House Of Representatives Unanimously Passes Resolution Condemning Torture & Killing Of Gay Men In Chechnya

After months of news that gay and bisexual men of Chechnya were being rounded up, tortured and, in some cases killed, the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed a resolution condemning the actions of the Chechen government.

Via press release:

The Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus commended the House of Representatives for passing H.Res.351, a bipartisan resolution condemning the detention, torture, and murders of gay and bisexual men in Chechnya. H.Res.351 was introduced by LGBT Caucus founding member and former House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (FL-27) on May 23rd and passed in the House Foreign Affairs Committee on May 25th by unanimous voice vote. H.Res.351 has 83 bipartisan cosponsors. H.Res.351 passed by voice vote.

“I’m proud that the House passed this strong resolution condemning the recent violence targeting gay men in Chechnya. Now, it’s critical that we do more to ensure those fleeing horrific violence can relocate somewhere safe,” said LGBT Caucus CoChair Rep. David Cicilline (RI-01). “This is an important step, but there is much more work left to be done.”

“We will continue to stand united with the LGBT community and shine a bright light on these atrocities, which are encouraged by the evil Putin regime in Russia, in order to help ensure that those who are responsible for these crimes are held to account for their despicable actions,” said Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (FL-27)

“The People’s House has now made its collective and unanimous voice known: the situation in Chechnya cannot stand,” said LGBT Equality Caucus Vice Chair Rep. Alan Lowenthal (CA-47). “We as a nation must lead the world in acting. It is our duty and responsibility to be the beacon on the hill that leads the way. It is now up to President Trump, Secretary of State Tillerson, and our United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley to follow through on the consensus of the House and bring as much domestic and international political pressure as possible on the Russian government to rein in these deplorable human rights violations.”

House condemned the violence against gay & bisexual men in Chechnya. Proud to cosponsor this resolution. We have our #eyesonChechnya. pic.twitter.com/Yd2sXoZ2bq

— Rep. Susan Davis (@RepSusanDavis) June 27, 2017

House just passed res. I cosponsored to condemn anti-#LGBTQ violence in Chechnya. #EyesOnChechnya pic.twitter.com/AZ8nT7XELH

— Sean Patrick Maloney (@RepSeanMaloney) June 27, 2017

We OKed HRes351 on a voice vote today, condemning #Chechnya's anti-#LGBT violence. We won't ignore human rights violations. #EyesonChechnya

— Rep. Eric Swalwell (@RepSwalwell) June 27, 2017

Today, Congress took action by passing #HRes351 to show we have #EyesOnChechnya. We cannot stand by while the LGBT community is targeted.

— (((Rep. Nadler))) (@RepJerryNadler) June 27, 2017

Thrilled to co-sponsor House Resolution 351, which just passed! We have our #EyesOnChechnya and we stand for LGBTQIA rights here and abroad.

— Rep. Pramila Jayapal (@RepJayapal) June 27, 2017

European Parliament Says Same-Sex Marriage Is A Human Right

The European Parliament on Thursday called on EU member states to recognise civil unions and same-sex marriage as a civil and human right and urged governments and EU institutions to contribute to further discussion in this area.

The call was contained in the 2013 global human rights and democracy report, approved by the assembly with 390 ayes, 151 nays and 97 abstentions.

In it, the European Parliament acknowledged "the legalisation of marriage and civil unions between same-sex couples in a growing number of countries around the world, currently 17" and encouraged "the EU institutions and member states to further contribute towards reflection on the recognition of marriage or civil unions between people of the same sex as a political and social issue and a matter of civil and human rights".

(from GazettedelSud)

Blondie turns down offer to perform at Sochi Olympics

Today, Blondie shared this rejection of an offer to perform during the Olympics at Sochi.

Blondie refused the offer based on Human Rights violations, specifically the mistreatment of Human Beings that are gay.

Bravo Blondie!!!

Scotland: Hillary Clinton urges more voices for universal human rights

Speaking at Scotland's St. Andrews University, where she received an honorary doctorate, Hillary Clinton spoke passionately about human rights for all - women's rights, gay rights and religious freedoms.  From the Scotsman:


"We need more voices speaking up for universal human rights. We have honoured some of the great advocates here today who have spoken out courageously for women’s rights, gay rights and religious understanding, showing us that our communities and institutions are strongest when equality and opportunity are open to all people and freedom of conscience is respected.

"And it is important that as we chart our way forward in this new century, we bring with it the enlightened view that every individual around the world regardless of gender, religion, race, ethnicity or orientation, should be able to contribute to their societies and to have the chance to live up to his or her God-given potential."

This was Hillary's first public foreign visit since stepping down as US Secretary of State.

(via JMG)