Múltiples - Just Governance Group
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Múltiples
An informative bulletin by the Just Governance Group Un boletín informativo del Grupo de Gobernanza y Justicia
Derechos LGBT LGBT Rights
Superar el estigma y la discriminación basados Overcoming Stigma and Discrimination
en la orientación sexual based on Sexual Orientation
La opresión por razones de orientación sexual e Oppression on the grounds of sexual orientation and
identidad de género es un tema complicado del gender identity is a complicated area of human rights
discurso de los derechos humanos, caracterizado discourse, marked by vast differences in rights recognition
por enormes diferencias en el reconocimiento de los and protection. In 76 countries it remains illegal to engage
derechos y la protección. En 76 países sigue siendo in same-sex conduct (with laws largely targeted at men)
ilegal participar en sexo con alguien del mismo sexo and in at least five countries – Iran, Mauritania, Saudi
(con leyes destinadas en gran medida a los hombres) Arabia, Sudan and Yemen – the death penalty prevails.
y en al menos cinco países - Irán, Mauritania, Arabia At the same time, recent advances in the UN system
Saudí, Sudán y Yemen - la pena de muerte prevalece. and some states and regions of the world have set the
Al mismo tiempo, los recientes avances en el stage for increasing discussion of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual
sistema de las Naciones Unidas y algunos estados and Transgender (LGBT)� issues in international human
y regiones del mundo han sentado las bases para rights. In 2011, the UN Office for the High Commissioner
un creciente debate sobre temas que involucran for Human Rights released the UN’s first report on
a personas identificadas como Lesbianas, Gays, discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender
Bisexuales y Transexuales (LGBT) en la reivindicación identity. This was followed by a discussion at the UN
de sus derechos humanos a nivel internacional. En Human Rights Council in March 2012 on the global rights
2011, la Oficina de las Naciones Unidas para el Alto of LGBT citizens.
Comisionado de los Derechos Humanos publicó el In this edition of Multiples, we have a wide range of
primer informe de la ONU sobre la discriminación articles that highlight continuing struggles and advances
por orientación sexual e identidad de género. Este fue in LGBT rights. Dr. Khadija Moalla, a former UNDP
seguido por una discusión en el Consejo de Derechos HIV Practice Leader in the Arab States, discusses her
Humanos de la ONU en marzo de 2012, sobre los experience working with religious leaders on the issue of
derechos globales de los ciudadanos LGBT. HIV and Men who have sex with men (MSM). Marcela
En esta edición de Múltiples, presentamos una Daza, a Colombian lawyer,
diversidad de artículos que destacan las continuas outlines progress made Indice/Contents
luchas y los avances en los derechos de personas in the judicial realm in 2 The International Struggle for
LGBT. La Dra. Khadija Moalla, un ex funcionario that country as a result of the Human Rights of Sexual and
sobre VIH con el PNUD en los Estados Árabes, landmark decisions by the Gender Minorities and the Plight
habla de su experiencia de trabajo con líderes Constitutional Court. Hugo of LGBT Refugees
religiosos sobre el tema del VIH y los hombres Dann, a volunteer with 4 Situación de la población LGBT
que tienen sexo con hombres (HSH). Marcela Rainbow Refugees Canada, en Guatemala
Daza, abogada colombiana, describe los avances shares stories of persecution 6 Encouraging Religious Leaders’
alcanzados en el ámbito judicial en ese país como based on sexual orientation Support for LGBT Rights in the
resultado de decisiones fundamentales de la Corte and highlights efforts to Arab Region
Constitucional. Hugo Dann, voluntario del Comité promote LGBT rights and 8 Avances en la consolidación
Rainbow Refugee del Canadá, comparte historias support LGBT refugees. Dr. de los derechos plenos de
de persecución por motivos de orientación sexual Ruben Mayorga describes las parejas conformadas por
y destaca los esfuerzos para promover los derechos the collaboration between personas del mismo sexo en
Colombia
de personas LGBT y apoyo a los refugiados LGBT. El the Argentine LGBT
Dr. Rubén Mayorga describe la colaboración entre la Federation and the regional 10 Public policy proposals
Federación Argentina de LGBT y la oficina regional UNAIDS office to promote for the social inclusion of
lesbians, gays, bisexuals and
de ONUSIDA para promover iniciativas legislativas y legislative and public policy transsexuals in Argentina
de políticas públicas en la Argentina. initiatives in Argentina.
12 Group News
No. 16 Junio/June 2012 1
The International Struggle for the
Human Rights of Sexual and Gender Minorities
and the Plight of LGBT Refugees
Hugo Dann
The making of a refugee: a story
A young Iranian man meets another young man he thinks might possibly be like himself. They go together to a park and
his new friend points to the flowering shrubs and says, “You know, every flower smells different.” They kiss. The next thing
he knows, they’re being violently pulled apart by police. He faints when they seize him. When he comes to, he’s naked and
in terrible pain. He realizes he’s being raped and faints again. When he comes to the second time, hours have passed. Some
plainclothes policemen offer to take him home. It’s late but his parents are waiting, his mother very worried. He makes
excuses and goes to bed. The next evening, his father comes to him and says the police are at the door and want to see him.
He goes outside, and one of the policemen shows him a video on a cell phone. It is of himself being raped. “We could arrest
you for sodomy,” says the cop, “but we’re being kind to you. We have some other people who want to meet you.” The young
man asks, “Can I have a minute to change my clothes?” He goes back inside, grabs some clothes and all the money he can
find. He heads to the kitchen. “What’s wrong?” his mother asks. “Nothing,” he says. “I’m staying the night at a friend’s. I love
you.” He runs out the back door and heads directly to the train station and takes the next train to Ankara, Turkey.
