<p>Strongly condemning the persecution of LGBTQ communities, Pope Francis has said that those discriminating against people with same-sex orientation are sinners and termed the law criminalising it as “injustice”.</p>

<p>Francis made these remarks in response to a question aboard the plane returning from a two-country trip to Africa. Two other Christian leaders who were on the plane -- Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby and Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland Iain Greenshields-- also backed Francis, reports Reuters news agency.</p>

<p>“The criminalisation of homosexuality is a problem that cannot be ignored,” Francis said as he cited unnamed statistics according to which 50 countries criminalise LGBT people “in one way or another” and about 10 others have laws including the death penalty for them.</p>

<p>As many as 66 UN member states have laws criminalising same-sex sexual relations, according to data from ILGA World – the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association.</p>

<p>While in countries where same-sex relations are illegal, punishments are meted out to those found guilty, including a possible death penalty.</p>

<p>“This is not right. Persons with homosexual tendencies are children of God. God loves them. God accompanies them … condemning a person like this is a sin. Criminalising people with homosexual tendencies is an injustice,” Francis was quoted as saying.</p>

<p>Citing the Catholic Church’s catechism, or book of teachings, Francis said that same-sex attraction is not a sin but homosexual acts are. It also says that LGBT people should not be marginalised.</p>

<p>Two other Christian leaders on the plane returning from Sudan, who participated in the pope’s news conference, praised the pope’s comments.</p>

<p>“I entirely agree with every word he said there,” Welby said, noting that the Anglican communion was itself divided over gay rights and that two resolutions against criminalisation of LGBT people “have not really changed many people’s minds”.</p>

<p>Welby added: “I shall certainly quote the Holy Father. He said it so beautifully and accurately”.</p>

<p>(With inputs from agencies)</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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Strongly condemning the persecution of LGBTQ communities, Pope Francis has said that those discriminating against people with same-sex orientation are sinners and termed the law criminalising it as “injustice”.

Strongly condemning the persecution of LGBTQ communities, Pope Francis has said that those discriminating against people with same-sex orientation are sinners and termed the law criminalising it as “injustice”. Francis made these remarks in response to a question aboard the plane returning from a two-country trip to Africa. Two other Christian leaders who were on the plane -- Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby and Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland Iain Greenshields-- also backed Francis, reports Reuters news agency. “The criminalisation of homosexuality is a problem that cannot be ignored,” Francis said as he cited unnamed statistics according to which 50 countries criminalise LGBT people “in one way or another” and about 10 others have laws including the death penalty for them. As many as 66 UN member states have laws criminalising same-sex sexual relations, according to data from ILGA World – the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association. While in countries where same-sex relations are illegal, punishments are meted out to those found guilty, including a possible death penalty. “This is not right. Persons with homosexual tendencies are children of God. God loves them. God accompanies them … condemning a person like this is a sin. Criminalising people with homosexual tendencies is an injustice,” Francis was quoted as saying. Citing the Catholic Church’s catechism, or book of teachings, Francis said that same-sex attraction is not a sin but homosexual acts are. It also says that LGBT people should not be marginalised. Two other Christian leaders on the plane returning from Sudan, who participated in the pope’s news conference, praised the pope’s comments. “I entirely agree with every word he said there,” Welby said, noting that the Anglican communion was itself divided over gay rights and that two resolutions against criminalisation of LGBT people “have not really changed many people’s minds”. Welby added: “I shall certainly quote the Holy Father. He said it so beautifully and accurately”. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Laws criminalising LGBTQ are a sin, says Pope Francis

<p>A four corners investigation into the controversial workings of the religious group Opus Dei was aired on Monday night, which included serious allegations made by dozens of students of a Sydney school. The controversial religious group is known for its secrecy and enjoys massive influence within the Catholic Church. Although Pope John Paul II passed away in 2005 and Pope Benedict XVI resigned in 2013, both of whom had been ardent supporters of Opus Dei, the organisation is still a significant force within the Catholic Church today, led by Pope Francis, a former Jesuit.</p>

<h2><strong>What is Opus Dei and who founded it?</strong></h2>

<p>Josemara Escrivá, a Spanish Roman Catholic priest who claimed to have had a vision of the creation of Opus Dei from God, founded the organisation in 1928. Throughout his whole life, Escrivá insisted that the birth of the organisation was not his doing but rather divine in origin. Opus Dei actually translates to "Work of God" in Latin. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Its followers are of the view that they are called to serve God by both their personal spiritual actions and their conduct in both their professional and personal life. &nbsp;They adhere to rigid conservative doctrine, often maintain a level of secrecy, and insist on not offering their membership to anyone outside the church.</p>

<h2><strong>Why is Opus Dei so controversial?</strong></h2>

<p>Since its inception, Opus Dei has faced criticism for its secrecy. Particularly the more liberal Jesuits have compared Opus Dei to the mafia or Freemasons acting within the church. It has come under fire for its hiring tactics, with detractors and former members charging that it aggressively recruits young individuals. Even within Catholics, Opus Dei's ultra-conservative views have stirred some debate.</p>

<h2><strong>Who are Opus Dei’s members?</strong></h2>

<p>There were 93,510 Opus Dei members worldwide as of 2021, according to the Catholic Church's most recent publication, the Annuario Pontificio (Pontifical Yearbook) for 2022. This number is made up of 91,395 laypeople, or regular, non-clergy members of the church, and 2,115 priests. Australia is home to 650 Opus Dei members, according to estimates. The majority of the group's lay members are super- or numeraries.</p>

<h2><strong>The recent controversy around Opus Dei, clash with LGBTQ+ members</strong></h2>

<p>Catholic schools in Australia are anticipated to protest against the idea of limiting their hiring and firing authority as part of a reform designed to safeguard LGBTQ+ kids and teachers. The Australian Law Reform Commission published a consultation paper on Tuesday seeking to repeal the Sex Discrimination Act's current exclusions that permit discrimination, which Catholic schools have said would be detrimental to their ethos.</p>


A four corners investigation into the controversial workings of the religious group Opus Dei was aired on Monday night, which included serious allegations made by dozens of students of a Sydney school.

A four corners investigation into the controversial workings of the religious group Opus Dei was aired on Monday night, which included serious allegations made by dozens of students of a Sydney school. The controversial religious group is known for its secrecy and enjoys massive influence within the Catholic Church. Although Pope John Paul II passed away in 2005 and Pope Benedict XVI resigned in 2013, both of whom had been ardent supporters of Opus Dei, the organisation is still a significant force within the Catholic Church today, led by Pope Francis, a former Jesuit. What is Opus Dei and who founded it? Josemara Escrivá, a Spanish Roman Catholic priest who claimed to have had a vision of the creation of Opus Dei from God, founded the organisation in 1928. Throughout his whole life, Escrivá insisted that the birth of the organisation was not his doing but rather divine in origin. Opus Dei actually translates to "Work of God" in Latin. Its followers are of the view that they are called to serve God by both their personal spiritual actions and their conduct in both their professional and personal life. They adhere to rigid conservative doctrine, often maintain a level of secrecy, and insist on not offering their membership to anyone outside the church. Why is Opus Dei so controversial? Since its inception, Opus Dei has faced criticism for its secrecy. Particularly the more liberal Jesuits have compared Opus Dei to the mafia or Freemasons acting within the church. It has come under fire for its hiring tactics, with detractors and former members charging that it aggressively recruits young individuals. Even within Catholics, Opus Dei's ultra-conservative views have stirred some debate. Who are Opus Dei’s members? There were 93,510 Opus Dei members worldwide as of 2021, according to the Catholic Church's most recent publication, the Annuario Pontificio (Pontifical Yearbook) for 2022. This number is made up of 91,395 laypeople, or regular, non-clergy members of the church, and 2,115 priests. Australia is home to 650 Opus Dei members, according to estimates. The majority of the group's lay members are super- or numeraries. The recent controversy around Opus Dei, clash with LGBTQ+ members Catholic schools in Australia are anticipated to protest against the idea of limiting their hiring and firing authority as part of a reform designed to safeguard LGBTQ+ kids and teachers. The Australian Law Reform Commission published a consultation paper on Tuesday seeking to repeal the Sex Discrimination Act's current exclusions that permit discrimination, which Catholic schools have said would be detrimental to their ethos.

What is Opus Dei? Know why Catholic schools in Australia are protesting against pro-LGBTQ+ laws

Pope Francis has criticised anti-homosexuality campaigns and called them unjust. He has also criticised Catholic Bishops supporting laws that criminalises homosexuality and discriminated against the LGBTQ. "We are all children of god and god loves us as we are," he said.

Pope Francis criticises anti-homosexuality, says 'being homosexual is not crime'

Major takeaways from Beyoncé’s Dubai Concert - from fees, LGBTQ backlash and her dress from Ukraine

<p>For the first time, the German parliament will focus on and talk about the people persecuted and killed for their sexuality under Nazi rule during its annual Holocaust memorial commemorations.&nbsp;Since 1996, Germany has traditionally marked&nbsp;International Holocaust Remembrance Day focusing on the Holocaust’s six million Jewish victims.&nbsp;Though there have been occasional instances where tributes were paid to gay and lesbians who were killed under Adolf Hitler. For example, then-president Roman Herzog paid homage to LGBTQ community in the first event.</p>

<p>For decades, activists in Germany have worked to establish an official ceremony to commemorate the LGBTQ victims persecuted under the Nazi regime. The government’s latest efforts, they say, is an important symbol of recognition.</p>

<p>“Today’s hour of remembrances focuses on a group of victims which had to fight for a long time to achieve recognition: people who were persecuted by the National Socialists because of their sexual orientation or their gender identity,” Baerbel Bas, president of the Bundestag lower house, said on Friday during the opening ceremony marking International Holocaust Remembrance Day, reported CNN.</p>

<p>Chairman of Israel’s Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial, Dani Dayan, welcomed the move and said that it will help in broadening Germany’s remembrance culture.</p>

<p>“The Holocaust was an onslaught against humanity: LGBTQ individuals, Roma and Sinti, mentally disabled persons, but especially against the Jewish people,” he told AFP on a visit to Berlin this week.</p>

<p>“We respect and we honour all the victims.”</p>

<p>Concurring with his views, the head of Germany’s Central Council of Jews, Josef Schuster, said that while the main group of Holocaust victims were Jews, “they weren’t the only ones.”</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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For the first time, the German parliament will focus on and talk about the people persecuted and killed for their sexuality under Nazi rule during its annual Holocaust memorial commemorations.

For the first time, the German parliament will focus on and talk about the people persecuted and killed for their sexuality under Nazi rule during its annual Holocaust memorial commemorations. Since 1996, Germany has traditionally marked International Holocaust Remembrance Day focusing on the Holocaust’s six million Jewish victims. Though there have been occasional instances where tributes were paid to gay and lesbians who were killed under Adolf Hitler. For example, then-president Roman Herzog paid homage to LGBTQ community in the first event. For decades, activists in Germany have worked to establish an official ceremony to commemorate the LGBTQ victims persecuted under the Nazi regime. The government’s latest efforts, they say, is an important symbol of recognition. “Today’s hour of remembrances focuses on a group of victims which had to fight for a long time to achieve recognition: people who were persecuted by the National Socialists because of their sexual orientation or their gender identity,” Baerbel Bas, president of the Bundestag lower house, said on Friday during the opening ceremony marking International Holocaust Remembrance Day, reported CNN. Chairman of Israel’s Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial, Dani Dayan, welcomed the move and said that it will help in broadening Germany’s remembrance culture. “The Holocaust was an onslaught against humanity: LGBTQ individuals, Roma and Sinti, mentally disabled persons, but especially against the Jewish people,” he told AFP on a visit to Berlin this week. “We respect and we honour all the victims.” Concurring with his views, the head of Germany’s Central Council of Jews, Josef Schuster, said that while the main group of Holocaust victims were Jews, “they weren’t the only ones.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

In a first, German parliament to commemorate LGBTQ victims of Nazi rule

It was a vibrant celebration of gay pride in India's capital. Hundreds of members of the LGBTQ community returned to the streets of Delhi after a three-year covid-induced hiatus. Their demand? Equal marriage rights. Their message? Love is love

Inside South Asia | Love is love: Delhi's queer pride parade

<p>Mohan Bhagwat, the chief of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)—a Hindu nationalist organisation considered to be the political and social guide to the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)—struck a conciliatory note with regards to the LGBTQ community and transgender persons.</p>

<p>His comments came on Wednesday, days before the government is due to respond to the Supreme Court about petitions to legalise same-sex marriage.</p>

<p>In&nbsp;an interview with the&nbsp;Organiser, the English language mouthpiece of the RSS, Bhagwat said that LGBTQ people have the right to their own private and social space and added that the Hindu society generally doesn’t see them and the transgender as a problem.</p>

<p>"People with such proclivities have always been there; for as long as humans have existed... This is biological, a mode of life. We want them to have their own private space and to feel that they, too, are a part of the society. This is such a simple issue. We will have to promote this view because all other ways of resolving it will be futile," he said, suggesting that the Hindu organisation, which has been opposed to homosexuality and same-sex marriage, is softening its stand on the issue.</p>

<p>Citing Hindu scriptures and mythology as the basis of his support, Bhagwat said, "Without much hullabaloo, we have found a way with a humane approach to provide them social acceptance."</p>

<p>Homosexuality was decriminalised in India in 208 after the Supreme Court scrapped the colonial-era Section 377 law.</p>

<p>Despite that, the concept of homosexuality hasn’t found space in the mainstream and is still considered by many as a taboo topic. However, the community has found greater acceptance compared to before in the conservative country.</p>

<p>In the past, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government has refused to legalise same-sex marriage. But Bhagwat’s remarks on the issue could most likely force the government to re-think on the matter.</p>

<p>(With inputs from agencies)</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE: </strong></p>

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Mohan Bhagwat, the chief of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)—a Hindu nationalist organisation considered to be the political and social guide to the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)—struck a conciliatory note with regards to the LGBTQ community and transgender persons.

