In today’s diverse and open minded world, there still are 76 countries where being LBGT is considered a crime, and in ten of those countries being gay can lead to life imprisonment or execution. Only ten countries around the entire world support and recognize same-sex marriages. ("All Out " 2012.) A handful of countries allow civil unions to same sex relationships, but the differences between same-sex marriages and civil unions are significant. Partners involved in a civil union are limited compared to the benefits of an actually married couple would receive. These benefits range from tax relief, to medical and health decisions, and even to child benefits and support laws. (Johnson) These laws and punishments all vary from country to country. Clearly homosexuality is a tough issue to accept throughout the majority of the world, but some areas are worse than others.
Muslim is a very strict religion, living in an environment with this religion and being gay could be one of the most difficult lifestyles. A few Muslim following countries include; Bahrain, Iran, Mauritania, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, United Arab Emirates, Yemen, and part of Nigeria (Robison). In each of these areas the punishments come from the Muslim Sharia Law, and from each country’s culture itself. Lesbians living in environments like this are expected to remain in hiding, and in most cases have no other choice but to live a lie and marry a man. Many of these “closeted” lesbians suffer from depression, mental, and spiritual problems. These women fear their family members might discover their true feelings, if so they would likely to be beaten and possibly abandoned. (ILGA)
If these gay women decide to portray their natural sexuality they will be sent to jail and on the fourth conviction they are sentenced to death. Even though the first three arrests are just supposed to be jail time, these women are still at risk of being raped, whipped, persecuted, or even tortured to death each time they‘re discovered. In one story of an Iranian lesbian, Taraneh, she had spent several years in jail, and when she was there she was tortured physically and mentally. She was first arrested when she was 21 and received 100 whippings during the three month imprisonment period. Once finally released, her family forced her to marry a man. While the relationship looked legitimate for some time, eventually their neighbors became aware of the sexual relationship Taraneh was having with another women and turned her in. As soon as the law enforcement arrived she was immediately beaten severely and sent back to jail. This time she spent the next two years behind bars and received 180 lash whippings total. Once set free she quickly fled to Turkey and has lived there for another blessed 21 years. Sadly this is just Taraneh’s story, there are handfuls of other gay women that have similar experiences (ILGA). Muslim culture isn’t the best environment for homosexuals. Ali Hili, leader of Iraqi LGBT, describes these areas as “the most dangerous place in the world for sexual minorities” (Economist). Just in Iran alone it is estimated that since 2003, over 700 males and females have been murdered due to their sexuality identities (Economist).
Civil unions do not give quite the same effect as same-sex marriages do, but at least it’s a better option than having “being gay” against the law. As stated before, a civil union is similar to normal marriage minus some important benefits. “Civil unions and domestic partnerships may seem like equal unions, but the protections they give to registered couples is often far less than that of marriage” (LGBT facts). The actually rights and perks of a civil union very from country to country. The main point of this partnership is being able to consider the individual’s significant other as their legal spouse, and to eliminate discrimination towards any gays. (LGBT facts). The relationship of a civil union gives some freedom to gay couples, but it still isn’t the full effect of a heterosexual marriage.
At the other end of the spectrum, there are those few countries that have welcomed same sex marriages into their culture. Five out of the ten countries that have accepted the concept of gays are all located in the Northern European area. This includes; the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Norway, and Sweden ("Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life"). The first of all the countries to make same sex legally was the Netherlands in December of 2000. Not only do lesbians and gays have the right to wed in this area, but also to divorce and adopt. When the movement was finally passed, just one sentence was altered in the civil marriage statues, that now reads, "A marriage can be contracted by two people of different or the same sex." According to the government within the first nine months this law was set into play, some 2,400 same-sex couples were married in the Netherlands. ("Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life") With out a doubt the most sexual accepting location throughout the world is Amsterdam, also known as the gay capital of the world. This could be due to the fact that the first ever gay association was centered in Amsterdam, this group was known as the COC (COC). The group dates back all the way to 1946 and receives much of the credit for the openness these lesbians and gays receive.
Freedom for these gay individuals isn’t entirely absent throughout the entire world, but in the majority of the areas where its unacceptable it is due to the countries culture, beliefs, and religion. It has become quit obvious that homosexuality is most opposed by religious people with the belief that gays are violating social and spiritual boundaries. Although all religions have differing faiths and values, the religions of Protestants, the Catholic Church, Mormons, traditional Jews, and Muslims all share the same arguments towards gays. The first states that it is wrong to have sexual intercourse where no life can be created. The second argument believed by these religions is that it is morally wrong and “unnatural.” Trying to change the minds of these certain believers can seem impossible when they have been following the same values and religions for hundreds of years. It is inevitable that there will always be believers that consider gay marriage and gay sexually intercourse as a sin.
It is understood that the freedom that gays have in countries, especially the Netherlands, is what is pushing other countries around the globe to keep fighting for gay rights. Although there will always be an opposing side to every situation, in this case it’s usually a religious one. There are supporting gay groups and organizations all over the world today that are trying to get others to see their point of view. Right now there is more support toward gay awareness and marriages then ever before. One particular organization fighting to see change for countries all over the planet is, All Out. This group “is building a truly global community able to respond to moments of crisis and opportunity, to advance the lives and freedoms of LGBT people—everywhere” (All Out). All Out does its part to educate and engage as much of the public as possible. In just one year they have fought hate groups in all different parts of the world. Just one occasion was when the group had over one million participants go “all out” against the “Kill the Gays” bill in Uganda. All Out is aware of the challenges ahead they will face, but with people coming together, its their goal to push sexuality acceptance into countries all over the globe. (All Out)
Another association that focuses on international gay awareness is known as ILGA. The International Lesbian, Gay, Trans and Intersex association has been campaigning since 1978. The association protests against government and public discrimination towards gays. They are closely involved with other international groups and the international media as well. “ILGA’s success lies in the achievements and progress of the more than 800 member groups from 110 countries, working together” to see rights being changed in the favor of all gays (ILGA).