This should be read as a likely scenario, For millions of us around the world the LGBT citizens. Iran, Nigeria’s Sharia
rather than as history. It was adapted threats are a real and present danger, states, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan,
from stories found on the website of a faced daily. Through involvement and Yemen all punish convicted
refugee organization based in Toronto, with Rainbow Refugees Nova Scotia homosexuals with death.
the Iranian Railroad for Queer Refugees (RRANS), I have been privileged to
(IRQR). Pink News, Europe’s largest meet and correspond with individuals LGBT struggles in Uganda
online source of LGBT news, reported for whom these phobias have posed Uganda captured global attention in
in May of this year that four men in a deadly menace. So, while it will be 2009 when MP David Bahati introduced
Iran had been sentenced to death by necessary to deal with laws, definitions, a bill in Parliament to drastically increase
hanging for the crime of sodomy. and statistics, while writing I will try penalties for lesbians and gay men.
to keep the lives of individual LGBT Mr. Bahati’s proposed changes would
LGBT rights are human rights: human beings as present as possible. have seen jail sentences increased to
a global problem For those concerned with LGBT life imprisonment; repeat offenders
If one is going to address the global equality, the last few years have could be found guilty of “aggravated
persecution of lesbian, gay, bisexual, seemed very challenging indeed. The homosexuality” and sentenced to
and transgender (LGBT) people, one Organization for Refuge, Asylum and death. Mr. Bahati’s ties to American
has necessarily to speak of laws and Migration (ORAM), is a leading non- evangelicals, including Abiding Truth
nations, of terms and definitions, governmental advocate for LGBT refu- Ministries, (identified as a hate group
of facts and figures. What, almost gees worldwide. Based in San Fran- by the Southern Poverty Law Center),
inevitably, gets lost in such discourse cisco, ORAM is the only international have been well documented in the
are the intimate, personal realities organization that focuses exclusively media. What became known as the “Kill
of individual people. And yet that is on refugees and asylum seekers flee- the Gays Bill” attracted international
exactly what the discussion ought ing sexual and gender-based violence. attention. It was denounced by U.S.
to be about. The Holocaust, the Reliable statistics about LGBT refugees Secretary of State Hilary Clinton, and by
genocides of Rwanda, and the Bosnian don’t exist, but ORAM – conservative- numerous Commonwealth countries,
war are nearly incomprehensible in ly – estimates that 175 million LGBT including Canada.
the enormity of their undifferentiated people, on every continent except But anti-gay sentiment in Uganda
human suffering. The same can be Antarctica, are currently living in “per- seemed to intensify. In October 2010,
said of the effects of homophobia secutory” environments. Rolling Stone, an English language
and transphobia (and already we Approximately 80 countries still tabloid in Kampala, published
have entered the realm of terms and criminalize homosexuality. Others photographs of 100 suspected LGBT
definitions). The threat presented by use so-called “morality edicts” to deny people under the headline, “Uganda’s
the manifestation of these phobias can LGBT people their right to freedom of Top Homos,” crossed by a yellow
sometimes be difficult for non-LGBT speech, assembly, privacy, education, ribbon reading, “Hang them!” Activists
people to grasp, especially for citizens and so on; still more simply turn a from Sexual Minorities Uganda, David
of a liberal democracy such as Canada, blind eye to any acts of violence and Kato, Kasha Jacqueline Nabagesera,
where gay rights seem commonplace. harassment perpetrated against their and Julian Onziema successfully
2
Ugandans. An official, claiming legal in Turkey, but there are no anti-
to be from President Musveni’s discrimination policies. Progress is
office, entered the conference being made as Turkey strives to enter
room and asked her to accompany the European Union, but the country
him to where Minister Lukodo remains socially conservative. Our
was waiting, with the police. The friend may find it hard to secure
Minister told Ms Nabagesera to take housing or a job, and may legitimately
him to the workshop so that he could fear violence. It is unlikely that he will
observe. Once there, he announced choose to resettle in Turkey; this will
that the gathering was illegal and be his country of transit. Let’s imagine
immoral. He ordered its closure and Canada is his country of destination.
told participants to go home. In the His first step must be to apply for
ensuing confusion Ms Nabagesera refugee status from the office of the
was able to escape, with the Minister United Nations High Commission
allegedly calling for her arrest. for Refugees (UNHCR). The UNHCR
Once again the eyes of the LGBT recognizes LGBT people as refugees,
sued to stop the paper world focused on Uganda, but the as does Canada. Now he goes on a
from publishing. On pace of change had accelerated. Calls waiting list. If he’s lucky, his name
January 3, 2011, High for Ms Nabagesera’s arrest quietly comes to the attention of a group
Court Justice Kibuuka disappeared. Frank Mugisha and that arranges for private sponsorship
Musoke ruled that Rolling Sexual Minorities Uganda launched a of refugees, which means that the
Stone had threatened suit against an American evangelist in sponsoring group assumes financial
Kato’s and the others’ a Massachusetts court, accusing him and settlement responsibility for their
“fundamental rights and of inciting violence against Uganda’s applicant for one year. The group
freedoms,” including their LGBT community. Mr. Mugisha and applies to bring our Iranian friend
constitutional right to privacy. Ms Nabagesera have both received to Canada. He must then go to the
Barely three weeks after this first prestigious, international human Canadian Embassy in Ankara and
legal victory for Uganda’s LGBT rights awards. President Musveni, again apply for refugee status. All
community, a man assaulted David running counter to the usual anti-gay applications must be verified and
Kato in his home and beat him with rhetoric that homosexuality is un- approved both locally and in Canada.
a hammer. He died on the way to African, has made public statements At this point, lesbian and gay refugees
hospital. Sidney Nsubuga Enoch was acknowledging that there have always are often challenged by immigration
found guilty of Kato’s murder, but been homosexual people in Uganda officials to somehow “prove” that they
questions remain in the minds of and that Ugandans have accepted are gay. The bureaucratic process of
many as to what really took place and them (laws against homosexuality in hearings, judgments, and appeals can
who was involved. Africa are one of the tragic legacies drag on for years.