Mohan Bhagwat, the chief of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)—a Hindu nationalist organisation considered to be the political and social guide to the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)—struck a conciliatory note with regards to the LGBTQ community and transgender persons. His comments came on Wednesday, days before the government is due to respond to the Supreme Court about petitions to legalise same-sex marriage. In an interview with the Organiser, the English language mouthpiece of the RSS, Bhagwat said that LGBTQ people have the right to their own private and social space and added that the Hindu society generally doesn’t see them and the transgender as a problem. "People with such proclivities have always been there; for as long as humans have existed... This is biological, a mode of life. We want them to have their own private space and to feel that they, too, are a part of the society. This is such a simple issue. We will have to promote this view because all other ways of resolving it will be futile," he said, suggesting that the Hindu organisation, which has been opposed to homosexuality and same-sex marriage, is softening its stand on the issue. Citing Hindu scriptures and mythology as the basis of his support, Bhagwat said, "Without much hullabaloo, we have found a way with a humane approach to provide them social acceptance." Homosexuality was decriminalised in India in 208 after the Supreme Court scrapped the colonial-era Section 377 law. Despite that, the concept of homosexuality hasn’t found space in the mainstream and is still considered by many as a taboo topic. However, the community has found greater acceptance compared to before in the conservative country. In the past, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government has refused to legalise same-sex marriage. But Bhagwat’s remarks on the issue could most likely force the government to re-think on the matter. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Mohan Bhagwat, chief of influential Hindu group RSS, expresses support to LGBTQ community

<p>The Kenyan police have arrested a suspect in the killing of 25-year-old LGBTQ rights activist Edwin Chiloba, who was found dead by the roadside on Wednesday (January 4)&nbsp;around 40 kilometres outside the Rift Valley town of Eldoret. Police discovered his body stuffed in a metal trunk. Speaking to reporters on Friday (January 6),&nbsp;Peter Kimulwo, head of investigations at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) office in Eldoret, said the suspect is in custody and his role in the murder is being investigated.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We are holding him as a prime suspect because there are leads pointing to him and others, but all these are subject to conclusive investigations," Kimulwo said, adding the suspect was believed to be a long-time friend of Edwin Chiloba, news agency AFP reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The officer also said that police were looking for people seen loading a metal container into a car at Chiloba's house.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Apart from being an LGBTQ activist, Chiloba was also a fashion designer and model. His killing&nbsp;has sparked nationwide outrage.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Taking to Twitter Denis Nzioka, a friend of Chiloba, said that he (Chiloba) had been attacked in the past. "You represented and lived life well, Edwin Chiloba. RIP+," Nzaioka tweeted on Thursday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">"So, my movement is for everyone. It's about inclusion. And if I am going to fight what I have been marginalized for, I am going to fight for all marginalized people." Edwin Chiloba, Instagram post, 16/12/22<br />
<br />
You represented and lived life well, Edwin Chiloba. RIP+ <a href="https://t.co/jmOhmS2Ysn">pic.twitter.com/jmOhmS2Ysn</a></p>
— DENIS NZIOKA (@DenisNzioka) <a href="https://twitter.com/DenisNzioka/status/1611067496500498450?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 5, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Issuing a statement on Friday, the Kenya Human Rights Commission said it was truly worrisome that "we continue to witness escalation in violence targeting LGBTQ+ Kenyans."</p>

<p>The commission added that the human rights of people from the community were being violated with little consequence for perpetrators. The commission further urged the police to carry out a swift probe and ensure Edwin Chiloba's killers were apprehended and prosecuted, AFP reported</p>

<p>Remembering Chiloba, the Kenya LGBTQ Feminist Forum said the 25-year-old used fashion to deconstruct gender and advocate for the rights of the marginalised group.</p>

<p>Homosexuality is a taboo in Kenya and attempts to overturn British colonial-era laws banning homosexuality have been unsuccessful. Gay sex in Kenya remains a punishable crime with penalties that include imprisonment of up to 14 years.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With agency inputs)</em></p>

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The Kenyan police have arrested a suspect in the killing of 25-year-old LGBTQ rights activist Edwin Chiloba, who was found dead by the roadside on Wednesday (January 4) around 40 kilometres outside the Rift Valley town of Eldoret.

The Kenyan police have arrested a suspect in the killing of 25-year-old LGBTQ rights activist Edwin Chiloba, who was found dead by the roadside on Wednesday (January 4) around 40 kilometres outside the Rift Valley town of Eldoret. Police discovered his body stuffed in a metal trunk. Speaking to reporters on Friday (January 6), Peter Kimulwo, head of investigations at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) office in Eldoret, said the suspect is in custody and his role in the murder is being investigated. "We are holding him as a prime suspect because there are leads pointing to him and others, but all these are subject to conclusive investigations," Kimulwo said, adding the suspect was believed to be a long-time friend of Edwin Chiloba, news agency AFP reported. The officer also said that police were looking for people seen loading a metal container into a car at Chiloba's house. Apart from being an LGBTQ activist, Chiloba was also a fashion designer and model. His killing has sparked nationwide outrage. Taking to Twitter Denis Nzioka, a friend of Chiloba, said that he (Chiloba) had been attacked in the past. "You represented and lived life well, Edwin Chiloba. RIP+," Nzaioka tweeted on Thursday. "So, my movement is for everyone. It's about inclusion. And if I am going to fight what I have been marginalized for, I am going to fight for all marginalized people." Edwin Chiloba, Instagram post, 16/12/22 You represented and lived life well, Edwin Chiloba. RIP+ pic.twitter.com/jmOhmS2Ysn — DENIS NZIOKA (@DenisNzioka) January 5, 2023 × Issuing a statement on Friday, the Kenya Human Rights Commission said it was truly worrisome that "we continue to witness escalation in violence targeting LGBTQ+ Kenyans." The commission added that the human rights of people from the community were being violated with little consequence for perpetrators. The commission further urged the police to carry out a swift probe and ensure Edwin Chiloba's killers were apprehended and prosecuted, AFP reported Remembering Chiloba, the Kenya LGBTQ Feminist Forum said the 25-year-old used fashion to deconstruct gender and advocate for the rights of the marginalised group. Homosexuality is a taboo in Kenya and attempts to overturn British colonial-era laws banning homosexuality have been unsuccessful. Gay sex in Kenya remains a punishable crime with penalties that include imprisonment of up to 14 years. (With agency inputs) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Kenya LGBTQ activist murder: Suspect, believed to be victim's friend, arrested

<p>An upcoming minister of Prime Minister-designate Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition government has created a stir in the country after she suggested that doctors should be allowed not to give treatment to LGBTQ patients on religious grounds.</p>

<p>Orit Strook, of the Religious Zionist party, made the remarks on Sunday saying that her party is drafting legislation that could potentially allow doctors to refuse treatment to LGBTQ people.</p>

<p>She further stated that a doctor could refuse care to a patient if doing so violates his religious beliefs “as long as there are enough other doctors who can give this service”, reports the Times of Israel newspaper.</p>

<p>The bill she was referring to is part of a wider proposed legislation to allow businesses or private enterprises to refuse service on the grounds of religious conscience.</p>

<p>Kan state broadcaster reported that Netanyahu’s Likud party and Religious Zionism have a deal as part of their coalition government that they will pass the new legislation once they assume full control of the office.</p>

<p>However, Netanyahu denied that the coalition deal provided for such a law, and condemned his colleague’s words.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russias-wealthy-lawmaker-and-critic-of-putins-ukraine-war-found-dead-in-india-546866"><strong>&nbsp;</strong>Russia’s wealthy lawmaker and critic of Putin's Ukraine war found dead in India</a></p>

<p>“MK Orit Strock’s words are unacceptable to me and my colleagues in Likud. The coalition agreements do not allow for discrimination against LGBT people or for harming the right of any citizen in Israel to receive service. Likud will guarantee that there will be no harm to LGBT people or any Israeli citizen,” Netanyahu said in a statement.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ukraines-president-speaks-to-indian-pm-modi-over-phone-seeks-help-with-peace-formula-546821">Zelensky speaks to Indian PM Modi over phone, seeks help with 'peace formula'</a></p>

<p>Israeli President Isaac Herzog, too, weighed in to condemn the anti-LGBTQ rhetoric, saying, “The racist pronouncements of recent days against the LGBTQ community and other sectors of the public make me extremely worried and concerned.”</p>

<p>The president added that such rhetoric undermined Israeli “democratic and moral values”.</p>

<p>(With inputs from agencies)</p>

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An upcoming minister of Prime Minister-designate Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition government has created a stir in the country after she suggested that doctors should be allowed not to give treatment to LGBTQ patients on religious grounds.

An upcoming minister of Prime Minister-designate Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition government has created a stir in the country after she suggested that doctors should be allowed not to give treatment to LGBTQ patients on religious grounds. Orit Strook, of the Religious Zionist party, made the remarks on Sunday saying that her party is drafting legislation that could potentially allow doctors to refuse treatment to LGBTQ people. She further stated that a doctor could refuse care to a patient if doing so violates his religious beliefs “as long as there are enough other doctors who can give this service”, reports the Times of Israel newspaper. The bill she was referring to is part of a wider proposed legislation to allow businesses or private enterprises to refuse service on the grounds of religious conscience. Kan state broadcaster reported that Netanyahu’s Likud party and Religious Zionism have a deal as part of their coalition government that they will pass the new legislation once they assume full control of the office. However, Netanyahu denied that the coalition deal provided for such a law, and condemned his colleague’s words. Also read | Russia’s wealthy lawmaker and critic of Putin's Ukraine war found dead in India “MK Orit Strock’s words are unacceptable to me and my colleagues in Likud. The coalition agreements do not allow for discrimination against LGBT people or for harming the right of any citizen in Israel to receive service. Likud will guarantee that there will be no harm to LGBT people or any Israeli citizen,” Netanyahu said in a statement. Also read | Zelensky speaks to Indian PM Modi over phone, seeks help with 'peace formula' Israeli President Isaac Herzog, too, weighed in to condemn the anti-LGBTQ rhetoric, saying, “The racist pronouncements of recent days against the LGBTQ community and other sectors of the public make me extremely worried and concerned.” The president added that such rhetoric undermined Israeli “democratic and moral values”. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Doctors can refuse to treat LGBTQ patients on religious grounds, says Israeli minister-designate

<p>Israel's Prime Minister-designate Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday voiced concern for the well-being of all the citizens of the nation regardless of their identity or values. He pledged that his coalition government will not pass any bills that allow discrimination against the LGBTQ community.</p>

<p>Promising to preserve the principles of tolerance he said, "We will not allow discrimination against members of the LGBTQ community or harm to the rights of any other citizens of Israel."</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;WION Dispatch: Israel's most right-wing coalition: Netanyahu to form new government</strong></p>

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<p>This as per IANS comes as two of his extreme-right partners recently in a statement vowed to pass laws which allow physicians and business owners to discriminate against people from the community.</p>

<p>Orit Struck, a lawmaker with the pro-settler Religious Zionist Party in an interview with Israel's state-owned Kan radio said that her party is determined to change the anti-discrimination law, and permit doctors to refuse acts that go against their religious beliefs.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/love-is-love-countries-where-same-sex-marriage-and-surrogacy-is-legal-520301">'Love is love': Countries where same-sex marriage and surrogacy is legal</a></strong></p>

<p>Simcha Rotman, another lawmaker of the same party told the public radio, that owners of hotels, restaurants, private businesses etc would be allowed to refuse service to LGBTQ people "if it harms their religious sentiments".</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-elections-final-tv-polls-indicate-that-the-netanyahu-bloc-is-one-seat-short-of-a-majority-529786">Israel elections: Final TV polls indicate that the Netanyahu bloc is one seat short of a majority</a></strong></p>

<p>Netanyahu who as per Reuters has been accused of being vulnerable to his far-right allies' policy demands, in a rare rebuke, called the remarks "unacceptable" and said that "the coalition agreements do not permit discrimination against LGBTs or to harm their rights to receive services as any other citizen in Israel".</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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Israel's Prime Minister-designate Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday voiced concern for the well-being of all the citizens of the nation regardless of their identity or values.

Israel's Prime Minister-designate Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday voiced concern for the well-being of all the citizens of the nation regardless of their identity or values. He pledged that his coalition government will not pass any bills that allow discrimination against the LGBTQ community. Promising to preserve the principles of tolerance he said, "We will not allow discrimination against members of the LGBTQ community or harm to the rights of any other citizens of Israel." Watch | WION Dispatch: Israel's most right-wing coalition: Netanyahu to form new government This as per IANS comes as two of his extreme-right partners recently in a statement vowed to pass laws which allow physicians and business owners to discriminate against people from the community. Orit Struck, a lawmaker with the pro-settler Religious Zionist Party in an interview with Israel's state-owned Kan radio said that her party is determined to change the anti-discrimination law, and permit doctors to refuse acts that go against their religious beliefs. Also read | 'Love is love': Countries where same-sex marriage and surrogacy is legal Simcha Rotman, another lawmaker of the same party told the public radio, that owners of hotels, restaurants, private businesses etc would be allowed to refuse service to LGBTQ people "if it harms their religious sentiments". Also read | Israel elections: Final TV polls indicate that the Netanyahu bloc is one seat short of a majority Netanyahu who as per Reuters has been accused of being vulnerable to his far-right allies' policy demands, in a rare rebuke, called the remarks "unacceptable" and said that "the coalition agreements do not permit discrimination against LGBTs or to harm their rights to receive services as any other citizen in Israel". (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Israel: Netanyahu vows to preserve principles of tolerance, says won't tolerate discrimination against LGBTQ

<p>The FIFA World Cup 2022 edition was a magnanimous affair which came to a fitting end on Sunday (December 18). With Argentina and defending champions France setting up a clash in the big-ticket finale, at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar, the contest was expected to go down to the wire. The summit clash lived up to expectations with Lionel Messi achieving his dream of lifting his maiden WC trophy in his last appearance in the mega event; bringing curtains to what has been an eventful and exhilarating campaign in Qatar.</p>

