On International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHOT) over 170 organisations from all over the world call on states to protect LGBT freedom of expression and end violence against LGBT individuals and communities.
“Over recent years, we’ve seen a clampdown on LGBT expression in many countries, with repressive legislation being introduced and a culture of violence and intimidation limiting the diversity of LGBT voices in the media,” said Thomas Hughes, Executive Director of ARTICLE 19
“This IDAHOT, hundreds of free expression, human rights, and LGBT groups have joined together to demand that all states protect LGBT expression. Free expression is a fundamental human right and can never be restricted on the basis of sexual or gender identity,” added Hughes.
The Global Call was a joint initiative by ARTICLE 19, Amnesty International, IDAHO Committee and IFEX and is part of a programme of work ARTICLE 19 has been involved in to protect LGBT free expression internationally.
- Read the Global Call and see the wide range of organisations demanding LGBT free expression.
- Follow #IDAHOTSpeakUp and #NoSilence to join the discussion about LGBT free speech online.
- Join ARTICLE 19’s social media Thunderclap right now to add your support before IDAHOT on Sat 17 May!
- Read a joint statement by UN experts to mark IDAHOT 2014