Meanwhile, Bahati’s anti-gay legis- of European colonization). Finally, In light of the discouraging
lation was limping its way through Par- this May, Uganda opened its first numbers, the endless, entangling red
liament. Alarmed by the international health clinic specifically for the LGBT tape, the years of waiting in a semi-
community’s negative attention, community, a historic milestone. stateless limbo, it is a wonder that any
President Musveni formed a commis- True, Mr. Bahati’s bill is still before refugee perseveres in their quest for
sion to study the implications of pass- Parliament, but a documentary film freedom. It is almost as wonderful that
ing the law; the Bill was held for dis- about David Kato, “Call Me Kuchu,” is people who work with refugees, facing
cussion. Delaying the vote seemed to raising awareness globally. It recently the same bureaucratic suspicion,
work as Parliament adjourned and the won the Best Film award at Toronto’s continue to offer legal, financial, and
Bill died on the order paper. Yet in Feb- Hot Docs Festival. Even more emotional support.
ruary 2012, when Parliament resumed, hopefully, polls in Uganda are showing Some refugees, able to pay for
Mr. Bahati reintroduced his legislation that the increased debate is shifting travel, legal and otherwise, risk all
and things seemed to get darker. Days public opinion and the percentage of on one throw. They make it directly
later, Uganda’s Minister of State for Ugandans who oppose LGBT equality to their country of destination and
Ethics and Morality, the Hon. Simon is decreasing. claim asylum at the border. Such
Lukodo, paid a most unwelcome call claimants are the least welcomed by
on Kasha Jaqueline Nabagesera. LGBT Refugees in Canada governments, which put up as many
On February 14 she was in a For LGBT refugees, the road to safety barriers against them as they can.
hotel conference room, leading an is long and complicated. It is likely Canada is considering mandatory
empowerment workshop for Freedom that Canada accepts fewer than 100 detention for up to a year for asylum
and Roam Uganda, (FARUG), a social LGBT refugees per year. Let’s consider claimants. The risks are high. Failure
and activist organization for lesbians, our Iranian friend, after he manages means deportation, which, for some,
bisexual women, and transgender to arrive in Ankara. Homosexuality is can mean death.
3
Some stories have happy endings
After years of beatings and death threats
from his father because he’s gay, fourteen-
Situación de la población
year old Alvaro Orozco fled his home in
Nicaragua. He made an extraordinary
LGBT en Guatemala
journey, lasting more than a year, crossing Nuestra consultora asociada, Outi Kristina Karppinen, entrevistó a
many borders through Central America representantes del movimiento LGBT en Guatemala, a continuación
and the United States, until he arrived in presentamos un resumen de la información recabada. Agradecemos a Sergio
Toronto. Once there, he claimed asylum Vásquez de Organización para la Búsqueda de Respuestas Enfocadas a la
on the basis of sexual orientation. His Problemática del VIH o Sida (OMBRES); a Thelma Sánchez del Colectivo
first hearing before the Immigration de Amigos contra el Sida (CAS); y a Herbert Hernández y su equipo en la
and Refugee Board (IRB) took place Asociación LAMBDA.
by videoconference, before an IRB
adjudicator in Calgary. The adjudicator
didn’t believe Alvaro was “really gay.”
“La discriminación empieza en casa”
His claim was denied. He appealed; the
Guatemala, como la mayoría de los países centroamericanos, no cuenta con
case dragged on for years. Meanwhile, he
leyes de protección para la población lésbica, gay, bisexual y transgénero
built a life in Toronto, even winning an
(LGBT). La discriminación en todos los ámbitos de la vida cotidiana es
award from the city for his work with at-
constante y la violencia es común, especialmente contra la población
risk youth; but always with the threat of
transgénero, 8 personas fueron asesinadas y una desaparecida en 2011. Por
deportation hanging over him. After years
varios años el movimiento LGBT, que inició sus actividades en la década
of waiting, suddenly everything seemed
de los años noventa, estuvo representado por una sola organización no
to fail. With no warning, Alvaro was
gubernamental, OASIS. Gracias al financiamiento del Fondo Global de Lucha
picked up by police at a Toronto subway
contra el Sida, la Tuberculosis y la Malaria, los últimos años han marcado un
stop. He was held in a detention centre;
aumento importante en la cantidad de organizaciones no gubernamentales
his deportation seemed imminent. But
que atienden a población LGBT en el marco de VIH. En 2010, surge la
the LGBT community mobilized around
Asociación LAMBDA que busca la igualdad y la dignidad a partir del ejercicio
Alvaro. We held rallies, wrote letters, and
pleno de los derechos humanos.
created groups on Facebook. It worked.
El camino a correr, sin embargo, es aún largo en un país religioso,
Alvaro Orozco was allowed to stay on
conservador y homofóbico donde sólo el 55% de la población cree que los
compassionate and humanitarian
homosexuales tienen los mismos derechos que el resto de la población y
grounds.
donde sólo 2 de cada 5 personas aceptaría un familiar homosexual (encuesta
CID/GALLUP 2009).
“En Guatemala, es más fácil salir del closet como VIH+ que como gay”
La sexualidad es un tabú en la sociedad guatemalteca y la diversidad sexual
como un tema de derechos humanos es invisible. El machismo juega un
papel importante en el rechazo a la diversidad sexual que es tratada con
burla y desprecio. Los testimonios dan cuenta que la discriminación y la
exclusión de personas de diversidad sexual se inicia en el hogar. Los jóvenes
que se identifican a sí mismos como LGBT en su adolescencia, corren el
riesgo de ser encerrados en sus casas, de que sus documentos de identidad
sean confiscados y que el permiso para salir de sus casas les sea denegado.
En ocasiones, los padres de familia toman represalias y les niegan el derecho
a la alimentación, la salud y la educación. En el ámbito escolar sufren acoso
y discriminación por su orientación sexual. Existen incluso reportes de
About the Author escuelas estatales que han intentado incluir en sus estatutos la negación de
Hugo Dann has been a inscripción de personas LGBT. En el ámbito de la salud pública, las personas
professional actor for 35 years and LGBT no reciben atención adecuada integral ya que no existen protocolos
an activist for LGBT equality nearly específicos para su atención. Incluso hay reportes de personal de salud pública
as long. He has been involved with en clínicas de VIH que prestan un servicio discriminatorio y poco digno a
numerous LGBT organizations estas personas. En cuanto al ámbito laboral, existen testimonios de negación
in Halifax, Nova Scotia, including de contratación y despidos indirectos por causas de orientación sexual. Las
Halifax Pride, and the Nova Scotia personas transgénero sufren una persecución especial en el país. Según una
Rainbow Action Project. He is a co- denuncia de LAMBDA, de acuerdo a reportes policiales entre 1996 y 2006
founder of the Rainbow Refugees fueron asesinadas 60 personas transexuales, la mayoría de ellas con un tiro de
Association of Nova Scotia. He gracia o con arma blanca, clara manifestación de crímenes de odio.
proudly identifies as queer.