<p>Undoubtedly, Qatar 2022 ended as one of the best-organised World Cups. The fate of the mega event was hanging in the balance in the run-up to the tournament, which was held in the Middle East for the first time. Nothing came easy for Qatar -- who were constantly marred with several questions (by human rights activists, media, etc.) with fans also having their doubts regarding the smooth running&nbsp;of the showpiece event. Qatar 2022 battled all odds to emerge on top. From a&nbsp;lot being said and written about the plight&nbsp;of migrant workers, Western media trying to tarnish Qatar's image of pulling off an event of such a magnitude, War-tainted Russia's ban, ex-FIFA President Sepp Blatter regretting&nbsp;his decision to award hosting rights to Qatar, the country's rigid stance&nbsp;on the LGBTQ community, the death of journalists, etc. (with even&nbsp;Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's request of spreading the message of peace ahead of the finale being much-talked about before FIFA's eventual&nbsp;rejection), many such aspects hit the headlines. Hence, there was a lot at stake. However, the tournament ended in style -- producing some enthralling results, upsets and the emergence of the&nbsp;African, Asian and Arab football teams -- for all involved.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/you-have-roger-federer-lauds-lionel-messi-with-a-heartfelt-post-after-argentina-win-fifa-world-cup-544521">'You have....' - Roger Federer lauds Lionel Messi with a heartfelt post after Argentina win FIFA World Cup</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>Qatar lost some battles en route winning the WAR&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>The migrant workers' plight</strong></p>

<p>Qatar, a country where foreigners account for the majority of the 2.9 million population, faced intense criticism from human rights groups regarding its treatment of migrant workers. It is to be noted that Britain’s Guardian reported, in 2021,&nbsp;that at least 6,500 migrant workers — many of them working on World Cup projects — had succumbed to death in Qatar. In response to such claims, Qatar said that the&nbsp;deaths were directly proportionate to the size of the migrant workforce -- including&nbsp;many non-manual workers. In addition, it stated that every life lost was indeed a tragedy!</p>

<p><strong>Death of journos</strong></p>

<p>Khalid al-Misslam, Roger Pearce and Grant Wahl were the three journalists who lost their lives during the Qatar WC -- adding much hullabaloo to the already-existing negativity. FIFA Director of Media Relations Bryan Swanson revealed on social media that books are available at each stadium's media centre for colleagues to send condolence messages. However, the damage was long done by then.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sharing an image of the three books devoted to the late journalists, Swanson wrote,&nbsp;"We are opening books of condolence in the FIFA media centres at all remaining stadiums following the tragic deaths of Khalid al-Misslam, Roger Pearce and Grant Wahl during this tournament. Thoughts remain with their families and friends during this difficult time."</p>

<p><strong>LGBTQ stance</strong></p>

<p>It is to be noted that homosexuality in Qatar is illegal and a punishable offence -- where one can be jailed up to three years. Hence, many diehard LGBTQ football fans revealed that they would prefer to watch Qatar 2022 on tv sets at home than risk their lives travelling to the Middle East. To control the matters from going out of hand, a&nbsp;Qatar government official told CNN in a statement, "Everyone is welcome in Qatar,” the statement read, adding: “Our track record has shown that we have warmly welcomed all people regardless of background. There has never been an issue and every event has been delivered safely. Everyone is welcome in Qatar, but we are a conservative country and any public display of affection, regardless of orientation, is frowned upon. We simply ask for people to respect our culture."</p>

<p><strong>Rejecting 'fake claims'</strong></p>

<p>Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee also came forward and rejected accusations when news started circulating that there are fake paid football fans in attendance at the World Cup.&nbsp;In a statement, the Supreme Committee shut all such allegations and termed it&nbsp;“disappointing and unsurprising”.</p>

<p>“Fans from all over the world – many of whom have made Qatar their home – have contributed to the local atmosphere recently, organising fan walks and parades throughout the country, and welcoming the various national teams at their hotels,” it said in a statement. “Numerous journalists and commentators on social media have questioned whether these are ‘real’ fans. We thoroughly reject these assertions, which are both disappointing and unsurprising.”</p>

<p>In addition, Iranian protests over their government's imposition of hijab -- forcing the latter to ease out on few aspects -- and China's protests against their government's Zero-Covid policy (after seeing fans in Qatar, on tv sets, enter stadiums without any COVID protocol whatsoever) also grabbed eyeballs.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>The ball does the talking making Qatar 2022 a blockbuster success</strong></p>

<p>Thus, there was plenty on Qatar's plate with none trusting their capabilities. Nonetheless, the ball did the talking on their behalf; resulting in many humdingers before the mother-of-all-clash in the&nbsp;finale. The likes of Saudi Arabia, Japan, Morocco, etc. made a mark which made for a riveting watch. Saudi, ranked 51st in the world, went past eventual winners Argentina, Morocco became the first-ever African nation to reach the last four and Japan toppled past winners such as Germany and Spain.</p>

<p>Among the young rising talents, the likes of&nbsp;Jude Bellingham (England),&nbsp;Cody Gakpo (Netherlands),&nbsp;Goncalo Ramos (Portugal),&nbsp;Julian Alvarez (Argentina), Josko Gvardiol (Croatia), etc. ended as the breakout stars. Meanwhile, notable stars Neymar Jr. Cristiano Ronaldo, Joshua Kimmich, Robert Lewandowski, Thomas Muller, Christian Eriksen, Harry Kane, etc., failed to deliver as per their overall stature. Among some emphatic encounters, Argentina-France, Argentina-Netherlands, Japan-Germany, Croatia-Brazil, Morocco-Portugal, Portugal-Ghana, France-England and many others kept football fanatics awake till late at night across the globe.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While a lot can be said and written about rules/laws in the Middle East nation, Qatar can be proud of hosting the WC for the first time with people set to remember the footballing action than the off-field controversies (some of them coming from targetted groups). The going was tough but they sure went past all obstacles to host a memorable event; paving way for many more FIFA WCs to be held in Asia.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-japan-germany-to-argentina-france-final-reliving-top-5-matches-of-fifa-world-cup-2022-544539">From Japan-Germany to Argentina-France final: Reliving top 5 matches of FIFA World Cup 2022</a></strong></p>

<p>On Monday, England cricketer Kevin Pietersen shared a heartfelt note for Qatar. <strong>Here's what he wrote:</strong></p>

<blockquote>
<p><em>A football tournament without hooligans. And being at last years Wembley disgrace &amp; now in Qatar, Qatar is the standout!&nbsp;<br />
Maybe EVERY football tournament can be in the Middle East so our fan experience can be memorable!</em></p>
</blockquote>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A football tournament without hooligans. And being at last years Wembley disgrace &amp; now in Qatar, Qatar is the standout!<br />
Maybe EVERY football tournament can be in the Middle East so our fan experience can be memorable! 🙏🏽 <a href="https://t.co/jr2igYVijw">pic.twitter.com/jr2igYVijw</a></p>
— Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) <a href="https://twitter.com/KP24/status/1604754608877879297?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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<p><em>Well, Qatar 2022 was off to a poor start but held its nerves to end it on a glorious high!</em></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>


The FIFA World Cup 2022 edition was a magnanimous affair which came to a fitting end on Sunday (December 18). With Argentina and defending champions France setting up a clash in the big-ticket finale, at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar, the contest was expected to go down to the wire.

The FIFA World Cup 2022 edition was a magnanimous affair which came to a fitting end on Sunday (December 18). With Argentina and defending champions France setting up a clash in the big-ticket finale, at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar, the contest was expected to go down to the wire. The summit clash lived up to expectations with Lionel Messi achieving his dream of lifting his maiden WC trophy in his last appearance in the mega event; bringing curtains to what has been an eventful and exhilarating campaign in Qatar. Undoubtedly, Qatar 2022 ended as one of the best-organised World Cups. The fate of the mega event was hanging in the balance in the run-up to the tournament, which was held in the Middle East for the first time. Nothing came easy for Qatar -- who were constantly marred with several questions (by human rights activists, media, etc.) with fans also having their doubts regarding the smooth running of the showpiece event. Qatar 2022 battled all odds to emerge on top. From a lot being said and written about the plight of migrant workers, Western media trying to tarnish Qatar's image of pulling off an event of such a magnitude, War-tainted Russia's ban, ex-FIFA President Sepp Blatter regretting his decision to award hosting rights to Qatar, the country's rigid stance on the LGBTQ community, the death of journalists, etc. (with even Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's request of spreading the message of peace ahead of the finale being much-talked about before FIFA's eventual rejection), many such aspects hit the headlines. Hence, there was a lot at stake. However, the tournament ended in style -- producing some enthralling results, upsets and the emergence of the African, Asian and Arab football teams -- for all involved. Also read: 'You have....' - Roger Federer lauds Lionel Messi with a heartfelt post after Argentina win FIFA World Cup Qatar lost some battles en route winning the WAR The migrant workers' plight Qatar, a country where foreigners account for the majority of the 2.9 million population, faced intense criticism from human rights groups regarding its treatment of migrant workers. It is to be noted that Britain’s Guardian reported, in 2021, that at least 6,500 migrant workers — many of them working on World Cup projects — had succumbed to death in Qatar. In response to such claims, Qatar said that the deaths were directly proportionate to the size of the migrant workforce -- including many non-manual workers. In addition, it stated that every life lost was indeed a tragedy! Death of journos Khalid al-Misslam, Roger Pearce and Grant Wahl were the three journalists who lost their lives during the Qatar WC -- adding much hullabaloo to the already-existing negativity. FIFA Director of Media Relations Bryan Swanson revealed on social media that books are available at each stadium's media centre for colleagues to send condolence messages. However, the damage was long done by then. Sharing an image of the three books devoted to the late journalists, Swanson wrote, "We are opening books of condolence in the FIFA media centres at all remaining stadiums following the tragic deaths of Khalid al-Misslam, Roger Pearce and Grant Wahl during this tournament. Thoughts remain with their families and friends during this difficult time." LGBTQ stance It is to be noted that homosexuality in Qatar is illegal and a punishable offence -- where one can be jailed up to three years. Hence, many diehard LGBTQ football fans revealed that they would prefer to watch Qatar 2022 on tv sets at home than risk their lives travelling to the Middle East. To control the matters from going out of hand, a Qatar government official told CNN in a statement, "Everyone is welcome in Qatar,” the statement read, adding: “Our track record has shown that we have warmly welcomed all people regardless of background. There has never been an issue and every event has been delivered safely. Everyone is welcome in Qatar, but we are a conservative country and any public display of affection, regardless of orientation, is frowned upon. We simply ask for people to respect our culture." Rejecting 'fake claims' Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee also came forward and rejected accusations when news started circulating that there are fake paid football fans in attendance at the World Cup. In a statement, the Supreme Committee shut all such allegations and termed it “disappointing and unsurprising”. “Fans from all over the world – many of whom have made Qatar their home – have contributed to the local atmosphere recently, organising fan walks and parades throughout the country, and welcoming the various national teams at their hotels,” it said in a statement. “Numerous journalists and commentators on social media have questioned whether these are ‘real’ fans. We thoroughly reject these assertions, which are both disappointing and unsurprising.” In addition, Iranian protests over their government's imposition of hijab -- forcing the latter to ease out on few aspects -- and China's protests against their government's Zero-Covid policy (after seeing fans in Qatar, on tv sets, enter stadiums without any COVID protocol whatsoever) also grabbed eyeballs. The ball does the talking making Qatar 2022 a blockbuster success Thus, there was plenty on Qatar's plate with none trusting their capabilities. Nonetheless, the ball did the talking on their behalf; resulting in many humdingers before the mother-of-all-clash in the finale. The likes of Saudi Arabia, Japan, Morocco, etc. made a mark which made for a riveting watch. Saudi, ranked 51st in the world, went past eventual winners Argentina, Morocco became the first-ever African nation to reach the last four and Japan toppled past winners such as Germany and Spain. Among the young rising talents, the likes of Jude Bellingham (England), Cody Gakpo (Netherlands), Goncalo Ramos (Portugal), Julian Alvarez (Argentina), Josko Gvardiol (Croatia), etc. ended as the breakout stars. Meanwhile, notable stars Neymar Jr. Cristiano Ronaldo, Joshua Kimmich, Robert Lewandowski, Thomas Muller, Christian Eriksen, Harry Kane, etc., failed to deliver as per their overall stature. Among some emphatic encounters, Argentina-France, Argentina-Netherlands, Japan-Germany, Croatia-Brazil, Morocco-Portugal, Portugal-Ghana, France-England and many others kept football fanatics awake till late at night across the globe. While a lot can be said and written about rules/laws in the Middle East nation, Qatar can be proud of hosting the WC for the first time with people set to remember the footballing action than the off-field controversies (some of them coming from targetted groups). The going was tough but they sure went past all obstacles to host a memorable event; paving way for many more FIFA WCs to be held in Asia. Also read: From Japan-Germany to Argentina-France final: Reliving top 5 matches of FIFA World Cup 2022 On Monday, England cricketer Kevin Pietersen shared a heartfelt note for Qatar. Here's what he wrote: A football tournament without hooligans. And being at last years Wembley disgrace & now in Qatar, Qatar is the standout! Maybe EVERY football tournament can be in the Middle East so our fan experience can be memorable! A football tournament without hooligans. And being at last years Wembley disgrace & now in Qatar, Qatar is the standout! Maybe EVERY football tournament can be in the Middle East so our fan experience can be memorable! 🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/jr2igYVijw — Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) December 19, 2022 × Well, Qatar 2022 was off to a poor start but held its nerves to end it on a glorious high! ×

FIFA World Cup: Qatar 2022 may have lost many battles but won the war

<p>A US-based sports journalist, who was briefly detained in Qatar for wearing a rainbow shirt as a way of expressing support for LGBTQ, has died.&nbsp;Grant Wahl (49) collapsed on Friday while covering the World Cup quarterfinal match between Argentina and the Netherlands.&nbsp; According to media reports, Wahl suddenly lost consciousness while being seated in the press box at Lusail Iconic Stadium during extra time.</p>

<p>Emergency services were called in and quickly took Wahl to a hospital. It was later declared that the journalist had died.</p>

<p>“NPR can confirm the death of longtime soccer sportswriter Grant Wahl. He died today in Doha, Qatar while covering the Argentina-Netherlands World Cup quarterfinal (sic),” an NPR reporter tweeted late on Friday</p>

<p>US Soccer in a tweet said it was “heartbroken to learn that we have lost Grant Wahl.”</p>

<p>Grant’s brother Eric in a video posted on Instagram on Friday announced his death while suspecting&nbsp;foul play.</p>

<p>"My name is Eric Wahl. I live in Seattle, Washington.&nbsp;I am Grant Wahl's brother," he said announcing his brother's death on Instagram.</p>

<p>"I am gay, I am the reason he wore the rainbow shirt to the World Cup. My brother was healthy, he told me he received death threats. I do not believe my brother just died. I believe he was killed, and I just beg for any help."</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The reel from Eric Wahl: <a href="https://t.co/9oB8ScywYi">https://t.co/9oB8ScywYi</a> <a href="https://t.co/kBIWkGgDLg">pic.twitter.com/kBIWkGgDLg</a></p>
— Andrew Bates (@teambates) <a href="https://twitter.com/teambates/status/1601401392123768833?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 10, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>Notably, a few days earlier, Wahl had visited a medical clinic in Qatar due to high stress.</p>

<p>"My body finally broke down on me. Three weeks of little sleep, high stress and lots of work can do that to you,'' Wahl wrote in his blog.</p>

<p>"What had been a cold over the last 10 days turned into something more severe on the night of the USA-Netherlands game, and I could feel my upper chest take on a new level of pressure and discomfort.”</p>

<p>"I didn't have Covid (I test regularly here), but I went into the medical clinic at the main media center today, and they said I probably have bronchitis. They gave me a course of antibiotics and some heavy-duty cough syrup, and I'm already feeling a bit better just a few hours later. But still: No bueno.''</p>

<p>Wahl was earlier associated with Sports Illustrated before launching his own website Substack.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE: </strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


A US-based sports journalist, who was briefly detained in Qatar for wearing a rainbow shirt as a way of expressing support for LGBTQ, has died. Grant Wahl (49) collapsed on Friday while covering the World Cup quarterfinal match between Argentina and the Netherlands.

