older in some circumstances.

Until recently, applicants had to provide documentation of hormonal treatment for two years and a medical diagnosis of gender dysphoria, which is the sense that one’s biological sex does not match their gender identity. Minors also needed parental consent.

Irene Montero, the minister of equality and a member of the Podemos party, claimed during the discussion that the law “de-pathologizes” trans persons and protects their rights.

“Trans women are women,” said Ms Montero, who has strongly advocated for gender self-identification and criticised opposition to the law as “transphobia”.Members of Mr. Sánchez’s Socialist party have criticised the bill, dividing the nation’s female movement and exposing divisions within the ruling coalition.

Critics claim that because it permits men who self-identify as women to play women’s sports or want to be transferred to women’s prisons, the rule could be abused and pose a threat to women’s rights. Concerns have also been expressed regarding children’ ability to choose their own gender.

Ireland, Denmark, Norway, Portugal, Switzerland, and nine other European nations have previously established self-declaration methods for recognising gender legally. The Scottish parliament recently supported a law that would make it simpler for people to change their legal gender, which brings about the Spanish action.

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Russia to ban sharing LGBT ‘propaganda’ with adults as well as children

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The contentious Russian ban on disseminating alleged “homosexual propaganda” appears to be expanding to include all adults. With this change, a 2013 regulation that made it illegal to tell minors about being LGBT has been made much stricter.

For encouraging what Russia refers to as “non-traditional sexual interactions,” those found guilty face significant fines. The Russian State Duma passed the extension’s initial approval with a unanimous majority.

Officials had earlier this week lobbied members of Russia’s lower house of parliament to approve the extension, framing it as a component of a larger conflict with the West over civilizational norms and connecting it to the decision to invade Ukraine.

Information about “non-traditional lifestyles” or “the rejection of family values” would be viewed legally on par with pornography, the encouragement of violence, or igniting racial, ethnic, or religious tensions under the plan.

Additionally, it outlaws “promotion of paedophilia,” which the Russian government frequently equates with homosexuality.

The additions also forbid any information that could “lead minors to desire to change their sex,” a reference to transgender individuals.

Infractions of the ban are punishable by fines ranging from 50,000 roubles (£705; $815) to 400,000 roubles, and non-Russians who do so risk being expelled from the nation.

Although the proposal has widespread support, it must first be approved by the Federation Council, the Russian parliament’s upper house, before Vladimir Putin can sign it into law.

One of the law’s leading supporters claimed on Monday that the sharing of information about LGBT individuals with Russians was a part of a “hybrid war” being fought by the West against the nation. Politicians in the Duma heard this argument.

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Around three booked on charge of desecrating monuments

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As many as three people have been booked in Poland on charges of desecrating monuments and offending religious feelings.

As per the case, the arrested persons hanged flags symbolizing LGBT on some statues situated in the country.

The flags were hanged on statues of Copernicus and several other persons Pols consider as sacred or respectable. Even some statues were dressed in pink face masks.

Those carried out the act has links to the LGBT movement launched against the anti-LGBT policies of the present Poland government.

The Polish government has strongly criticized the action. Some senior political leaders have come out strongly against the move.

Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki has denounced those who have been booked in connection with the crime.

He has reminded the country that the statues symbolised values.

The incident clearly explains why it is necessary to take a right path if the end result expected is positive.  

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‘LGBT-free zone’ sticker banned in Poland

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A Polish court has banned the sale of ‘LGBT – free zone’ sticker in Poland. The court ordered the conservative newspaper Gazeta Polska, to stop the distribution of “LGBT-free zone” stickers. The newspaper included these stickers in its recent weekly issue.

Gazeta Polska is a weekly magazine which has a circulation of around 110,000 and supports the the conservative governing Law and Justice party (PiS).

The sticker showed a rainbow flag on which a black cross is imposed. A huge outcry had been caused by these stickers and sparked criticism from the US ambassador to Poland.

Reports are yet to be received on whether the stickers alone are banned or the magazine itself is banned.

Reports said that, the ruling meant the stickers should immediately disappear from all places of sale, according to a lawyer who brought the legal action on behalf of a Polish LGBT activist.

The editor-in -chief of the magazine Gazeta Polska reportedly said that the magazine had not been withdrawn from the shops.

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25 arrested after attacks on first LGBT march in Eastern Poland

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Polish police have arrested 25 people after homophobic attacks on a city’s first LGBT march.

The recently released videos in social media showed one woman (an LGBT activist) and several men being attacked by a group of people. The victims were taking part in the Pride march in the city of Bialystok on Saturday. Some among the attackers were found wearing football club t-shirts.

Poland is expecting the general elections on October. The LGBT rights has became a sensational topic in the country, ahead of this election, with the conservative party depicting campaigners as a threat to traditional Polish values.

Elzbieta Witek, the interior minister said, “Officers ensure security regardless of the ideas, values and beliefs proclaimed by citizens”.

The Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights has been pictured widely as a threat to traditional Polish values, by the ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party.

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