4
A pesar de los testimonios, no existen registros capacidad de participación en espacios de coordinación.
sistematizados de abusos por orientación sexual ni un El financiamiento limitado es un fuerte obstáculo para
sistema de protección jurídica contra violaciones de el trabajo con las bases y una gran parte de la labor de
derechos humanos fundamentales de personas LGBT. El concientización se realiza en el marco de acciones de
número de registros disponible es claramente mínimo y prevención del VIH.
representa un subregistro. Sin embargo, hace falta un trabajo más enfocado en
la promoción de los derechos humanos de la población
“No hay cultura de denuncia” LGBT, incluyendo esfuerzos para modificar el marco
jurídico de protección en el país.
Las leyes existentes en el país contra la discriminación
no especifican protección por orientación sexual. En la “Guatemala aún está en pañales en cuanto a la
Procuraduría de los Derechos Humanos no existe una protección de los derechos humanos de personas LGBT”
Defensoría de Diversidad Sexual. En el Ministerio Público
resulta difícil registrar denuncias de agresión o violaciones La Asociación LAMBDA ha tomado el liderazgo en
de derechos por orientación sexual debido a que esta propiciar una modificación de las leyes, buscando
entidad no cuenta con sistemas de registro adecuados una protección jurídica contra la discriminación por
para registrar la denuncia como tal. Además, funcionarios orientación sexual. Diez organizaciones participan en el
de la Policía Nacional Civil han sido sindicados en casos proceso de consulta para identificar el canal adecuado
de violencia contra personas transgénero y LAMBDA para promover un cambio en las leyes que resulte en la
ha denunciado discriminación y agresión por parte de protección efectiva de la población LGBT. De las instancias
los propios agentes de la seguridad pública. Ante este estatales, sólo la oficina del Procurador de los Derechos
vacío legal la población LGBT se encuentra desamparada Humanos participa en este esfuerzo. Para fundamentar el
y desprotegida. Debido a la fuerte discriminación y planteamiento, LAMBDA está en proceso de sistematizar
rechazo social hacía la diversidad sexual, denunciar la información disponible sobre violaciones de derechos
agresión, acoso o violación de derechos representa un humanos por orientación sexual. Guatemala ha recibido
alto costo social para el denunciante, quien en la mayoría recomendaciones de instancias internacionales de
de los casos opta por no arriesgarse a sufrir una mayor derechos humanos para tomar medidas y poner fin a
marginación social, laboral y personal. la impunidad de las violaciones contra personas por
orientación sexual o identidad de género, mediante
“Habría que dejar un poco de lado los condones y programas de educación y concientización de las fuerzas
lubricantes y empezar a trabajar en lo esencial” de seguridad y de autoridades judiciales, sin que el Estado
haya tomado cartas en el asunto. Conjuntamente con la
Desde hace algunos años -gracias al financiamiento del propuesta de cambio o modificación de leyes, LAMBDA
Fondo Mundial de lucha contra el SIDA, la tuberculosis plantea trabajar en sensibilización de operadores de
y la malaria y otros donantes como HIVOS- las justicia y agentes de seguridad para empezar a generar
organizaciones LGBT están promoviendo acciones en un ambiente de mayor respecto a los derechos de las
beneficio de la comunidad LGBT, principalmente en personas de diversidad sexual.
el marco de la prevención del VIH. En algunos lugares Recientemente, la organización transgénero Reinas
del país trabajan con grupos de jóvenes apoyando de Noche realizó una marcha para conmemorar el
su organización, desarrollo de liderazgo positivo y Día Internacional contra la Homo, Lesbo, Transfobia y
coordinación entre sí, buscando visibilizar el tema de presentó una iniciativa de ley para legalizar el cambio
diversidad sexual y promover una mayor aceptación social de sexo. La Marcha del Orgullo Gay se realiza en el país
de la población LGBT. También se da apoyo a las familias desde el año 2000, con un número de participantes en
con la intención de empezar a cambiar la sociedad desde continuo aumento. Sin embargo, no todos se identifican
el hogar y se realizan acciones de incidencia en otros con la marcha, otros optan por no participar para no salir
ámbitos como en el sector educativo y religioso, por del closet. Por otra parte, se percibe malestar por la falta
ejemplo con la iglesia adventista. Consecuentemente, el de interés y participación en favor de la población LGBT
movimiento LGBT organizado está empezando a crecer de personas LGBT influyentes en la política nacional,
en el país. La percepción de no tener derechos está con dinero, educación y poder, quienes pudieran aportar
cambiando y hay indicios de una nueva generación de mucho para mejorar la situación de los derechos humanos
personas jóvenes LGBT más conscientes de sus derechos. del colectivo al que pertenecen.
En regiones del país con población mayoritaria de la El movimiento LGBT en Guatemala está evolucionando
etnia maya, los temas relacionados a la diversidad sexual con un nuevo liderazgo joven y preparado. La capacidad
son aún más difíciles de abordar. El estigma de ser gay es para la incidencia política efectiva y la habilidad de crear
mayor que ser un marero (supuesto delincuente juvenil) y alianzas estratégicas necesarias definirán el éxito de las
existe un mayor riesgo a la integridad física. Las personas propuestas de ley y de los esfuerzos por acabar con la
atendidas en el interior del país en su mayoría son de condena social que veladamente criminaliza la diversidad
escasos recursos y su situación económica reduce su sexual en el país.