A US-based sports journalist, who was briefly detained in Qatar for wearing a rainbow shirt as a way of expressing support for LGBTQ, has died. Grant Wahl (49) collapsed on Friday while covering the World Cup quarterfinal match between Argentina and the Netherlands. According to media reports, Wahl suddenly lost consciousness while being seated in the press box at Lusail Iconic Stadium during extra time. Emergency services were called in and quickly took Wahl to a hospital. It was later declared that the journalist had died. “NPR can confirm the death of longtime soccer sportswriter Grant Wahl. He died today in Doha, Qatar while covering the Argentina-Netherlands World Cup quarterfinal (sic),” an NPR reporter tweeted late on Friday US Soccer in a tweet said it was “heartbroken to learn that we have lost Grant Wahl.” Grant’s brother Eric in a video posted on Instagram on Friday announced his death while suspecting foul play. "My name is Eric Wahl. I live in Seattle, Washington. I am Grant Wahl's brother," he said announcing his brother's death on Instagram. "I am gay, I am the reason he wore the rainbow shirt to the World Cup. My brother was healthy, he told me he received death threats. I do not believe my brother just died. I believe he was killed, and I just beg for any help." The reel from Eric Wahl: https://t.co/9oB8ScywYi pic.twitter.com/kBIWkGgDLg — Andrew Bates (@teambates) December 10, 2022 × Notably, a few days earlier, Wahl had visited a medical clinic in Qatar due to high stress. "My body finally broke down on me. Three weeks of little sleep, high stress and lots of work can do that to you,'' Wahl wrote in his blog. "What had been a cold over the last 10 days turned into something more severe on the night of the USA-Netherlands game, and I could feel my upper chest take on a new level of pressure and discomfort.” "I didn't have Covid (I test regularly here), but I went into the medical clinic at the main media center today, and they said I probably have bronchitis. They gave me a course of antibiotics and some heavy-duty cough syrup, and I'm already feeling a bit better just a few hours later. But still: No bueno.'' Wahl was earlier associated with Sports Illustrated before launching his own website Substack. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

US journalist detained for wearing gay pride shirt in Qatar dies at WC, brother suspects foul play

<p>On Tuesday, Indonesia's parliament approved legislation that penalises sex outside of marriage with one year of imprisonment.</p>

<p>The move has been touted by lawmakers as a step forward, leaving behind an "inherited" colonial criminal code. However, rights groups have labelled the amendment as a crackdown on civil liberties.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;WION Fineprint: Indonesia set to punish sex before marriage</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-fineprint-indonesia-set-to-punish-sex-before-marriage-539558/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>"We have tried our best to accommodate the important issues and different opinions which were debated. However, it is time for us to make a historical decision on the penal code amendment and to leave the colonial criminal code we inherited behind," Yasonna Laoly, the Minister of Law and Human Rights, told parliament as the new controversial criminal code received a majority of votes during the plenary session.</p>

<p>The new legislation also criminalises extra-marital sex and unmarried couples living together.</p>

<p>Opponents of the legislation have raised concerns over how this may impact same-sex couples. In Indonesia gay marriage is illegal.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-to-penalise-sex-outside-marriage-as-part-of-criminal-code-revision-539475">Indonesia to make sex outside marriage punishable as part of criminal code revision</a></strong></p>

<p>However, Albert Aries, the spokesperson of the Law and Human Rights Ministry's criminal code bill dissemination team, defended the amendments and said the law would protect marriage institutions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rights groups slammed it as moral policing and a crackdown on civil, and political freedoms. They say that in a country boasting the world's most populous Muslim majority and long hailed for religious tolerance, &nbsp;the law is a shift towards fundamentalism. On Monday, citizens too took to the streets in protest.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/switzerland-to-update-rape-definition-lawmakers-clash-over-no-means-no-and-only-yes-means-yes-approaches-540413">Switzerland to update rape definition; lawmakers clash over 'no means no' and 'only yes means yes' approaches</a></strong></p>

<p>As per Aries, the amendment cannot be misused as acts of pre-marital and extra-marital sex can only be reported by a spouse, parents or children.</p>

<p>"We are going backward... repressive laws should have been abolished but the bill shows that the arguments of scholars abroad are true, that our democracy is indisputably in decline," said Amnesty International Indonesia director Usman Hamid while talking to AFP.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


On Tuesday, Indonesia's parliament approved legislation that penalises sex outside of marriage with one year of imprisonment. The move has been touted by lawmakers as a step forward, leaving behind an "inherited" colonial criminal code.

On Tuesday, Indonesia's parliament approved legislation that penalises sex outside of marriage with one year of imprisonment. The move has been touted by lawmakers as a step forward, leaving behind an "inherited" colonial criminal code. However, rights groups have labelled the amendment as a crackdown on civil liberties. Watch | WION Fineprint: Indonesia set to punish sex before marriage "We have tried our best to accommodate the important issues and different opinions which were debated. However, it is time for us to make a historical decision on the penal code amendment and to leave the colonial criminal code we inherited behind," Yasonna Laoly, the Minister of Law and Human Rights, told parliament as the new controversial criminal code received a majority of votes during the plenary session. The new legislation also criminalises extra-marital sex and unmarried couples living together. Opponents of the legislation have raised concerns over how this may impact same-sex couples. In Indonesia gay marriage is illegal. Also read | Indonesia to make sex outside marriage punishable as part of criminal code revision However, Albert Aries, the spokesperson of the Law and Human Rights Ministry's criminal code bill dissemination team, defended the amendments and said the law would protect marriage institutions. Rights groups slammed it as moral policing and a crackdown on civil, and political freedoms. They say that in a country boasting the world's most populous Muslim majority and long hailed for religious tolerance, the law is a shift towards fundamentalism. On Monday, citizens too took to the streets in protest. Also read | Switzerland to update rape definition; lawmakers clash over 'no means no' and 'only yes means yes' approaches As per Aries, the amendment cannot be misused as acts of pre-marital and extra-marital sex can only be reported by a spouse, parents or children. "We are going backward... repressive laws should have been abolished but the bill shows that the arguments of scholars abroad are true, that our democracy is indisputably in decline," said Amnesty International Indonesia director Usman Hamid while talking to AFP. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Indonesia's new criminal code makes sex outside marriage a criminal offence, punishable with one year in jail

<p>A Japanese court has ruled that the country's decades-old constitution's definition of marriage as something based on "the mutual consent of both sexes" is legal.&nbsp;The Tokyo court, however, added that the country's failure to legally protect same-sex partners creates an "unconstitutional situation".</p>

<p>"The current lack of legal framework that allows same-sex partners to become family is a serious threat and obstacle" to individual dignity and "this creates an unconstitutional situation with regards to clause two of article 24," said the court in its ruling.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Blow to LGBTQ rights: Japan rules same-sex marriage ban constitutional</strong></p>

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<p>In March of last year, a court in Sapporo made a similar ruling, while an Osaka court ruling from June of this year deemed that a ban on same-sex marriage was constitutional.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Japan remains the only country in the G7 group of nations that does not allow same-sex marriage.</p>

<p>The ruling comes in a case in which eight people (four same-sex couples) had demanded one million yen ($7,208) each in damages.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/old-school-japan-recognises-same-sex-relationships-530232">Old-school Japan's progressive Tokyo: City recognises same-sex relationships</a></strong></p>

<p>Even though their demand for damages was rejected, the group hailed the ruling as "a big step forwards".</p>

<p>Chizuka Oe, one of the plaintiffs, as per Reuters, said "There was progress" adding that even though the "judiciary delegated it to the legislature, I hope that the legislature will actively deliberate about it (same-sex marriage)".</p>

<p>Talking to AFP, another person said that the ruling "went as far as to criticise the lack of a legal system that allows same-sex couples to become family."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-passes-the-respect-for-marriage-act-protecting-same-sex-marriages-know-all-about-it-and-its-history-538761">US Senate passes the Respect for Marriage Act protecting same-sex marriages, know all about it and its history</a></strong></p>

<p>"But an 'unconstitutional situation' is more nuanced than an outright declaration of unconstitutionality, which is a bit disappointing," they added.</p>

<p>In recent years, Japan which is a country deeply rooted in traditional values has taken small steps towards embracing sexual diversity. Early last month, the country's capital Japan even started issuing partnership certificates to LGBTQ couples. While these certificates do not confer the same legal rights as marriage, it is still a welcome development for couples who previously lacked official documentation of their relationship.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


A Japanese court has ruled that the country's decades-old constitution's definition of marriage as something based on "the mutual consent of both sexes" is legal.

A Japanese court has ruled that the country's decades-old constitution's definition of marriage as something based on "the mutual consent of both sexes" is legal. The Tokyo court, however, added that the country's failure to legally protect same-sex partners creates an "unconstitutional situation". "The current lack of legal framework that allows same-sex partners to become family is a serious threat and obstacle" to individual dignity and "this creates an unconstitutional situation with regards to clause two of article 24," said the court in its ruling. Watch | Blow to LGBTQ rights: Japan rules same-sex marriage ban constitutional In March of last year, a court in Sapporo made a similar ruling, while an Osaka court ruling from June of this year deemed that a ban on same-sex marriage was constitutional. Japan remains the only country in the G7 group of nations that does not allow same-sex marriage. The ruling comes in a case in which eight people (four same-sex couples) had demanded one million yen ($7,208) each in damages. Also read | Old-school Japan's progressive Tokyo: City recognises same-sex relationships Even though their demand for damages was rejected, the group hailed the ruling as "a big step forwards". Chizuka Oe, one of the plaintiffs, as per Reuters, said "There was progress" adding that even though the "judiciary delegated it to the legislature, I hope that the legislature will actively deliberate about it (same-sex marriage)". Talking to AFP, another person said that the ruling "went as far as to criticise the lack of a legal system that allows same-sex couples to become family." Also read | US Senate passes the Respect for Marriage Act protecting same-sex marriages, know all about it and its history "But an 'unconstitutional situation' is more nuanced than an outright declaration of unconstitutionality, which is a bit disappointing," they added. In recent years, Japan which is a country deeply rooted in traditional values has taken small steps towards embracing sexual diversity. Early last month, the country's capital Japan even started issuing partnership certificates to LGBTQ couples. While these certificates do not confer the same legal rights as marriage, it is still a welcome development for couples who previously lacked official documentation of their relationship. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Tokyo court upholds gay marriage ban, but says same-sex partners face "unconstitutional situation"

<p>Marvel's tryst with stringent censorship in the middle east continues. A scene from the latest release 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever' was reportedly cut from the film in order to release it in Kuwait.<br />
<br />
A report in The Hollywood Reporter stated that the scene which a tender moment between two female characters played by Michaela Coel and Florence Kasumba. The LGBTQ+ moment is reportedly only 10 seconds long and has Coel kissing Kasumba's forehead but was cut at the request of the censors. Not just this scene but another featuring childbirth and the following line "A god to his people" was also cut from the 2-hour 41-minute long film.<br />
<br />
Interestingly, while Kuwait has implemented the cuts, the film, according to reports, will screen unedited in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Bahrain and Qatar, which usually censor LGBTQ+ scenes. Similar&nbsp;themed scenes from 'The Eternals' led to no show for the film in Saudi Arabia last year.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-doctor-strange-2-saudi-arabia-demands-cut-in-lgbtq-scenes-disney-refuses-473925">Doctor Strange 2: Saudi Arabia demands cut in LGBTQ scenes, Disney refuses</a><br />
<br />
Kuwait is not just strict with same-sex intimacy but it had also had problem when in 2018 'Black Panther' T'Challa and Nakia shared a kiss. That scene, a kiss between a heterosexual couple, was also removed from the film for the Kuwait audience.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
A sequel of the 2018 film, 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever' has opened to good numbers worldwide. The sequel earned $28 million in Thursday previews in the US alone.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&lt;</p>

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Marvel's tryst with stringent censorship in the middle east continues. A scene from the latest release 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever' was reportedly cut from the film in order to release it in Kuwait.

