Wed 22 Jun 2016 In: International News View at Wayback View at NDHA
Mexico is part of a core group of Latin American countries, currently proposing a resolution at the UN Human Rights Council on LGBTI issues directly related to violence and discrimination. The resolution, which is to be voted upon this week does not seek to create new rights for LGBTI people but to affirm the application of human rights standards to those facing violation as a result of their gender identity or sexual orientation. These include the right to life, freedom from torture, privacy, and protection from arbitrary detention. One month ago today, at least 7 people were killed and 12 injured at Madame gay bar in Xalapa, Mexico when a group of gunman stormed the bar. Official reports state this as a drug related crime with civilian casualties and as such mass shootings like this would not fall under this resolution. The core group of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Uruguay are presenting this resolution as a follow up from two previous initiatives; the first presented by South Africa in 2011, and the second by a Latin American Core Group in 2014, and adopted by a majority of theCouncil with support from all regions. The proposed resolution is intended to create the mandate of an Independent Expert to address the protection for LGBTI people against violence and discrimination. A late comer to the core group, Mexico is experiencing significant pushback from its general population for supporting the resolution.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Wednesday, 22nd June 2016 - 2:29pm