5
Encouraging Religious Leaders’ Support
for LGBT Rights in the Arab Region
Dr. Khadija T. Moalla
An approach that worked:
building trust with religious leaders
Our experience with LGBT rights
has not been simply theoretical or
academic. We came to this issue
through practical experience in
dealing with the very real danger to impose their culture on us” - an Our methodology:
of the spread of HIV among the attitude that cannot be ignored when getting Imams and gay activists
population of MSM (men having sex addressing sensitive issues. together in one room!
with men) - a population which, in
the Arab region, is hidden and heavily One of the aims of our initiative Our methodology for working
stigmatized. MSM populations exist was to address the stigmatization with the religious leaders did not
everywhere and the Arab region is experienced by those living with involve disseminating information
no exception. But in all of the twenty HIV and by LGBT populations. indirectly through brochures and
Arab countries where we serve, the Stigmatization is a social process such materials, but rather promoting
MSM populations are stigmatized of devaluing a person or group interpersonal dialogue, bringing
to the extent that most governments because of a characteristic that they people face to face to share their
are not yet ready to recognize their appear to have that is deemed to be stories in order to help build empathy
existence, and are reluctant to shameful or dishonourable. In order with others. Our team developed
organize outreach or HIV prevention to alleviate stigmatization we need a number of exercises to facilitate
work among them. This constitutes to change the way we see each other what we call empathetic exploration.
both a public health hazard and a and be more accepting of differences. In our workshops, Christians and
grave human rights violation. Discrimination is the practice of unfair Muslims participated side by side;
treatment of a person or group based we did not distinguish Shi’a from
In 2004, the UNDP HIV Regional on prejudice about their ethnicity, Sunni, or Orthodox from Catholics
Programme began to work with Arab gender, disability, sexual orientation, or Protestants. Women and men sat
religious leaders to reflect on and deal age, political views or another together. We brought together people
with issues relating to HIV prevention personal characteristic. Eliminating from Northern Sudan and Southern
and LGBT rights. We believe that the discrimination will involve abolishing Sudan. We had people from three
great success enjoyed by this initiative discriminatory laws and enacting different Somali parliaments in the
can be credited to the ways in which protecting laws, and for this we need same room with representatives from
we approached the issues and the to work with parliamentarians. But our 18 Lebanese denominations.
ways we worked together. programme viewed the elimination of
stigmatization as an essential first step Arguments over whose “holy text” is
In the Arab region, even talking about before laws and policies will change. superior do not to lead to productive
HIV has been a taboo. Throughout change. However, when we gather
five years, our HIV team worked The imams and priests were more leaders from different religious
patiently to build the trust needed receptive to dealing with the issue of backgrounds around a universally
to be able to talk about MSM with homosexuality when it was presented shared challenge, something
religious leaders. To make sure that in the context of HIV prevention, important can happen. When the
these leaders would feel they could framing it as a public health issue process was completed, they thanked
express themselves freely, the team and a way of protecting those we care us for making them eat together, pray
avoided having media present during about. Similarly, we found it helpful together, and finally speak to each
sensitive deliberations. We also made to approach the issue of LGBT rights other. If we ever want peace in the
sure that people from within the Arab through the notion of privacy. In both region, we think it is important to
region had a chance to talk without Christianity and Islam the right to use this kind of dialogue as a peace-
“western outsiders” present. This was privacy is respected. Thus, it was argued building tool.
particularly important, given that that the lifestyle practised by two adults
many in the Arab region feel strongly in a private sphere is their personal life One of the moments in this work that
that “people from the West want and that should be respected. stands out for us occurred at the end
6
of a series of five regional workshops respect and respect for others. By not human rights activists, psychologists,
on HIV and Sexual Minorities (spon- condemning anyone else’s religion or and sociologists from different
sored by the Ford Foundation). Gay sexuality, we worked to accept others countries and different religions
activists, HIV experts, psychologists, and listen to what they had to say. together to determine a course of
psychiatrists, and religious leaders action and agree to move together
were all together. It was a Friday and, It has been suggested that authority on the issues of HIV prevention
at the end of the workshops, they all figures who use their power to and discrimination against sexual
prayed together. For the gay activists, condemn others may be acting in minorities. Together, the participants
being accepted by their religious lead- ways similar to those who abuse presented ten recommendations
ers and being able to pray with them drugs, and such an abuse of power for actions that can be taken to help
was especially meaningful. In fact, may be approached and managed like alleviate the stigma associated with
praying together was more significant an “addiction”. Several psychologists HIV and allow people to become
to them than recognition by nonprofit and psychiatrists who were involved educated about their own lifestyle
organizations or western forces or by in our religious leaders’ project had and behaviours. And they suggested
anyone else in the world. experience using methods from ways to support further research and
the twelve-step program used by take action to stop violence against
We were not aiming to change such organizations as Alcoholics LGBT populations.
the Koran or rewrite the Bible. We Anonymous. They used similar
simply wanted to find common methods in process groups with the As a result of our work, thousands
ground where we can live together religious leaders, thereby encouraging of imams and priests have been
harmoniously and where everyone these leaders to share very profound challenging the stigma attached to
is free to think and act with self- personal experiences, biases, and MSM populations; they have been
struggles. We sat in a circle and shared embracing people living with HIV,
our feelings, speaking simply as and they have provided psycho-
individuals, something that religious social, spiritual, and even financial
leaders are not accustomed to doing. support to those populations. Many
Those who shared something very of them have begun outreach work
personal could ask for feedback or not. with populations most at risk for
Those who responded did so by sharing HIV, with a particular interest in
their own experiences. We did not give intravenous drug users, who are less
advice, did not preach, did not react, stigmatized than MSM. In 2008, the
asked no questions, and this worked. Multi-faith HIV Network of Religious
Leaders (CHAHAMA), which we helped
From dispelling stigma establish, decided to move ahead
About the Author to taking action proactively to work with MSM
populations.
