International briefs

International briefs

GAY YOUTH DO MORE TIME
A study published in the journal Pediatrics has found that same-sex attracted young Americans receive more punishments than heterosexuals in the same situation.
Researchers checked school expulsions, police contacts and convictions among young people who were in grades 7 through 12 in 1994 and 1995 and found those who were same-sex attracted were up to three times more likely to have received punishment than a young heterosexual committing the same offence.
Lesbians were particularly more likely to receive punishments than their peers.
The researchers say strategies are needed to avoid the criminalisation of same-sex attracted youth.

GLBTS LEFT OUT OF AIDS RESPONSE

Uganda’s Health & Science Press Association has warned the country is leaving sexual minorities already marginalised by harsh laws exposed to HIV.
Uganda’s soon to be launched Health Sector Strategic Plan III contains no mention of GLBTs.
“The omission of this vulnerable group poses a threat to Uganda’s management of HIV/AIDS as the [plan] was our best hope as a country, for starting awareness, sensitisation and information to sexual minorities,” said UHSPA director Kikonyogo Kivumbi.

AMNESTY CONDEMNS LAW
Amnesty International has told Lithuanian parliamentarians that they must reject a bill outlawing the “promotion of homosexual relations” with fines of up to $4,300- potentially criminalising gay media, rights groups, and health information aimed at sexual minorities.
“This legislative initiative is blatantly discriminatory and would unlawfully restrict the right to freedom of expression of lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender people, and violate Lithuania’s obligations under international law,” said Amnesty in a statement.
The bill was widely supported by MPs in its first reading.

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