One particular lesbian support group is called NOW, National Organization of Women. NOW is focused on the lesbian rights involving “employment, housing, public accommodations, health services, child custody and military policies” (National Organization of Women). By putting positive images into the media stream and trying to focus on diminishing homophobia, NOW believes lesbian couples around the world will finally be able to have the same civil and basic rights as any relationship.
As you can see, it depends on where one lives to know whether or not being gay is acceptable. Some areas are so open to same-sex marriage, while other areas refuse to even let the idea of sexual desire arise between the same gender. The majority of governments need to take a look at the countries with same-sex marriage and ask themselves, is this law really effecting the country and its people in any negative way? In any debate involving LGBT marriage and rights you often hear the phrase, “love is love” which is without a doubt true. Although love, whether straight or gay, doesn’t always give the opportunity for everyone to be themselves-- when it ought to be guaranteed to everyone. It is only fair that all LGBT people get to shine their true rainbow no matter where at in the world.
BIB PAGE
"All Out ." All out . N.p., n.d. Web. 2 Apr 2012. http://allout.org/en.
"Gay Marriage around the world." The Pew Forum on Religion & Public LIfe. PewResearchCenter, 09/07/2009. Web. 2 Apr 2012. <http://www.pewforum.org/Gay-Marriage-and-Homosexuality/Gay-Marriage-Around-the-World.aspx
"Homosexuality and Bisexuality." MentalHealth.net. CenterSite, LLC, 07/10/2005. Web. . http://www.mentalhelp.net/poc/view_doc.php?type=doc&id=7862&cn=55.
LGBT facts." Mary Blanchett & Associates Inc n.pag. Gay Life Planning. Database. 2 Apr 2012. http://www.gaylifeplanning.com/lgbt-facts.
Johnson, Raymond. "Why Gage Marriage and not Civil Unions?." About.com. about.com, n.d. Web. 2 Apr 2012. http://gaylife.about.com/od/samesexmarriage/f/civilmarriage.htm.
"ILGA Lesbians in Iran." International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA). N.p., 15/02/2010. Web. 2 Apr 2012. http://ilga.org/ilga/en/article/mi6UKgn1c6.
"Islam and Sexuality." The Economist. The Economist, 04/02/2012. Web. 2 Apr 2012. http://www.economist.com/node/21546002.
"NOW and Lesbian Life." National Orginization for Women n.pag. Database. 2 Apr 2012. http://www.now.org/issues/lgbi/.
Robison, . "LGBTI Laws outside of North America." Religious Tolerance. N.p., 19/06/2011. Web. 2 Apr 2012. http://www.religioustolerance.org/homlawwrldchg.htm.
This paper was really insightful, it covered alot of things that i didn't even know about. I was really glad that you talked about some different religions when it came to gay's and lesbian's. It would have been a little nicer to see some more indepth of that too, because i know that the religion plays a huge role in counties and states deciding whether or not to legalize it. It was really interesting reading about the different organizations that are helping with the LGBT community, but you could have taken it even further and looked at the different organizations in Minnesota also.
ReplyDeleteWOW! This paper is very informative and very strong. It is shocking to read the different laws on LGBT alone. It stunned me that women in Muslims countries are punished to the extreme for being a lesbian. Living in constant fear that someone’s going to find out, that their family is going to find out, it must be terrifying. Taraneh’s story is sad. Not only is see living in fear because of the sexuality but she is abused and forced to hide her emotions and marry a man. I can see why these women suffer from so many psychological and spiritual problems.
ReplyDeleteThat very first quote, "there still are 76 countries where being LBGT is considered a crime, and in ten of those countries being gay can lead to life imprisonment or execution. Only ten countries around the entire world support and recognize same-sex marriages. ("All Out " 2012.)" is truly astonishing. I had no idea 76 countries still considered LBGT people to be commiting a crime. That's insane! The story of Taranah, being whipped for her sexual preference,while suffering other tortures. How do people think that kind of abuse, or even rape of a lesbain will help solve anything other than to hurt an innocent person who can't help the way she or he is? I hate hearing how rape seems to be a cure all for all problems where people chose their own path in life and society says, "no, that's wrong. Your're wrong and now you have to pay." It's like they think if we can't "make them straight, we'll rape them till they are straight." What kind of horrible logic is that anyhow? I feel horrible for those individuals. No one should have to suffer that kind of abuse. Way to go for the Netherlands! It's about time someone honors all aspects of life choices for all individuals by allowing gays and lesbians the choice of marriage, adoption and even divorce. This was a really good paper. Great job.
ReplyDeleteThe countries where LGBT is considered a crime should change their laws to reflect modern society’s needs. I would question the motives of it being a crime if it is not directly hurting oneself or others. Moreover, I realize religion is important in many different cultures but it should be separated from the law of the land. There has always been the debate of separation of church and state. A person can be religious, choose their way to live, and still abide by the law. There is no reason that an individual should not be treated the same under the law for being intimately attracted to the same gender. It is reassuring to hear about all of the organizations actively fighting back for equality of LGBT individuals.
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