Dr. Khadija Moalla is a Tunisian The religious leaders who
international law, gender and participated in our programme may The beauty of our work is that people
human rights expert, with a still believe that sexual practices take a personal stand. Sustainability
notable record in academia and outside marriage, including of action to advocate health and
civil society. As UNDP HIV Practice homosexual practices, are sinful. privacy rights of LGBT populations
Leader in the Arab States from We did not and do not intend to does not come from the funding or
2003 to 2011, she coordinated challenge this. However, the issue is from the multi- or bi-lateral agencies,
initiatives with religious leaders, now addressed as a privacy issue. Just but from the passion people have to
legislators, media and NGO as they respect personal prayers, they address these issues.
leaders that catalyzed the agree to respect individuals’ privacy.
enactment of progressive laws, In addition, they will resist all efforts What we achieved on the HIV and
nationwide training, and top level to insult, stigmatize or discriminate LGBT front is a step that is vital not
policy change in many Arab against sexual minorities and they only from a public health perspective,
countries. She is a recognised will recognize this as a human rights but one that goes beyond the rights
Transformational Leadership issue. Furthermore, religious leaders of certain populations and indirectly
Development expert, much in agreed to support HIV prevention contributes to the process taking
demand as a speaker in many initiatives, including condom place now in the Arab region - a
countries, and the author of a distribution. In the Arab region this is process of looking each other in the
number of books and papers. a great stride forward. eye and accepting each other while
She was recently chosen as one recognizing our differences.
of the 500 most influential Arab It was a significant achievement to
personalities. have religious leaders, gay activists,
7
Avances en la consolidación de los derechos
plenos de las parejas conformadas por personas
del mismo sexo en Colombia
Julie Marcela Daza Rojas, Abogada colombiana Para efectos de este breve texto, es importante aclarar
que dentro de la estructura de la rama judicial el máximo
Desde el año 2007 y hasta el presente, se han dado Tribunal de la jurisdicción ordinaria es la Corte Suprema
importantes avances en cuanto al reconocimiento de de Justicia. Será en esta instancia donde se resolverán
los derechos de las parejas conformadas por personas como último recurso los conflictos que se susciten entre
del mismo sexo, tanto en el ámbito jurídico, como en parejas del mismo sexo. Esta Corte ha establecido que
el mediático y el político. Socioculturalmente dichos son elementos de la esencia de la unión marital de hecho,
avances han redundado en transformaciones necesarias la cohabitación y la permanencia. Para este Tribunal,
para eliminar la discriminación histórica de la que vienen dicha unión tiene dos tipos de elementos: uno objetivo
siendo víctimas las personas lésbicas, gay, bisexuales y y otro subjetivo. En lo que tiene que ver con el elemento
transgénero (LGBT) en Colombia. subjetivo, este está dirigido al fuero interno de los
convivientes, es decir, el compartir el lecho y la mesa, lo
Jurisprudencia Colombiana cual implica un proyecto de vida en común y conformar
y derechos de la población LGBT una familia en el marco de las relaciones de familia a
las que se refiere la Constitución Política en su artículo
Los avances jurídicos se han reflejado en el desarrollo 42. Así mismo, en cuando al elemento objetivo, la unión
jurisprudencial que ha realizado la Corte Constitucional por lo menos debe ser permanente para que pueda dar
durante los últimos años. El primero de ellos es la lugar a los efectos sustanciales que exige la ley civil, entre
Sentencia C-075 de 2007, que reconoce la unión marital ellos, la Sociedad Patrimonial de hecho y para que ésta se
de hecho entre parejas heterosexuales, entendida como presuma como tal en la medida en que exista durante dos
“la convivencia entre dos personas que no se encuentran años, la Ley 54 de 1990 establece que es indispensable:
casadas entre sí”. Desde entonces comenzó a gestarse el (I) Que exista unión marital por un término de dos
camino hacia el reconocimiento jurídico de los derechos años y libertad de los compañeros permanentes para
de la población LGBT. En principio hay que recordar contraer matrimonio; (II) Que de existir el impedimento
que en esta sentencia la Corte Constitucional precisó matrimonial en cualquiera de los compañeros, de un
que el régimen de protección al que se hacía referencia vínculo matrimonial anterior, las sociedades conyugales
era el patrimonial generado de la convivencia de dichas se hayan disuelto, liquidado, con un año de anterioridad
parejas. En aquella ocasión la institución manifestó a la iniciación de los dos años de unión marital a que
que “la ausencia de protección en el ámbito patrimonial se refiere el numeral primero de esta disposición. (Los
para la pareja homosexual resulta lesiva de la dignidad anteriores elementos fueron desarrollados por la Corte
de la persona humana, es contraria al derecho al libre Suprema de Justicia, Sala de Casación Civil, en los
desarrollo de la personalidad y comporta una forma de expedientes: 6117 del año 2000, 6721 de 2001 y 85001 de
discriminación proscrita por la Constitución”. 2009).
Desde el punto de vista jurídico, el reconocimiento no En este sentido para pretender derivar derechos de una
fue pleno dado que no puede entenderse a las parejas unión marital de hecho, conforme a lo establecido en la
conformadas por personas del mismo sexo como una Ley 54 de 1990, no basta simplemente con que se dé la
familia, aún cuando los movimientos válidamente así lo convivencia. Es por ello que los discursos no deben ser tan
exijan y las dinámicas sociales lo demuestren. A pesar de laxos para no desinformar a las parejas homosexuales y
las múltiples opiniones encontradas al respecto, considero generar expectativas que el derecho no puede garantizar.
que las parejas del mismo sexo son una verdadera familia, Retomando el tema que nos convoca, en la
con dinámicas propias y con asignación de roles basados consolidación de derechos en el año 2009 se dio un
en la igualdad, pese a que no sea considerado de tal forma paso más, ya que con la Sentencia C-029, se declaró la
por la Corte Constitucional en la famosa Sentencia C-075 constitucionalidad de todas las normas que hasta ese
de 2007, en la que además asigna a otra jurisdicción –la momento hacían referencia a las uniones maritales de
ordinaria, específicamente a los jueces de familia-, el hecho para que a partir de esta fecha se entendiera que
trámite de este conflicto. estas normas también deberían ser aplicadas, en igualdad
8
de condiciones, a las parejas integradas por personas del A pesar del avance que implica esta sentencia en
mismo sexo. cuanto a la posibilidad de adoptar por parte de personas
En el año 2011, nuevamente hizo presencia en homosexuales que no tienen pareja, sin que sea un
el panorama la Corte Constitucional, con múltiples obstáculo su orientación sexual, todavía siguen sin
decisiones, entre ellas la Sentencia C-577, (de la cual resolverse casos de mujeres lesbianas nacionales y
sólo se ha publicado su comunicado de prensa y cuyo extranjeras que han realizado la misma solicitud ante
magistrado ponente es Gabriel Eduardo Mendoza dicha entidad.
