International challenges for LGBTQ citizens
We, in Canada and some other Western nations, are relatively assured of being protected by laws established following years of challenges and demands of equality. For our transgender community, the wait is not over until the Senate reviews the protection bill and signs it into law for equal protection.
The fights, the arguing, the constant abuse and being ignored by lawmakers in the past have been tremendously complicated by ignorance and lack of fairness. Attitudes were extremely difficult to change and even today we are not quite there yet. Religious domination has traditionally shown to be non-conforming in acceptance of LGBTQ citizens.
Slowly, the tides are changing in certain denominations, but there is little light at the end of the tunnel, very dim at best. Rights such as equal marriage, equal pensions and benefits and equal opportunity are ours to keep. We love the freedom of choosing the one we love, regardless of sexual orientation – reflecting more acceptance in a western society and more understanding as time progresses. Ideas on what is correct, according to others, must be ignored and we must not give in to those who pronounce us as abnormal.
Various issues have not been rectified and will take years, decades and perhaps centuries to solve. This may sound defeatist, but all indications are that we must remain realistic, vigilant and remove the rosecoloured glasses.
In some cases within our own country, law enforcement folks are at odds with equal rights and equal treatment. This is the case with the various police departments in our nation. As has been mentioned in previous columns, Toronto, Halifax and Vancouver departments either have been banned from Pride parades, or have voluntarily withdrawn their participation. Cape Breton Pride has now decided that police are welcome to participate. In a surprise move, the Gay Officers Action League of the New York Police Department has invited police from our cities to join them in the New York City Pride March.
We are in the midst of Pride celebrations everywhere and we must come together and celebrate our place in society. Further division is not in the best interest and discussions must take the place of separation. The end result must be co-operation and healing will follow.
On an international level, in many countries, we do see the divisions as police and other law authorities have the power to arrest, interrogate, torture and in many cases even kill gays at their choosing. This is allowed and conducted under the umbrella of the law. The death penalty still exists in seven nations. In Russia, Uganda and Saudi Arabia, among others, LGBTQ citizens have no recourse but to stay in hiding. Those who are open about their sexual orientation will experience unbearable consequences.
Donald Trump recently visited Saudi Arabia and lavishly praised the King for being such a wonderful host and they signed billions of dollars in business dealings. No mention of human rights and it has been well advertised that Trump has no respect for most minorities, including LGBTQ rights. So, on an international level, the challenges continue and in many cases human rights do not exist. Indeed, we see an increase in brutality on a world-wide scale.
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