Alliance calls for action to end sexuality discrimination
10 May 2006
In the lead up to the International Day of Action Against Homophobia which is marked on 17 May, the Alliance’s Executive Director, Alvaro Bermejo has called on governments and civil society organisations to intensify action aimed at tackling homophobia and sexuality discrimination.
“We urge organisations and governments responding to AIDS to use the opportunity posed by the day to commit to intensifying action aimed at tackling homophobia, outlawing sexuality discrimination and protecting the rights and interests of sexual minorities,” Alvaro said.
“In Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, the Alliance is working to support community action on HIV/AIDS, including among gay and other men who have sex with men. In our work we see how homophobia and discrimination on the basis of sexuality fuels HIV and exacerbates its impact.
“Sex between men is a key feature of many epidemics, as it is one of the main ways in which HIV and other sexually transmitted infections can be passed on. If we are to respond effectively to HIV/AIDS it is critical that we strengthen existing prevention efforts among populations that are most affected. This is particularly true of efforts to prevent transmission among men who have sex with men in developing countries, whose rights and interests have largely been neglected in strategies to reach populations key to the epidemic. This will continue to be the case until homophobia and sexuality discrimination are defeated.”
The International Day Against Homophobia, which will be marked on 17 May in more than 30 countries, aims to stimulate debate on issues relating to the protection and defence of gay and lesbian rights and to bring attention to the impact that homophobia and discrimination have on sexual minorities.
For more information contact Joseph O’Reilly