Marvel's tryst with stringent censorship in the middle east continues. A scene from the latest release 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever' was reportedly cut from the film in order to release it in Kuwait. A report in The Hollywood Reporter stated that the scene which a tender moment between two female characters played by Michaela Coel and Florence Kasumba. The LGBTQ+ moment is reportedly only 10 seconds long and has Coel kissing Kasumba's forehead but was cut at the request of the censors. Not just this scene but another featuring childbirth and the following line "A god to his people" was also cut from the 2-hour 41-minute long film. Interestingly, while Kuwait has implemented the cuts, the film, according to reports, will screen unedited in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Bahrain and Qatar, which usually censor LGBTQ+ scenes. Similar themed scenes from 'The Eternals' led to no show for the film in Saudi Arabia last year. Doctor Strange 2: Saudi Arabia demands cut in LGBTQ scenes, Disney refuses Kuwait is not just strict with same-sex intimacy but it had also had problem when in 2018 'Black Panther' T'Challa and Nakia shared a kiss. That scene, a kiss between a heterosexual couple, was also removed from the film for the Kuwait audience. A sequel of the 2018 film, 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever' has opened to good numbers worldwide. The sequel earned $28 million in Thursday previews in the US alone. <

LGBTQ scene from 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever' removed for Kuwait

<p>Love is love! Miss Argentina 2020 Mariana Varela and Miss Puerto Rico 2020 Fabiola Valentin announced their marriage on social media on Monday. The couple reportedly tied the knot on October 28.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
"After deciding to keep our relationship private, we opened the doors to it on a special day. 28/10/22," the caption for the Instagram post reads, adding emojis of a heart, a ring, and a star.</p>

<p>The video shared on social media shows the two beauty queens holidaying together. It also gives a glimpse of their proposal.&nbsp;</p>

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<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CkUOoo_glwy/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Fabiola Valentín 🌙 (@fabiolavalentinpr)</a></p>
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<p>The two first met at Miss Grand International 2020 beauty pageant and started dating soon after but kept their relationship a secret.&nbsp;"Congratulations to both of you. MGIO always support “LOVE” without boundaries," a post on Miss Grand International's Instagram profile said.</p>

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<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CkU5NShhOCU/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by 𝗠𝗶𝘀𝘀 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 (@missgrandinternational)</a></p>
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<p>Varela had also represented Argentina in 2019 Miss Universe contest and was among the top 10 finalists at Miss Grand International pageant in 2020 where she met her now wife. Varela has worked on different initiatives that battle gender violence, as per Hola magazine.<br />
<br />
Valentin works with the modeling agency 'Major' in New York, and had also made it to the top 10 at the Miss Grand International 2020.&nbsp;Argentina made same-sex marriage legal in 2010 while Puerto Rico made it legal in 2015.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The news was celebrated by several people on Twitter with one saying, "You guys make be me believe, true love is still alive."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">kind of obsessed with the fact that miss puerto rico🇵🇷 and miss argentina🇦🇷 just revealed that they got secretly married after meeting for the first time at the pageant <a href="https://t.co/66x9G8dSHk">pic.twitter.com/66x9G8dSHk</a></p>
— tony (@cerotez) <a href="https://twitter.com/cerotez/status/1587557369780707328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 1, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">not miss argentina and miss puerto rico getting married after meeting at the miss grand international 2020 adding years to my life <a href="https://t.co/rnEKvQPHN0">pic.twitter.com/rnEKvQPHN0</a></p>
— the eras tour (@fireplaceashez) <a href="https://twitter.com/fireplaceashez/status/1587700582034325505?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 2, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I AM ABSOLUTELY OBSESSED WITH MISS ARGENTINA AND MISS PUERTO RICO THAT JUST ANNOUNCED NOW THEY'RE ACTUALLY MARRIED AFTER KEEPING THEIR RELATIONSHIP A SECRET FOR 2 YEARS?????? <a href="https://t.co/Vor05eipUn">pic.twitter.com/Vor05eipUn</a></p>
— vitória (@shad0whunterBR) <a href="https://twitter.com/shad0whunterBR/status/1587609274183831552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 2, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>Termed regressive by activists for years, beauty pageants are going through drastic changes. Just recently the Miss Universe Organisation was bought by Thai Trans beauty tycoon Anne Jakapong Jakrajutatip.&nbsp;</p>

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Love is love! Miss Argentina 2020 Mariana Varela and Miss Puerto Rico 2020 Fabiola Valentin announced their marriage on social media on Monday. The couple reportedly tied the knot on October 28.

Love is love! Miss Argentina 2020 Mariana Varela and Miss Puerto Rico 2020 Fabiola Valentin announced their marriage on social media on Monday. The couple reportedly tied the knot on October 28. "After deciding to keep our relationship private, we opened the doors to it on a special day. 28/10/22," the caption for the Instagram post reads, adding emojis of a heart, a ring, and a star. The video shared on social media shows the two beauty queens holidaying together. It also gives a glimpse of their proposal. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Fabiola Valentín 🌙 (@fabiolavalentinpr) × The two first met at Miss Grand International 2020 beauty pageant and started dating soon after but kept their relationship a secret. "Congratulations to both of you. MGIO always support “LOVE” without boundaries," a post on Miss Grand International's Instagram profile said. View this post on Instagram A post shared by 𝗠𝗶𝘀𝘀 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 (@missgrandinternational) × Varela had also represented Argentina in 2019 Miss Universe contest and was among the top 10 finalists at Miss Grand International pageant in 2020 where she met her now wife. Varela has worked on different initiatives that battle gender violence, as per Hola magazine. Valentin works with the modeling agency 'Major' in New York, and had also made it to the top 10 at the Miss Grand International 2020. Argentina made same-sex marriage legal in 2010 while Puerto Rico made it legal in 2015. The news was celebrated by several people on Twitter with one saying, "You guys make be me believe, true love is still alive." kind of obsessed with the fact that miss puerto rico🇵🇷 and miss argentina🇦🇷 just revealed that they got secretly married after meeting for the first time at the pageant pic.twitter.com/66x9G8dSHk — tony (@cerotez) November 1, 2022 × not miss argentina and miss puerto rico getting married after meeting at the miss grand international 2020 adding years to my life pic.twitter.com/rnEKvQPHN0 — the eras tour (@fireplaceashez) November 2, 2022 × I AM ABSOLUTELY OBSESSED WITH MISS ARGENTINA AND MISS PUERTO RICO THAT JUST ANNOUNCED NOW THEY'RE ACTUALLY MARRIED AFTER KEEPING THEIR RELATIONSHIP A SECRET FOR 2 YEARS?????? pic.twitter.com/Vor05eipUn — vitória (@shad0whunterBR) November 2, 2022 × Termed regressive by activists for years, beauty pageants are going through drastic changes. Just recently the Miss Universe Organisation was bought by Thai Trans beauty tycoon Anne Jakapong Jakrajutatip.

Miss Argentina 2020 and Miss Puerto Rico 2020 announce their marriage on social media 

<p>The upcoming American midterm elections are creating history; the good kind. For the first time, the elections have LGBTQ candidates running in all 50 US states and the capital Washington.</p>

<p>As per AFP, the monumental milestone comes as the LGBTQ community has become an increasingly significant voting constituency. Analysts predict that the surge in transgender and gay voters might redraw the electoral landscape over the next generation, "nudging the conservative US heartland in a more liberal direction."</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;US Midterms 2022: Democrats and Republicans vying for control of Senate</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-midterms-2022-democrats-and-republicans-vying-for-control-of-senate-530186/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Currently, the community represents around 10 per cent of American voters, however, as per an October report by a lobby group in collaboration with&nbsp;Bowling Green State University, Ohio, the number will by the end of this decade rise to one in seven or 14-plus per cent.</p>

<p>"Bigots want us to stay home and stay quiet, but their attacks are backfiring and instead have motivated a new wave of LGBTQ leaders to run for office," says Annise Parker, head of the LGBTQ Victory Fund and former Houston mayor.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-midterm-elections-biden-targets-desantis-marco-rubio-during-campaign-rally-in-florida-530463" hreflang="en">US midterm elections: Biden targets DeSantis, Marco Rubio during campaign rally in Florida</a></strong></p>

<p>Parker's organisation in a recent report found that since 2020 there has been an 18 per cent increase in LGBTQ hopefuls who successfully made it onto ballots.</p>

<p>For the November midterms, 1,065 hopefuls ran primary campaigns and a historic 678 successfully made it onto ballots. AFP reports that almost 90 per cent of the LGBTQ candidates who entered this year's primary races belong to the Democrat party.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/democracy-is-at-stake-in-us-midterms-says-obama-at-georgia-rally-529489" hreflang="en">Democracy is at stake in US midterms, says Obama at Georgia rally</a></strong></p>

<p>Another significant first for the community is Vermont House candidate Becca Balint who would be the only lesbian ever sent by the state to Congress.</p>

<p>Human Rights Campaign (HRC), which is the United States' largest gay rights group pointed out that the candidate statistics stand for significant progress in 2022, a year that saw more than 340 anti-LGBTQ bill proposals across the country. These bills include the controversial 'Don't Say Gay' bills and the ones seeking to ban transgender children from participating in school sports.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


The upcoming American midterm elections are creating history; the good kind. For the first time, the elections have LGBTQ candidates running in all 50 US states and the capital Washington.

The upcoming American midterm elections are creating history; the good kind. For the first time, the elections have LGBTQ candidates running in all 50 US states and the capital Washington. As per AFP, the monumental milestone comes as the LGBTQ community has become an increasingly significant voting constituency. Analysts predict that the surge in transgender and gay voters might redraw the electoral landscape over the next generation, "nudging the conservative US heartland in a more liberal direction." Watch | US Midterms 2022: Democrats and Republicans vying for control of Senate Currently, the community represents around 10 per cent of American voters, however, as per an October report by a lobby group in collaboration with Bowling Green State University, Ohio, the number will by the end of this decade rise to one in seven or 14-plus per cent. "Bigots want us to stay home and stay quiet, but their attacks are backfiring and instead have motivated a new wave of LGBTQ leaders to run for office," says Annise Parker, head of the LGBTQ Victory Fund and former Houston mayor. Also read | US midterm elections: Biden targets DeSantis, Marco Rubio during campaign rally in Florida Parker's organisation in a recent report found that since 2020 there has been an 18 per cent increase in LGBTQ hopefuls who successfully made it onto ballots. For the November midterms, 1,065 hopefuls ran primary campaigns and a historic 678 successfully made it onto ballots. AFP reports that almost 90 per cent of the LGBTQ candidates who entered this year's primary races belong to the Democrat party. Also read | Democracy is at stake in US midterms, says Obama at Georgia rally Another significant first for the community is Vermont House candidate Becca Balint who would be the only lesbian ever sent by the state to Congress. Human Rights Campaign (HRC), which is the United States' largest gay rights group pointed out that the candidate statistics stand for significant progress in 2022, a year that saw more than 340 anti-LGBTQ bill proposals across the country. These bills include the controversial 'Don't Say Gay' bills and the ones seeking to ban transgender children from participating in school sports. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US mid-term elections 2022: In a first, LGBTQ candidates to contest from all 50 states

Same-sex couples in Tokyo have started receiving their partnership certificates. The status does not carry the same legal rights as marriage but partners will be treated as married couples for some public services like housing, medicine, welfare; this is applicable for both residents and commuters.

Tokyo recognizes same-sex relationships, LGBTQ community hopes for no discrimination

<p>Tens of thousands braved downpours in Taiwan on Saturday to celebrate as the island staged its first LGBTQ Pride rally since fully reopening its border.</p>

<p>Taiwan is at the vanguard of the burgeoning LGBTQ rights movement in Asia and became the first place in the region to legalise marriage equality in 2019.</p>

<p>Its capital Taipei hosts one of Asia's largest Pride marches annually except for last year when a surge in Covid cases forced the event online.</p>

<p>The festivity was back in full swing on Saturday as marchers donned eye-catching costumes and draped themselves in rainbow flags in Taiwan's 20th Pride march, with organisers estimating the turnout was 120,000.</p>

<p>"I'm so very excited to be a part of the first physical parade in two years," said 40-year-old service industry worker Wolf Yang, sporting a gold bodysuit with a matching sequined headpiece and nose ring.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-pride-event-scheduled-to-be-held-in-taiwan-cancelled-country-blames-political-considerations-506289"><strong>Read more:&nbsp;Global Pride event scheduled to be held in Taiwan cancelled, Taipei blames 'political considerations'</strong></a></p>

<p>Max, a 35-year-old French national, joined the march for the first time since moving to Taiwan last year, along with several friends who flew in from Japan and South Korea.</p>

<p>"I think Taiwan needs to be proud of that. It's a great thing to recognise gay marriage. Asia and the world need to be proud of it."</p>

<p>A record crowd of 200,000 joined the 2019 Pride march to celebrate after Taiwan legalised same-sex marriages that year.</p>

<p>At least 7,000 same-sex couples have wed since then, although the law still contains restrictions that heterosexual couples do not face.</p>

<p>Under the current rules, Taiwanese nationals can only marry those from roughly 30 countries and territories where same-sex marriage is also legal.</p>

<p>College student Virginia Li, 22, said she joined the parade with about 20 friends from eastern Hualien city to support gay rights.</p>

<p>"Taiwan is much more friendly to the gay community than many countries...I am proud of the progress that has been made."</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>


Tens of thousands braved downpours in Taiwan on Saturday to celebrate as the island staged its first LGBTQ Pride rally since fully reopening its border. Taiwan is at the vanguard of the burgeoning LGBTQ rights movement in Asia and became the first place in the region to legalise marriage equality in 2019.

