Human rights promoted on day of respect

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PCS Comment

17 May 2012

The International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia on 17 May called for respect for lesbians, gays, bisexual and transgender people worldwide.

Nearly 80 countries around the world still consider homosexuality illegal and in seven of them homosexual acts are punishable by death.

The International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHO) takes place annually on 17 May, featuring events calling for respect for lesbians, gays, bisexual and transgender people worldwide. The day was chosen because on that date in 1990 homosexuality was removed from the international classification of diseases of the World Health Organisation.

To mark the day European leaders released a video to tell LGBT teenagers they are working to put an end to homophobia and transphobia, while Irish politicians made a strong statement against bullying and in St Petersburg, where the notorious "propaganda of homosexuality" law was recently adopted, activists were holding a peaceful demo.

"We’re asking reps to contact PCS Proud and build strong working relationships with each other," said Carl Banks, PCS national equality, and health and safety officer. “This is about standing in solidarity with everyone who supports full equalities, human rights and personal safety in all countries.”

Read more information and find out how to get involved in PCS equality campaigning and PCS Proud.

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