On the Gaydar: India, Australia, Japan LGBT court rulings and more

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      LGBT rights took a step backward in countries such as India and Australia this week while gains were made in Japan and Germany. Here's a roundup of LGBT news from across Canada and around the world.

      India reinstates law against homosexuality  On December 11, India's Supreme Court struck down a 2009 lower court ruling and reinstated a law that prohibits same-sex relationships. LGBT activists told the press they would fight the ruling and several Bollywood stars have also spoken out against the ruling.

      Vancouverites to protest Indian ruling  A Vancouver protest against the Indian penal code ruling will be held at the Consulate General of India on Friday (December 13) from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. 

      Same-sex marriage law invalidated by Australian court  On December 12, Australia's highest court also overturned a law that permitted same-sex marriage in the Australian Capital Territory. The ACT passed the law in October and same-sex marriages became legal on November 30.

      Japanese transgender man recognized as father by court  Japan's Supreme Court has recognized a female-to-male transgender man as the father of a boy born to his wife, who used a sperm donor.

      Straight male German celebrities kiss off homophobia  Thirteen straight male German celebrities, including actors and musical acts, participated in the #Mundpropaganda photo series for GQ Germany's Gentlemen Against Homophobia campaign. Photos of them kissing each other will be shown in advertising spaces around Germany.

      Vancouver councillor to advocate for queer rights at Olympics  Vancouver city councillor Tim Stephenson, who is openly gay, will travel to Sochi prior to the 2014 Winter Olympics in Russia to meet with the International Olympic Committee and to ask for a non-discrimination clause for LGBT people in its charter.

      Nova Scotian victim speaks out   Scott Jones, the victim of an attack in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, says he thinks he was attacked after leaving a bar on October 12 because he was gay. He was stabbed in the back and throat. He is now paralyzed and uses a wheelchair. Police arrested and charged 19-year-old Shane Matheson for the attack.

      Queer Nova Scotian Muslims want to start mosque  A group of Muslims in Halifax, Nova Scotia, wants to start an inclusive unity mosque where gay and transgender Muslims can pray and women would be able to lead prayers.

      Manitoban store removes antigay gag product  A store in Gimli, Manitoba, has removed a joke product called Gay Away, "penis-flavoured" fake pills that "stops the craving for misbehaving" after receiving complaints from customers.

      Televangelist says lesbians can turn your kids gay  Christian conservative televangelist Pat Robertson told 700 Club viewers that bringing a lesbian into your house can turn your children gay. For some unusual reason, he did not provide statistics or scientific evidence for this argument.

      Comments

      1 Comments

      James G

      Dec 12, 2013 at 11:26pm

      Rainbow crosswalks, City funding for Pride, finding a new home for Qmunity (believe that when you see it) and now a worthwhile diplomatic mission to Russia. It's the popular and tuneful side of the record. Then we flip it over, there's still the impaired driving, the Realtor funding and just how big a dump was that on the West End? Ten thousand new people or 10,000 new condos? All luxury of course? All right down Davie? Good thing those crosswalks did get painted. We'll need a footnote.