Tens of thousands braved downpours in Taiwan on Saturday to celebrate as the island staged its first LGBTQ Pride rally since fully reopening its border. Taiwan is at the vanguard of the burgeoning LGBTQ rights movement in Asia and became the first place in the region to legalise marriage equality in 2019. Its capital Taipei hosts one of Asia's largest Pride marches annually except for last year when a surge in Covid cases forced the event online. The festivity was back in full swing on Saturday as marchers donned eye-catching costumes and draped themselves in rainbow flags in Taiwan's 20th Pride march, with organisers estimating the turnout was 120,000. "I'm so very excited to be a part of the first physical parade in two years," said 40-year-old service industry worker Wolf Yang, sporting a gold bodysuit with a matching sequined headpiece and nose ring. Read more: Global Pride event scheduled to be held in Taiwan cancelled, Taipei blames 'political considerations' Max, a 35-year-old French national, joined the march for the first time since moving to Taiwan last year, along with several friends who flew in from Japan and South Korea. "I think Taiwan needs to be proud of that. It's a great thing to recognise gay marriage. Asia and the world need to be proud of it." A record crowd of 200,000 joined the 2019 Pride march to celebrate after Taiwan legalised same-sex marriages that year. At least 7,000 same-sex couples have wed since then, although the law still contains restrictions that heterosexual couples do not face. Under the current rules, Taiwanese nationals can only marry those from roughly 30 countries and territories where same-sex marriage is also legal. College student Virginia Li, 22, said she joined the parade with about 20 friends from eastern Hualien city to support gay rights. "Taiwan is much more friendly to the gay community than many countries...I am proud of the progress that has been made." WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Over 120,000 take part in Taiwan pride march, the first after pandemic

<p>The United Nations said on Friday that it was "deeply concerned" by moves of Russian legislature to toughen up the notorious 'LGBTQ propaganda' law. The UN has urged Russian lawmakers to repeal the legislation.</p>

<p>On Thursday, the lower house of the Russian parliament (the Duma) voted to strengthen the law.</p>

<p>Rights campaigners say that new amendments in effect criminalise&nbsp;any public mention of same-sex couples.</p>

<p>The proposals "broaden a ban on any discussion and sharing of information about lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, and their human rights", UN Human Rights Office spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani told reporters in Geneva.</p>

<p>The new UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, is "deeply concerned" by the move, "which infringes even further on international human rights norms and standards", she said.</p>

<p>UN human rights experts have condemned the existing law as "discriminatory, violating fundamental rights to freedom of expression &nbsp;and leading to an increase in hate speech, hate crimes and abuse, including against children", said Shamdasani.</p>

<p>"The legislative amendments worsen this situation by broadening the scope of the law to a blanket ban on all communications on the subject," she added.</p>

<p>Turk is appealing to legislators, who will consider the proposals in further two readings, to reject the amendments, she said.</p>

<p>Turk also notes that exclusion, stigmatisation and discrimination of any group within a society "is corrosive, is a root cause of violence, and has a negative impact on society as a whole", Shamdasani added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><em>You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form"><strong>here</strong>.</a></em></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>


The United Nations said on Friday that it was "deeply concerned" by moves of Russian legislature to toughen up the notorious 'LGBTQ propaganda' law. The UN has urged Russian lawmakers to repeal the legislation.

The United Nations said on Friday that it was "deeply concerned" by moves of Russian legislature to toughen up the notorious 'LGBTQ propaganda' law. The UN has urged Russian lawmakers to repeal the legislation. On Thursday, the lower house of the Russian parliament (the Duma) voted to strengthen the law. Rights campaigners say that new amendments in effect criminalise any public mention of same-sex couples. The proposals "broaden a ban on any discussion and sharing of information about lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, and their human rights", UN Human Rights Office spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani told reporters in Geneva. The new UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, is "deeply concerned" by the move, "which infringes even further on international human rights norms and standards", she said. UN human rights experts have condemned the existing law as "discriminatory, violating fundamental rights to freedom of expression and leading to an increase in hate speech, hate crimes and abuse, including against children", said Shamdasani. "The legislative amendments worsen this situation by broadening the scope of the law to a blanket ban on all communications on the subject," she added. Turk is appealing to legislators, who will consider the proposals in further two readings, to reject the amendments, she said. Turk also notes that exclusion, stigmatisation and discrimination of any group within a society "is corrosive, is a root cause of violence, and has a negative impact on society as a whole", Shamdasani added. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

UN expresses deep concern over Russia toughening its 'LGBTQ propaganda' law

A night full of colours and music and an important social message - the US Capitol hosted a drag queen race with three pillars of the LGBTQ+ community - self expression, acceptance and high fashion. Watch the video to know more about it.

Drag queens don high heels in 35th Washington race; thousands dress to run for cause

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{75e83978-ee3c-4e20-8162-5d9d345e6379}{150}" paraid="805850868" >The Singaporean government has tabled two legislations that seeks to reverse a colonial-era law criminalising sex between men.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{77606c68-99b8-42a7-80b2-e0f3d1fecac7}{32}" paraid="442480841" >The proposed bills seek to replace Section 377A and introduce a new “Institution of Marriage” act as an amendment to the constitution to protect the existing definition of marriage.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{331dce76-616c-49c4-82d6-a1e6e34351b9}{45}" paraid="1028989509" >According to both Singapore's Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF), the proposed bill will not codify or enshrine the definition of marriage into the constitution which is currently defined as between a man and a woman.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{b498bb00-1d32-4ac7-99a9-bd01fccd835c}{59}" paraid="277371813" >Under the new bill, the parliament can define the institution of marriage and can formulate policies on the basis of that definition with the government.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{331dce76-616c-49c4-82d6-a1e6e34351b9}{116}" paraid="1550524338" >The bill will be debated in the parliament on November 28, according to local media reports.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{2f896e53-7a07-4ac7-b03d-f68eadc8999f}{203}" paraid="282872642" >The move to decriminalise homosexual relations comes after Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in his National Day Rally speech&nbsp;on August 21 said that Section 377A would be repealed.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{842b5a69-fa23-4ec2-94fd-91d470d77e9b}{128}" paraid="1088119404" >“Most people accept that a person’s sexual orientation and behaviour is a private and personal matter, and that sex between men should not be a criminal offence,” he said.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{d55570d1-8866-4864-89d3-2dedbf4aa542}{15}" paraid="261290940" >In a joint statement, MHA and MSF said that the government had held extensive consultations with the stakeholders before deciding to repeal Section 377A.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{c3ce8584-be5f-4ae5-ae96-87f0ace832c0}{107}" paraid="1563730681" >&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />
“From the national point of view, private sexual behaviour between consenting adults does not raise any law-and-order issues,” said the statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{c3ce8584-be5f-4ae5-ae96-87f0ace832c0}{96}" paraid="1828263589" >Though the government has been more accepting of the LGBTQ+ community, the people, on the other hand, have opposed gay relations.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{93daf3e0-82e1-4cc9-add6-7f5357c56b7c}{238}" paraid="1834766095" >According to Bloomberg, a&nbsp;poll conducted by Blackbox Research recently found that 55 per cent of those surveyed said "no” when asked whether they personally support gay marriage while 31 per cent said "yes.”&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{93daf3e0-82e1-4cc9-add6-7f5357c56b7c}{238}" paraid="1834766095" ><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE: </strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


The Singaporean government has tabled two legislations that seeks to reverse a colonial-era law criminalising sex between men. The proposed bills seek to replace Section 377A and introduce a new “Institution of Marriage” act as an amendment to the constitution to protect the existing definition of marriage.

The Singaporean government has tabled two legislations that seeks to reverse a colonial-era law criminalising sex between men. The proposed bills seek to replace Section 377A and introduce a new “Institution of Marriage” act as an amendment to the constitution to protect the existing definition of marriage. According to both Singapore's Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF), the proposed bill will not codify or enshrine the definition of marriage into the constitution which is currently defined as between a man and a woman. Under the new bill, the parliament can define the institution of marriage and can formulate policies on the basis of that definition with the government. The bill will be debated in the parliament on November 28, according to local media reports. The move to decriminalise homosexual relations comes after Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in his National Day Rally speech on August 21 said that Section 377A would be repealed. “Most people accept that a person’s sexual orientation and behaviour is a private and personal matter, and that sex between men should not be a criminal offence,” he said. In a joint statement, MHA and MSF said that the government had held extensive consultations with the stakeholders before deciding to repeal Section 377A. “From the national point of view, private sexual behaviour between consenting adults does not raise any law-and-order issues,” said the statement. Though the government has been more accepting of the LGBTQ+ community, the people, on the other hand, have opposed gay relations. According to Bloomberg, a poll conducted by Blackbox Research recently found that 55 per cent of those surveyed said "no” when asked whether they personally support gay marriage while 31 per cent said "yes.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Singapore to table bill decrimnalising same sex relations between men

<p>Spanish football great Carles Puyol was criticised by many for 'disrespecting' the LGBT community after he jokingly responded to an 'I am gay' tweet from his former Spain teammate Iker Casillas. The Real Madrid legend had taken to Twitter to claim he was gay before deleting the tweet.</p>

<p>"I hope you respect me: I'm gay," former Real Madrid goalkeeper Casillas wrote in a tweet. Reacting to his post, former Spain captain and Barcelona defender Puyol said - "The time has come to tell our story, Iker."</p>

<p>Casillas' tweet soon went viral on social media as many fans believed the former Real Madrid keeper was finally coming out openly about his sexuality. However, the tweet was later deleted and Casillas claimed his account was hacked as apologised to the LGBT community and the fans.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/spaniard-iker-casillas-comes-out-as-gay-later-deletes-tweet-claiming-his-account-was-hacked-523912">Iker Casillas comes out as gay, later deletes tweet claiming his account was hacked</a></p>

<p>Puyol too apologised for what he called a 'clumsy joke' talking about his response to Casilas' tweet. The response too has now been deleted by the former Spain captain after a huge backlash on social media for the duo for joking around a sensitive topic.</p>

<p><img alt="Casillas tweet" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5c737811-5f0a-42dc-b05f-c4f76d9e2754" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Iker%20Casillas%20tweet.png" /></p>

<p><img alt="Puyol tweet" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="eac505c8-99b3-44e9-8113-aa8fa6b62818" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Puyol%20tweet.png" /></p>

<p>"I have made a mistake. Sorry for a clumsy joke with no bad intentions and totally out of place. I understand that it may have hurt sensitivities. All my respect and support for the LGTBIQA+ community," Puyol said in a tweet, apologising for his actions.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/yuvraj-singh-brutally-trolled-for-his-welcome-to-700-club-tweet-congratulating-cristiano-ronaldo-524020">Yuvraj Singh brutally trolled for his 'welcome to 700 club' tweet congratulating Cristiano Ronaldo</a></p>

<p>As per reports in the Spanish media, Casilas' first tweet about being gay could have been a sarcastic response to the speculations about his private life following his separatin from his former wife Sara Carbonero last year. Casillas was married to Carbonero for five years before the couple separated in March last year. The couple has two sons from their marriage.</p>

<p>While Puyol and Casillas played for arch-rivals Barcelona and Real Madrid, respectively in their club careers, the duo played an instrumental role in helping Spain win the FIFA World Cup title in 2010.</p>


Spanish football great Carles Puyol was criticised by many for 'disrespecting' the LGBT community after he jokingly responded to an 'I am gay' tweet from his former Spain teammate Iker Casillas.

Spanish football great Carles Puyol was criticised by many for 'disrespecting' the LGBT community after he jokingly responded to an 'I am gay' tweet from his former Spain teammate Iker Casillas. The Real Madrid legend had taken to Twitter to claim he was gay before deleting the tweet. "I hope you respect me: I'm gay," former Real Madrid goalkeeper Casillas wrote in a tweet. Reacting to his post, former Spain captain and Barcelona defender Puyol said - "The time has come to tell our story, Iker." Casillas' tweet soon went viral on social media as many fans believed the former Real Madrid keeper was finally coming out openly about his sexuality. However, the tweet was later deleted and Casillas claimed his account was hacked as apologised to the LGBT community and the fans. Also Read: Iker Casillas comes out as gay, later deletes tweet claiming his account was hacked Puyol too apologised for what he called a 'clumsy joke' talking about his response to Casilas' tweet. The response too has now been deleted by the former Spain captain after a huge backlash on social media for the duo for joking around a sensitive topic. "I have made a mistake. Sorry for a clumsy joke with no bad intentions and totally out of place. I understand that it may have hurt sensitivities. All my respect and support for the LGTBIQA+ community," Puyol said in a tweet, apologising for his actions. Also Read: Yuvraj Singh brutally trolled for his 'welcome to 700 club' tweet congratulating Cristiano Ronaldo As per reports in the Spanish media, Casilas' first tweet about being gay could have been a sarcastic response to the speculations about his private life following his separatin from his former wife Sara Carbonero last year. Casillas was married to Carbonero for five years before the couple separated in March last year. The couple has two sons from their marriage. While Puyol and Casillas played for arch-rivals Barcelona and Real Madrid, respectively in their club careers, the duo played an instrumental role in helping Spain win the FIFA World Cup title in 2010.

'Made a mistake': Carles Puyol apologises for his 'clumsy joke' on Iker Casillas' 'I am gay' tweet

The rise of the far right in Italy has brought fear to the LGBTQ plus community. In the past, many from the ruling party have openly discriminated against the group, some have called gay couples illegal others have took part in anti-LGBTQ marches.