Martelo), en la que se instó al Congreso para que antes
del 20 de junio de 2013 “legisle, de manera sistemática y Derechos de la población LGBTI en la cotidianidad
organizada, sobre los derechos de las parejas del mismo
sexo con la finalidad de eliminar el déficit de protección Además de estos avances normativos, se han generado
que, según los términos de esta sentencia, afecta a las avances en relación a la incidencia política en las
mencionadas parejas”. Esto en virtud de un estudio de agendas públicas y los medios de comunicación. Esta
exequibilidad del artículo 113 de la Constitución Política incidencia se ha traducido en el posicionamiento junto
que regula el matrimonio heterosexual. Además de ello, con la responsabilidad que han asumido las entidades
estableció este tribunal que “Si el 20 de junio de 2013 el públicas y los medios de comunicación en el tratamiento
Congreso de la República no ha expedido la legislación de los asuntos relacionados con las personas LGBT. Las
correspondiente, las parejas del mismo sexo podrán acudir decisiones han sido de gran importancia mediática para
ante notario o juez competente a formalizar y solemnizar el reconocimiento de derechos de las personas con una
su vínculo contractual”. De ella se entiende que si el orientación sexual diversa, así como para la difusión de
Congreso no legisla, el contrato de matrimonio también lo información, denuncia y sensibilización de la sociedad
podrán realizar personas del mismo sexo. colombiana frente al tema. Así mismo, las altas Cortes se
También se falló a favor de una persona homosexual en han manifestado jurídicamente en pro de los derechos de
cuanto al reconocimiento de la pensión de sobreviviente las personas LGBT.
de su compañero por medio de la Sentencia T-860 de Sin embargo, no puede desconocerse el verdadero alcance
2011, en la que se ordenó al Instituto de los Seguros de las disposiciones jurídicas ni descontextualizarlas, dado
Sociales, que se iniciara el trámite correspondiente a que las sentencias mencionadas aún no reconocen a las
efectos de lograr dicho reconocimiento y se solicitó parejas del mismo sexo como una familia, no se pronuncian
a quien alegaba el derecho que debía probar que se acerca del reconocimiento pleno de sus derechos y menos aún
habían dado todos los elementos de una unión marital acerca de la posibilidad de que estas parejas puedan adoptar.
de hecho, tal y como los enunciamos en la primera Los avances normativos necesitan ir de la mano de
parte del texto, dice la tutela: “el miembro supérstite cambios culturales que no pueden darse solamente a
de la pareja homosexual goza de todos los medios través del activismo judicial. Es necesario fortalecer las
probatorios admitidos para las uniones maritales de hecho estructuras sociales mediante la transformación de las
heterosexuales, a efectos de acreditar la existencia de una normas tanto jurídicas como sociales que discriminan y
relación permanente de pareja con el fin de acceder a la excluyen históricamente a la población LGBT. Ello implica
pensión de sobrevivientes”. la transformación de los imaginarios que conciben este
El 24 de mayo de este año, mediante Sentencia T-276, tipo de relaciones como antinaturales, ya con esto se
(de la cual sólo ha sido publicado el comunicado de podría contribuir a la construcción de una Colombia
prensa) se estableció que no existe una razón justificada democrática y pluralista, basada en el respeto a los
para que el Instituto Colombiano de Bienestar Familiar derechos fundamentales de todas y todos sus habitantes,
(ICBF) separara a un hombre soltero homosexual -el sin que importen condicionamientos como el sexo, etnia,
periodista estadounidense Charles Ellis Burr- de sus religión, entre otros.
hijos adoptivos por la supuesta vulneración de derechos En este sentido, los movimientos sociales cobran
de los niños en razón de la orientación sexual del padre, especial importancia ya que es por su intermediación que
frente a quien ya se había terminado el proceso de se han venido realizando acciones que contribuyen en la
adopción. En este proceso y textualmente, el comunicado transformación de aquellas normas y prácticas sociales
de prensa establece “La Corte ordenó la devolución antidemocráticas y retardatarias que consideran a la
inmediata de los niños y la terminación del proceso de población LBGT como un grupo de anormales, enfermos
restablecimiento, después de declarar que existió una vía y desadaptados sociales. En Colombia desde hace algunas
de hecho administrativa en la actuación del ICBF, por dos décadas el movimiento LGBT no sólo ha salido a las calles
razones principales: no existía ningún fundamento para a manifestarse, también ha generado espacios de reflexión
la apertura del proceso, y en caso de que hubiera existido, en ámbitos públicos como la escuela y ha difundido
la medida de ubicación en hogar sustituto en todo caso conocimiento alrededor de investigaciones sobre la
era desproporcionada (muy drástica). En este orden, la temática.
sentencia tutela los derechos al debido proceso y los Los movimientos sociales LGBT se han preocupado
derechos de los niños a ser oídos y a la unidad familiar.” por fortalecer su discurso y han avanzado en que -a
(Subrayado incluido en el comunicado de prensa) nivel global y en especial en América Latina- se tome
9
conciencia de la necesidad de
transformar la institución de la Public policy proposals
for the social inclusion of
heterosexualidad obligatoria. En
particular, el Movimiento Lésbico –
Feminista ha establecido que “uno
de los retos de las feministas lesbianas
sigue siendo exponer las consecuencias
lesbians, gays, bisexuals and
de “negociar” la visibilidad y las
demandas de las feministas lesbianas
transsexuals in Argentina
para el futuro del movimiento en Rubén Mayorga
su conjunto y para la construcción
del derecho a todas las mujeres a Disclaimer: The designations employed and the presentation of the material
la autodeterminación sexual” (En: in this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever
Historia sobre la presencia pública on the part of UNAIDS concerning the legal status of any country, territory,
de las feministas lesbianas, Claudia city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers
Hinojosa). or boundaries. UNAIDS does not warrant that the information contained
in this publication is complete and correct and shall not be liable for any
Conclusiones damages incurred as a result of its use.
