LGBTQ+ – The Diplomatic Envoy

On September 25, people in Cuba voted on a proposed referendum by the government to approve a new “Family Code” legalizing same-sex marriage and the promotion of women’s rights, according to Reuters. BBC News says that two-thirds of the Cuba’s population voted to approve the law, which includes the legalization of same-sex marriage, permits gay or lesbian couples to adopt children or have surrogate pregnancies, and codifies the equal sharing of domestic rights and responsibilities.

2022 Americas

March 28, 2022March 27, 2022 Charleigh Stone

Anti-Abortion, Anti-Homosexual Legislation Blocked in Guatemala

On March 15, Guatemala’s Congress reversed the decision to pass the controversial “Protection of Life and Family” law (Law 5272), which aimed to strengthen penalties for abortion, prohibit same-sex marriage, and ban discussions of sexual diversity in schools, according to The Washington Post. The decision to indefinitely table the bill came just a week after it first passed with an overwhelming majority of 101-8, with 51 legislators absent.

March 2022 2022

March 21, 2022March 21, 2022 Catherine Anderson

Numerous proposed bills across US limiting LGBT rights for minors

On March 8, Florida’s legislature passed a bill banning the discussion of sexual orientation and gender expression in elementary school classrooms. According to The Associated Press, Governor Ron DeSantis is expected to sign the bill into law. If he does so, the legislation will go into effect on July 1, per ABC News. While the bill is officially titled “The Parental Rights in Education” bill, LGBT activists are calling it the “Don’t Say Gay” Bill, as, according to ABC News, they fear “it could act as a complete ban on the lessons on LGBTQ oppression, history and discussions about LGBTQ identities.”

2021 March 2021 International News Asia

March 30, 2021March 29, 2021 Keshav Agiwal

Historic Transgender Islamic School Opens in Pakistan

A young transgender woman opened the first transgender-only madrasa in Islamabad, Pakistan. A madrasa is an Islamic religious school where students can pray, learn the teachings of the Qur’an, and discuss other Islamic subjects. Rani Khan, the founder of the school, explained to Reuters that in a dream, her transgender friend who passed away was in a great state of agony, begging her to do something for the transgender community. The dream changed her life and inspired her to use her life savings towards creating this two-room school.

February 2020 International News 2020 Europe

February 17, 2020 Morgan Huber

Switzerland Votes in Favor of Protection Bill for its LGBT Community

The wait is over for members of the LGBT community in Switzerland, where parliament has recently passed a bill to protect members of the community from discrimination.

April 2019 Opinion 2019

April 16, 2019January 22, 2021 Jackson Lied

Brunei Establishes Harsh Anti-LGBTQ+ Laws

A Bruneian gay man told the BBC that “you wake up and realize that your neighbors, your family or even that nice old lady that sells prawn fritters by the side of the road doesn’t think you’re human, or is okay with stoning.”