Italy: 'Discrimination against LBTQ+ group might rise under Giorgia Meloni's rule'

<p>Netflix is no longer labelling serial drama 'Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story' under the LGBTQ category. The streaming giant faced a huge backlash after a few hawk-eye netizens saw the series, based on the real life of serial killer Jeffery Dahmer, who brutally murdered 17 young men, being categorised under the LGBTQ+ tag on the platform.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
The limited series which comes from the acclaimed director Ryan Murphy, best known for his work in 'American Horror story' and&nbsp;Ian Brennan,&nbsp;was released on September 21 and was marked under the tags like 'ominous,' 'psychological', 'horror' and 'LGBTQ+'.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-sylvester-stallone--jennifer-flavin-still-have-differences-to-smooth-out-after-reconciliation-520840" hreflang="en">Sylvester Stallone &amp; Jennifer Flavin still have differences to smooth out after reconciliation</a></p>

<p>After removing the tag&nbsp;silently, the streaming platform has yet to acknowledge the matter publicly.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Raising the objection, viewers commented online, “Anyone else think it’s pretty gross of Netflix to list Dahmer under LGBTQ, especially when the True Crime tag would have worked?”&nbsp;</p>

<p>Others wrote that this is not the type of representation that they're looking for.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
“Why the f–k did Netflix tag the Jeffrey Dahmer documentary LGBTQ?” one person said in a video.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Guys my favourite LGBTQ series on Netflix is: Rupaul’s Drag Race, Dahmer, and Queer Eye 😁😁 <a href="https://t.co/tceaOkBVVQ">https://t.co/tceaOkBVVQ</a></p>
— ༄angel☆〜 (@05shrimp) <a href="https://twitter.com/05shrimp/status/1573077911124512775?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 22, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>The limited series follows the life of a Milwaukee serial killer aka Milwaukee Cannibal, who murdered and sexually assaulted seventeen innocent men and boys between 1978 and 1991.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">imagine clicking on the "LGBTQ" category and this is what you get <a href="https://t.co/DenEW0DzOd">pic.twitter.com/DenEW0DzOd</a></p>
— Quinton Reviews🎬 (@Q_Review) <a href="https://twitter.com/Q_Review/status/1572716269253677056?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 21, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>Jeffrey Dammer was gay and one of his victims too. Looking at that point, many social media users have supported Netflix's decision to mark the show under the LBTQ tag.&nbsp; ''You've got to take the bad along with the good,'' wrote one user.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
While another added, ''The Dahmer case is a huge part of LGBTQ history, it's important people know he got away with so much.''</p>

<p>Despite the mixed reviews, the series has become&nbsp;Netflix’s most popular series ever since its debut on the platform. The show stars&nbsp;Evan Peters as Dahmer, and&nbsp;features actors like Niecy Nash, Penelope Ann Miller, Colin Ford, and among others.&nbsp;</p>


Netflix is no longer labelling serial drama 'Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story' under the LGBTQ category. The streaming giant faced a huge backlash after a few hawk-eye netizens saw the series, based on the real life of serial killer Jeffery Dahmer, who brutally murdered 17 young men, being categorised under the LGBTQ+ tag on the platform.

Netflix is no longer labelling serial drama 'Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story' under the LGBTQ category. The streaming giant faced a huge backlash after a few hawk-eye netizens saw the series, based on the real life of serial killer Jeffery Dahmer, who brutally murdered 17 young men, being categorised under the LGBTQ+ tag on the platform. The limited series which comes from the acclaimed director Ryan Murphy, best known for his work in 'American Horror story' and Ian Brennan, was released on September 21 and was marked under the tags like 'ominous,' 'psychological', 'horror' and 'LGBTQ+'. Sylvester Stallone & Jennifer Flavin still have differences to smooth out after reconciliation After removing the tag silently, the streaming platform has yet to acknowledge the matter publicly. Raising the objection, viewers commented online, “Anyone else think it’s pretty gross of Netflix to list Dahmer under LGBTQ, especially when the True Crime tag would have worked?” Others wrote that this is not the type of representation that they're looking for. “Why the f–k did Netflix tag the Jeffrey Dahmer documentary LGBTQ?” one person said in a video. Guys my favourite LGBTQ series on Netflix is: Rupaul’s Drag Race, Dahmer, and Queer Eye 😁😁 https://t.co/tceaOkBVVQ — ༄angel☆〜 (@05shrimp) September 22, 2022 × The limited series follows the life of a Milwaukee serial killer aka Milwaukee Cannibal, who murdered and sexually assaulted seventeen innocent men and boys between 1978 and 1991. imagine clicking on the "LGBTQ" category and this is what you get pic.twitter.com/DenEW0DzOd — Quinton Reviews🎬 (@Q_Review) September 21, 2022 × Jeffrey Dammer was gay and one of his victims too. Looking at that point, many social media users have supported Netflix's decision to mark the show under the LBTQ tag. ''You've got to take the bad along with the good,'' wrote one user. While another added, ''The Dahmer case is a huge part of LGBTQ history, it's important people know he got away with so much.'' Despite the mixed reviews, the series has become Netflix’s most popular series ever since its debut on the platform. The show stars Evan Peters as Dahmer, and features actors like Niecy Nash, Penelope Ann Miller, Colin Ford, and among others.

Netflix silently drops LGBTQ tag from Jeffrey Dahmer series after severe backlash

The triumph of a right-wing alliance in Italy's election has raised concern among LGBTQ+ community, who fear nationalist leader Giorgia Meloni could adopt anti-gay policies and set back their efforts to boost equality.

Italy: LGBTQ+ community worry over basic rights as far-right triumphs in election

<p>English Football Association chief executive Mark Bullingham says he has been told LGBTQ+ fans won't be arrested for holding hands or kissing in public at the World Cup in Qatar. The LGBTQ+ community had raised concerns over how safe they will be at the tournament in November-December as same-sex sexual activity is illegal in the Gulf state.</p>

<p>Some English LGBTQ+ fans will reportedly stay away from the World Cup because they have not received adequate assurances. But Bullingham revealed on Wednesday that he has been told police in Qatar are briefed to be tolerant during the tournament. Asked whether the FA had planned for the scenario of an England fan being arrested for holding hands or kissing a same-sex partner in public, Bullingham said: "We have been asking those questions of the Qatari authorities over the last six months.</p>

<p>"They have absolutely told us all the right answers for anything we've talked about, even down to the point of 'are rainbow flags allowed?' "Yes, absolutely (they are allowed) as long as someone doesn't go and drape them on&nbsp;the outside of a mosque - that was one example we were given - and were disrespectful in that way. "But they have absolutely been briefed to be very tolerant and act in the right way. Any time we ask a direct question we tend to get an answer."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/chelsea-sack-director-damian-willoughby-within-a-month-for-inappropriate-messages-sent-to-female-agent-518425">Chelsea sack director Damian Willoughby for 'inappropriate messages' sent to female agent</a></strong></p>

<p>Despite those assurances, FA chiefs are still requesting more detail from the local organising committee that all fans, including those from the LGBTQ+ community, will be safe and secure in Qatar. The FA has joined nine other European federations in joining the 'OneLove' anti-discrimination campaign.&nbsp;</p>

<p>England captain Harry Kane will wear a rainbow armband supporting the campaign at the World Cup. "As captains we may all be competing against each other on the pitch, but we stand&nbsp;together against all forms of discrimination," Kane said. "This is even more relevant at a time when division is common in society. Wearing the armband together on behalf of our teams will send a clear message when the world is watching."</p>

<p>Bullingham said the FA are also lobbying FIFA for an update regarding a compensation scheme for migrant workers in Qatar and the creation of a centre to help those workers access support.</p>

<p>"We continue to push for the principle of compensation for the families of migrant workers who have lost their lives or have been injured in construction projects," he said. "Again, we are pushing FIFA for an update on the compensation fund which has been consistently referenced as a safety net where workers and their families have been unable to secure compensation from the construction companies."</p>


English Football Association chief executive Mark Bullingham says he has been told LGBTQ+ fans won't be arrested for holding hands or kissing in public at the World Cup in Qatar.

English Football Association chief executive Mark Bullingham says he has been told LGBTQ+ fans won't be arrested for holding hands or kissing in public at the World Cup in Qatar. The LGBTQ+ community had raised concerns over how safe they will be at the tournament in November-December as same-sex sexual activity is illegal in the Gulf state. Some English LGBTQ+ fans will reportedly stay away from the World Cup because they have not received adequate assurances. But Bullingham revealed on Wednesday that he has been told police in Qatar are briefed to be tolerant during the tournament. Asked whether the FA had planned for the scenario of an England fan being arrested for holding hands or kissing a same-sex partner in public, Bullingham said: "We have been asking those questions of the Qatari authorities over the last six months. "They have absolutely told us all the right answers for anything we've talked about, even down to the point of 'are rainbow flags allowed?' "Yes, absolutely (they are allowed) as long as someone doesn't go and drape them on the outside of a mosque - that was one example we were given - and were disrespectful in that way. "But they have absolutely been briefed to be very tolerant and act in the right way. Any time we ask a direct question we tend to get an answer." ALSO READ | Chelsea sack director Damian Willoughby for 'inappropriate messages' sent to female agent Despite those assurances, FA chiefs are still requesting more detail from the local organising committee that all fans, including those from the LGBTQ+ community, will be safe and secure in Qatar. The FA has joined nine other European federations in joining the 'OneLove' anti-discrimination campaign. England captain Harry Kane will wear a rainbow armband supporting the campaign at the World Cup. "As captains we may all be competing against each other on the pitch, but we stand together against all forms of discrimination," Kane said. "This is even more relevant at a time when division is common in society. Wearing the armband together on behalf of our teams will send a clear message when the world is watching." Bullingham said the FA are also lobbying FIFA for an update regarding a compensation scheme for migrant workers in Qatar and the creation of a centre to help those workers access support. "We continue to push for the principle of compensation for the families of migrant workers who have lost their lives or have been injured in construction projects," he said. "Again, we are pushing FIFA for an update on the compensation fund which has been consistently referenced as a safety net where workers and their families have been unable to secure compensation from the construction companies."

FA chief says LGBTQ fans won't face arrest for kissing at FIFA World Cup in Qatar

<p>Pop superstar Harry Styles discussed the complexities of sexuality and said he found the closeted gay man he plays in 1950s drama 'My Policeman' depressing, as his latest movie premiered at the Toronto film festival Sunday.</p>

<p>'My Policeman'&nbsp;is one of several LGBTQ-themed movies in what organizers have hailed as a "breakthrough" year at North America's biggest film festival, along with Billy Eichner's rom-com 'Bros'&nbsp;and critically praised gay military drama 'The Inspection.'</p>

<p>But the world premiere of Styles's latest movie comes as the British actor-singer faces allegations from some high-profile critics of appropriating queer culture, including his gender-non-conforming fashion choices, while keeping his own sexuality ambiguous.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the film, he plays Tom, a policeman caught in a forbidden love triangle with a young woman and an urbane art gallery curator in 1950s Britain, when homosexuality was illegal.</p>

<p>"I think there's so much nuance to them, and so much complexity that comes for people in real life around sexuality and finding themselves," Styles told a Toronto press conference.</p>

<p>The movie, which also stars Emma Corrin and Rupert Everett, jumps between 1957 and 1999, depicting the trio at two different stages of their lives, when Britain's attitude and laws about homosexuality had radically changed.</p>

<p>It deals with the consequences for all three of Tom's being forced to hide his love for curator Patrick.</p>

<p>"I think Tom's version of acceptance is a pretty depressing one -- I think he accepts that he's gonna deny this part of himself for a really long time," said Styles.</p>

<p>He noted,&nbsp;"For me, the reason why the story is so devastating is that ultimately to me, the whole story is about wasted time.</p>

<p>"I think wasted time is the most devastating thing, because it's the only thing we can't control. It's the one thing we can't have back." &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>LGBTQ actors</strong><br />
<br />
Styles has been praised by some for normalizing gender fluidity and speaking out for LGBTQ rights, and famously stoked speculation about his sexuality by telling a concert audience, "We're all a little bit gay, aren't we?"</p>

<p>But his position has drawn criticism from prominent LGBTQ figures such as actor-singer Billy Porter, who has accused Styles of "just doing it because it's the thing to do."</p>

<p>The topic of actors who do not openly identify as LGTBQ playing gay roles was raised and even ridiculed earlier at the Toronto festival with the world premiere of "Bros" -- billed as the first gay rom-com from a major Hollywood studio.</p>

<p>"The entire cast is openly LGBTQ actors, even in the straight roles in the movie, which is rare," star Eichner told AFP on the red carpet.</p>

<p>The movie itself contains several quips about allegedly Oscars-hungry straight actors taking on gay roles in films, such as 'Brokeback Mountain'&nbsp;and last year's 'The Power of the Dog'&nbsp;starring Benedict Cumberbatch.</p>

<p>"I mean it's absurd and kind of infuriating that it took this long, that we haven't had more of these movies; there should be tons of these movies by now," said Eichner, about 'Bros.'</p>

<p>"Still, I'm very grateful that Universal finally decided it was time."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Director Nicholas Stoller added that he hoped the film about a commitment-phobic gay New York podcaster reluctantly seeking love will resonate with "not just an LGBTQ audience, but a straight audience."</p>

<p><br />
<strong>&nbsp;'I see you'&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><br />
Ahead of the festival, the event's CEO Cameron Bailey told AFP there had been a "breakthrough this year" for films packed with "LGBTQ stories being told in maybe places that they haven't been before, and in a much more mainstream way.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The biggest companies that make films have often been the most cautious, shall we say, when it comes to this kind of representation," he said.</p>

<p>"That seems to be changing."</p>

<p>Among those was 'The Inspection'&nbsp;by writer-director Elegance Bratton, who drew on his own experiences as a Black gay man who joined the US Marines to escape homelessness and was forced to endure at-times brutal homophobia.</p>

<p>Jeremy Pope, who plays Bratton's alter ego Ellis and is openly gay, told Deadline that his performance came "from a place of truth and honesty."</p>

<p>"It ended up being something very beautiful and -- for me and for him -- very healing, to be able to look across the room at my writer and director, that was Black and queer, and say 'I see you.'"</p>

<p>TIFF runs until September 18.</p>


Pop superstar Harry Styles discussed the complexities of sexuality and said he found the closeted gay man he plays in 1950s drama 'My Policeman' depressing, as his latest movie premiered at the Toronto film festival Sunday.