Entonces, aunque existen avances Argentina has seen important legislative advances in the past two years,
normativos importantes, es guaranteeing equal rights for lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transsexuals
importante generar transformaciones (LGBT). In July 2010, the Egalitarian Marriage Law was approved,
socioculturales profundas que permitting same sex couples to marry and enjoy the same rights as
reconozcan política, social y heterosexual couples. On 9 May 2012, the Gender Identity Law was also
jurídicamente los derechos para approved, permitting transsexual men and women to change their birth
las parejas LGBT. Debe buscarse name through a simple administrative procedure at the Civil Registry.
la creación de una regulación
autónoma, equilibrada, enfocada en The UNAIDS office in Argentina has made it a priority to partner with
la realidad y en las dinámicas propias organizations of people living with HIV, populations of those most affected
de las relaciones entre parejas del by HIV (gay and bisexual men, transsexual women, sex workers, drug users),
mismo sexo, en especial que distinga and with relevant ministries to promote legislation and policies that protect
entre las conformadas por lesbianas, these populations. UNAIDS and UNDP partnered with the Argentine
gays, bisexuales y transgeneristas o Federation of Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals and Trans (FALGBT), shortly before
intersexuales, tal como se propone the approval of the legislation guaranteeing egalitarian marriage in 2010.
hoy día.
El Estado debe cumplir We collaborated to produce a document containing public policy proposals
plenamente con las disposiciones de based on the collective reflections of several LGBT groups. The document’s
los tribunales, y junto con la sociedad, motto, from legal equality to real equality, reflects the principles of equity,
llevar a cabo las transformaciones human rights, mutual responsibility, integrity, autonomy, coordination,
estructurales que son necesarias diversity and participation. (The document can be viewed in Spanish at
para construir un país diverso, de http://www.ciudadanialgbt.org/ )
derechos y en paz. Por su parte,
el movimiento LGBT, además de Proposals include the establishment of a national secretariat to guide
persistir en la aplicación a parejas del the government’s actions to protect, promote and guarantee rights of
mismo sexo las normas creadas para the LGBT community through special measures in the areas of labor,
parejas heterosexuales, debe ampliar health, education, housing, culture, communications, civic participation,
su visión y avanzar en normas and security and violence prevention. The specific measures proposed
que den cuenta de las dinámicas would help to establish non-discriminatory practices, implement training
propias de las personas y parejas con programs, support vulnerable populations, promote positive role models,
una orientación sexual diferente. and educate and sensitize those who work with the LGBT populations.
Por ahora el activismo judicial ha
generado avances importantes en Proposed laws include: the above-mentioned Gender Identity Law; the
el reconocimiento de sus derechos Law for the Comprehensive Health of Trans persons; the Criminalization of
por vía de interpretación de las Discrimination against LGBT; the Lay Education Law; and the Law of Equal
normas a la luz constitucional, pero Opportunities and Treatment for LGBT. Special measures proposed for
estos esfuerzos jurídico políticos national, provincial, and municipal legislation include subsidies for trans
deben traducirse en los cambios and LGBT persons, as well as the prohibition of blood testing (especially for
socioculturales que requiere HIV) for purposes of job applications.
nuestro país.
10The Untied Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon
expressed his concern in a speech on Human Rights Day
2010, when he stated:
“As men and women of conscience, we reject
discrimination in general, and in particular
discrimination based on sexual orientation and
gender identity … Where there is a tension between
cultural attitudes and universal human rights, rights
must carry the day. Together, we seek the repeal of
laws that criminalize homosexuality, that permit
discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or
gender identity, that encourage violence.”
Initiatives like the ones presented in this article have the
potential to bring to reality the Secretary General’s desires.
UNAIDS vision of “zero discrimination, zero AIDS-related
deaths and zero new infections” will be made possible
A program has been proposed that would provide access with public policies such as the ones described.
to justice and the prevention of violence based on sexual
orientation and gender identity. Proposed measures also
include sensitization training for judicial officers and the About the author
establishment of a specialized public prosecutor’s office
for LGBT. Ruben Mayorga graduated as a physician in Guatemala
City in 1985 and in 1992 completed a specialization in
The proposals focus on specific issues of young internal medicine and infectious diseases. From 1992
LGBT, lesbian and bisexual women, male and female to 2005, he directed a Guatemalan NGO, OASIS, and
transsexuals, LGBT adults over 60, and gay and bisexual a Latin American network, ASICAL, dealing with HIV
men, and specific issues relevant to each segment of the prevention and care among gay men and transsexual
population are addressed. women. He has worked in a private clinical practice,
and was the Latin American NGO delegate to the
The collaboration between FALGBT and the UN System Program Coordinating Board of UNAIDS. He is currently
in Argentina, through UNAIDS and UNDP has produced the UNAIDS Coordinator for Argentina, Chile, Paraguay
a rich array of proposals for social and political action. and Uruguay. He has supported the development
FALGBT consulted with its base in order to identify and implementation of public policies to improve the
problems and propose solutions. The UN provided national response to HIV with a human rights focus and
technical assistance and legitimacy, and promoted to foster inter-sectoral work. Ruben married his long-
political dialogue for equal rights for LGBT persons. time partner, Erickson, in May, 2011.
Recent successes include the establishment of an
ombudsman’s office on homophobic violence in the
Security Ministry, together with training for personnel; the
approval of the Gender Identity Law; the implementation Information Sources
of egalitarian marriage for foreigners; and professional
training programs for trans men and women through the Message of the UN Secretary General to the Human Rights
Ministry of Labor. These programs can all be documented
Council March 2012
and the process be shared in south-to-south cooperation
with other countries in Latin America and the world. Video of UN Panel Discussion March 2012
Several UN institutions have also contributed greatly to First UN Report on the Human Rights of LGBT people
the promotion of citizenship rights for LGBT through
publications such as UNESCO’s Education Sector International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission
Responses to Homophobic Bullying, the Pan American
ARC International
Health Organization’s document, Therapies to change
sexual orientation lack medical justification and threaten Organization for Refuge, Asylum & Migration
health, and the United Nations High Commission on
Human Rights’ groundbreaking report, Discriminatory Iranian Railroad for Queer Refugees
laws and practices and acts of violence against individuals
based on their sexual orientation and gender identity, Europe’s Largest Gay News Service: Pink News
which was released in November 2011.
The Voice of Africa’s LGBTI Community: Behind the Mask
11You can also read