Pop superstar Harry Styles discussed the complexities of sexuality and said he found the closeted gay man he plays in 1950s drama 'My Policeman' depressing, as his latest movie premiered at the Toronto film festival Sunday. 'My Policeman' is one of several LGBTQ-themed movies in what organizers have hailed as a "breakthrough" year at North America's biggest film festival, along with Billy Eichner's rom-com 'Bros' and critically praised gay military drama 'The Inspection.' But the world premiere of Styles's latest movie comes as the British actor-singer faces allegations from some high-profile critics of appropriating queer culture, including his gender-non-conforming fashion choices, while keeping his own sexuality ambiguous. In the film, he plays Tom, a policeman caught in a forbidden love triangle with a young woman and an urbane art gallery curator in 1950s Britain, when homosexuality was illegal. "I think there's so much nuance to them, and so much complexity that comes for people in real life around sexuality and finding themselves," Styles told a Toronto press conference. The movie, which also stars Emma Corrin and Rupert Everett, jumps between 1957 and 1999, depicting the trio at two different stages of their lives, when Britain's attitude and laws about homosexuality had radically changed. It deals with the consequences for all three of Tom's being forced to hide his love for curator Patrick. "I think Tom's version of acceptance is a pretty depressing one -- I think he accepts that he's gonna deny this part of himself for a really long time," said Styles. He noted, "For me, the reason why the story is so devastating is that ultimately to me, the whole story is about wasted time. "I think wasted time is the most devastating thing, because it's the only thing we can't control. It's the one thing we can't have back." LGBTQ actors Styles has been praised by some for normalizing gender fluidity and speaking out for LGBTQ rights, and famously stoked speculation about his sexuality by telling a concert audience, "We're all a little bit gay, aren't we?" But his position has drawn criticism from prominent LGBTQ figures such as actor-singer Billy Porter, who has accused Styles of "just doing it because it's the thing to do." The topic of actors who do not openly identify as LGTBQ playing gay roles was raised and even ridiculed earlier at the Toronto festival with the world premiere of "Bros" -- billed as the first gay rom-com from a major Hollywood studio. "The entire cast is openly LGBTQ actors, even in the straight roles in the movie, which is rare," star Eichner told AFP on the red carpet. The movie itself contains several quips about allegedly Oscars-hungry straight actors taking on gay roles in films, such as 'Brokeback Mountain' and last year's 'The Power of the Dog' starring Benedict Cumberbatch. "I mean it's absurd and kind of infuriating that it took this long, that we haven't had more of these movies; there should be tons of these movies by now," said Eichner, about 'Bros.' "Still, I'm very grateful that Universal finally decided it was time." Director Nicholas Stoller added that he hoped the film about a commitment-phobic gay New York podcaster reluctantly seeking love will resonate with "not just an LGBTQ audience, but a straight audience." 'I see you' Ahead of the festival, the event's CEO Cameron Bailey told AFP there had been a "breakthrough this year" for films packed with "LGBTQ stories being told in maybe places that they haven't been before, and in a much more mainstream way. "The biggest companies that make films have often been the most cautious, shall we say, when it comes to this kind of representation," he said. "That seems to be changing." Among those was 'The Inspection' by writer-director Elegance Bratton, who drew on his own experiences as a Black gay man who joined the US Marines to escape homelessness and was forced to endure at-times brutal homophobia. Jeremy Pope, who plays Bratton's alter ego Ellis and is openly gay, told Deadline that his performance came "from a place of truth and honesty." "It ended up being something very beautiful and -- for me and for him -- very healing, to be able to look across the room at my writer and director, that was Black and queer, and say 'I see you.'" TIFF runs until September 18.

Harry Styles stokes sexuality debate with 'My Policeman' premiere at Toronto International Film Festival

<p>An Orthodox Jewish university in New York was given temporary permission by the US Supreme Court to deny official recognition to an LGBTQ student group on Friday (September 9).</p>

<p>This permission comes after the university appealed to the court for an expedited ruling after a New York judge ordered the university to permit the Pride Alliance to form a student group, allowing them access to all services and facilities in the institute.</p>

<p>The university, in a statement, said, "As a deeply religious Jewish university, Yeshiva cannot comply with that order because doing so would violate its sincere religious beliefs about how to form its undergraduate students in Torah values," AFP reported.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/twitter-failed-to-curb-monkeypox-hate-speech-aimed-at-lgbtq-community-says-study-510379"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Twitter failed to curb monkeypox hate speech aimed at LGBTQ community, says study</strong></a></p>

<p>In response to this statement, the Pride Group argued that the university also teaches various subjects other than religion and also has non-Jewish students. The group&nbsp;further added, "It may not deny certain students access to the non-religious resources it offers the entire student community on the basis of sexual orientation," AFP reported.</p>

<p>The group was formed in 2018 to hold meetings, organise lectures and participate in activities, and applied for its official recognition as a student group.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-marriage-to-the-death-penalty-lgbtq-rights-across-the-globe-509186"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;From marriage to death penalty: LGBTQIA rights across the globe</strong></a></p>

<p>The university, which was founded more than 100 years ago to promote Judaism, also offers varying degrees in fields that are not related to religion, like biology and accounting.</p>

<p>The Supreme Court suspended the judge's ruling with a 6-3 consecutive majority after the university's request. The court did not specify any reasoning or votes cast, as the decision was declared in emergency cases.</p>

<p>The US Supreme Court has made some favourable decisions for the LGBTQ&nbsp;community in recent months.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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An Orthodox Jewish university in New York was given temporary permission by the US Supreme Court to deny official recognition to an LGBTQ student group on Friday (September 9).

An Orthodox Jewish university in New York was given temporary permission by the US Supreme Court to deny official recognition to an LGBTQ student group on Friday (September 9). This permission comes after the university appealed to the court for an expedited ruling after a New York judge ordered the university to permit the Pride Alliance to form a student group, allowing them access to all services and facilities in the institute. The university, in a statement, said, "As a deeply religious Jewish university, Yeshiva cannot comply with that order because doing so would violate its sincere religious beliefs about how to form its undergraduate students in Torah values," AFP reported. Also read | Twitter failed to curb monkeypox hate speech aimed at LGBTQ community, says study In response to this statement, the Pride Group argued that the university also teaches various subjects other than religion and also has non-Jewish students. The group further added, "It may not deny certain students access to the non-religious resources it offers the entire student community on the basis of sexual orientation," AFP reported. The group was formed in 2018 to hold meetings, organise lectures and participate in activities, and applied for its official recognition as a student group. Also read | From marriage to death penalty: LGBTQIA rights across the globe The university, which was founded more than 100 years ago to promote Judaism, also offers varying degrees in fields that are not related to religion, like biology and accounting. The Supreme Court suspended the judge's ruling with a 6-3 consecutive majority after the university's request. The court did not specify any reasoning or votes cast, as the decision was declared in emergency cases. The US Supreme Court has made some favourable decisions for the LGBTQ community in recent months. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

US Supreme Court permits Jewish university to temporarily deny recognition to LGBTQ students

<p>It's all about inclusion. Popular children's TV show Peppa Pig recently made history as it introduced its first same-sex couple in the series.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Peppa Pig, which debuted on TV in May 2004, is one of the most shows on TV watched by pre-schooler&nbsp;worldwide. The show is about the titular characters enjoying day-to-day activities.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
The series also includes Peppa's friends- Suzi Sheep and Danny Dog and Penny Polar Bear.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
On Monday, the episode saw these characters drawing pictures of their families when Penny drew two female polar bears in dresses alongside the three friends before she explained her sketch.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Penny then says, "I'm Penny Polar Bear. I live with my mummy and my other mummy. One mummy is a doctor and one mummy cooks spaghetti. I love spaghetti."<br />
The move was welcomed by many on social media.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
One person wrote on Twitter, "No ones talking abt for peppa pig now has two lesbian polar bears? I find it very sweet that peeps pig is lgbtq friendly."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">No ones talking abt for peppa pig now has two lesbian polar bears? I find it very sweet that peeps pig is lgbtq friendly &lt;333</p>
— Nat (@Nook_Knick_Nat) <a href="https://twitter.com/Nook_Knick_Nat/status/1538180286516760576?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 18, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>"Ok imma start by saying I have a 4 yr old cousin lol… THERE ARE LESBIAN MOMS IN PEPPA PIG????? adult shows struggle to do representation and peppa pig are just out here giving us lesbian polar bears???"</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Ok imma start by saying I have a 4 yr old cousin lol… THERE ARE LESBIAN MOMS IN PEPPA PIG????? adult shows struggle to do representation and peppa pig are just out here giving us lesbian polar bears???🥳🎉</p>
— leah 💚 (@wickedly_leah) <a href="https://twitter.com/wickedly_leah/status/1557769046845755393?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 11, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>The move comes after another popular TV show 'Thomas&amp;Friends' announced it is introducing its first autistic character. What's more, the new character, Bruno the Brake Car will be voiced by nine-year-old autistic actor Elliott Garcia.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;</p>


It's all about inclusion. Popular children's TV show Peppa Pig recently made history as it introduced its first same-sex couple in the series. Peppa Pig, which debuted on TV in May 2004, is one of the most shows on TV watched by pre-schooler worldwide.

It's all about inclusion. Popular children's TV show Peppa Pig recently made history as it introduced its first same-sex couple in the series. Peppa Pig, which debuted on TV in May 2004, is one of the most shows on TV watched by pre-schooler worldwide. The show is about the titular characters enjoying day-to-day activities. The series also includes Peppa's friends- Suzi Sheep and Danny Dog and Penny Polar Bear. On Monday, the episode saw these characters drawing pictures of their families when Penny drew two female polar bears in dresses alongside the three friends before she explained her sketch. Penny then says, "I'm Penny Polar Bear. I live with my mummy and my other mummy. One mummy is a doctor and one mummy cooks spaghetti. I love spaghetti." The move was welcomed by many on social media. One person wrote on Twitter, "No ones talking abt for peppa pig now has two lesbian polar bears? I find it very sweet that peeps pig is lgbtq friendly." No ones talking abt for peppa pig now has two lesbian polar bears? I find it very sweet that peeps pig is lgbtq friendly <333 — Nat (@Nook_Knick_Nat) June 18, 2022 × "Ok imma start by saying I have a 4 yr old cousin lol… THERE ARE LESBIAN MOMS IN PEPPA PIG????? adult shows struggle to do representation and peppa pig are just out here giving us lesbian polar bears???" Ok imma start by saying I have a 4 yr old cousin lol… THERE ARE LESBIAN MOMS IN PEPPA PIG????? adult shows struggle to do representation and peppa pig are just out here giving us lesbian polar bears???🥳🎉 — leah 💚 (@wickedly_leah) August 11, 2022 × The move comes after another popular TV show 'Thomas&Friends' announced it is introducing its first autistic character. What's more, the new character, Bruno the Brake Car will be voiced by nine-year-old autistic actor Elliott Garcia.

Peppa Pig creates history as it introduces its first same-sex couple

<p>Serbian President&nbsp;Aleksandar Vucic on Saturday announced that the pan-European LGBTQ+ EuroPride, scheduled to take place in the capital city of Belgrade next month has been shelved.</p>

<p>Citing growing tension with Kosovo as one of the primary reasons for the cancellation, the Balkan President stated that only a miracle could put the event back on track.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The pride parade, however you call that thing, scheduled for September, will be postponed or cancelled,"&nbsp;</p>

<p>Vucic further added that his government needed to deal with other crisis:&nbsp;</p>

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<h5>“We can’t at this moment when we have both the open Balkans and the crisis in Kosovo and Metohija that will not end at least until 31 October, we have no progress, we have nowhere to move. We have to deal with energy, and drought, we have many crises.”</h5>
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<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/tensions-between-serbia-and-kosovo-erupt-once-more-over-licence-plates-502516">WATCH |&nbsp;Tensions between Serbia and Kosovo erupt once more over licence plates</a></p>

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<p>It is pertinent to note that members of the European Pride Organisers Association (EPOA) had chosen Belgrade as the host city for the annual event, almost three years ago.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Thus, the&nbsp;sudden cancellation of the event&nbsp;has invited harsh criticism from LGBTQ+ activists.&nbsp;Kristine Garina, President&nbsp;of EPOA urged the authorities to honour their promise of supporting the event.</p>

<p>“President Vucic cannot cancel someone else’s event.&nbsp;The right to hold Pride has been ruled by the European Court of Human Rights to be a fundamental human right," said&nbsp;Garina.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Garina also added that the government was using stale tropes to cancel the event which celebrated diversity.</p>

<p>“Aside from the illegality of such a ban, it must be noted that those opposing EuroPride in Belgrade are using tired old tropes, inaccuracies and downright lies to discredit what is, in fact, a celebration of human rights and equality,” said Garina.&nbsp;</p>

<p>EuroPride is a&nbsp;pan-European international event dedicated to LGBT pride. It is hosted by a different European city every year. Belgrade was supposed to be the first European city in southeast Europe to organise the event. However, the axing has put a dent on the travelling plans of thousands who had planned to attend the event.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
<br />
<strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>


Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic on Saturday announced that the pan-European LGBTQ+ EuroPride, scheduled to take place in the capital city of Belgrade next month has been shelved.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic on Saturday announced that the pan-European LGBTQ+ EuroPride, scheduled to take place in the capital city of Belgrade next month has been shelved. Citing growing tension with Kosovo as one of the primary reasons for the cancellation, the Balkan President stated that only a miracle could put the event back on track. "The pride parade, however you call that thing, scheduled for September, will be postponed or cancelled," Vucic further added that his government needed to deal with other crisis: “We can’t at this moment when we have both the open Balkans and the crisis in Kosovo and Metohija that will not end at least until 31 October, we have no progress, we have nowhere to move. We have to deal with energy, and drought, we have many crises.” × WATCH | Tensions between Serbia and Kosovo erupt once more over licence plates × It is pertinent to note that members of the European Pride Organisers Association (EPOA) had chosen Belgrade as the host city for the annual event, almost three years ago. Thus, the sudden cancellation of the event has invited harsh criticism from LGBTQ+ activists. Kristine Garina, President of EPOA urged the authorities to honour their promise of supporting the event. “President Vucic cannot cancel someone else’s event. The right to hold Pride has been ruled by the European Court of Human Rights to be a fundamental human right," said Garina. Garina also added that the government was using stale tropes to cancel the event which celebrated diversity. “Aside from the illegality of such a ban, it must be noted that those opposing EuroPride in Belgrade are using tired old tropes, inaccuracies and downright lies to discredit what is, in fact, a celebration of human rights and equality,” said Garina. EuroPride is a pan-European international event dedicated to LGBT pride. It is hosted by a different European city every year. Belgrade was supposed to be the first European city in southeast Europe to organise the event. However, the axing has put a dent on the travelling plans of thousands who had planned to attend the event. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Serbia shelves EuroPride in Belgrade next month, draws ire of LGBTQ+ activists

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