As India debates whether same-sex marriage should be allowed legally, a child rights activist has come out against the move, and has said that such marriages will infringe upon the rights of the children and would deprive them of "at least one parent."

Talking to IANS, Kumar V Jahgirdar, founder and president of the Child Rights Initiative for Shared Parenting (CRISP) told IANS that "It is natural for any child to have a natural father and mother," and that with the proposed law India is "heading to the creation of a fatherless or motherless society."

He said that in a same-sex marriage, one person will be 'acting' as though they are "a father or mother respectively," but that in fact a child "raised by a same-sex couple is deprived of at least one parent."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/centre-has-no-data-to-prove-same-sex-marriage-is-an-urban-elitist-concept-says-chief-justice-of-india-584141">Centre has no data to prove same-sex marriage is an urban elitist concept, says Chief Justice of India</a>

He labelled&nbsp;this "a human rights violation that the same-sex marriage movement will never address."

As per Jahgirdar, "this will have a devastating effect on the psychology of the child and is also a violation of child rights as per a UN convention to have two different genders as parents. It is set to become a fashion to speak about LGBTQ rights and nobody is bothered about child rights. The child rights and same sex rights can't go in the same boat."

"I hope the apex court takes this seriously and does not hamper child fundamental rights," he added.

The child rights activist also predicted that "children in same-sex marriage may feel a stigma that may end in drugs or school dropouts or land up in jail as a teenager."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/explained-why-same-sex-couples-in-india-are-seeking-conjugal-rights-when-homosexuality-is-decriminalised-583772">Explained: Why same-sex couples in India are seeking conjugal rights when homosexuality is decriminalised</a>

He further said&nbsp;that if same-sex marriages are awarded a legal status, the "law will be unconstitutional and is not only against Indian social and cultural values but also in violation of basic human rights."

Jahgirdar claimed&nbsp;that the legalisation of same-sex marriages will further add confusion to the Domestic Violence Act that "is meant to protect women against men."

He also said that if the law is passed, rules regarding the custody of the child post-separation or divorce of the parents must be laid out. The custody of children and shared parenting in cases of separation must be ensured, he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

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As India debates whether same-sex marriage should be allowed legally, a child rights activist has come out against the move, and has said that such marriages will infringe upon the rights of the children and would deprive them of "at least one parent.

As India debates whether same-sex marriage should be allowed legally, a child rights activist has come out against the move, and has said that such marriages will infringe upon the rights of the children and would deprive them of "at least one parent." Talking to IANS, Kumar V Jahgirdar, founder and president of the Child Rights Initiative for Shared Parenting (CRISP) told IANS that "It is natural for any child to have a natural father and mother," and that with the proposed law India is "heading to the creation of a fatherless or motherless society." He said that in a same-sex marriage, one person will be 'acting' as though they are "a father or mother respectively," but that in fact a child "raised by a same-sex couple is deprived of at least one parent." Also read | Centre has no data to prove same-sex marriage is an urban elitist concept, says Chief Justice of India He labelled this "a human rights violation that the same-sex marriage movement will never address." As per Jahgirdar, "this will have a devastating effect on the psychology of the child and is also a violation of child rights as per a UN convention to have two different genders as parents. It is set to become a fashion to speak about LGBTQ rights and nobody is bothered about child rights. The child rights and same sex rights can't go in the same boat." "I hope the apex court takes this seriously and does not hamper child fundamental rights," he added. The child rights activist also predicted that "children in same-sex marriage may feel a stigma that may end in drugs or school dropouts or land up in jail as a teenager." Also read | Explained: Why same-sex couples in India are seeking conjugal rights when homosexuality is decriminalised He further said that if same-sex marriages are awarded a legal status, the "law will be unconstitutional and is not only against Indian social and cultural values but also in violation of basic human rights." Jahgirdar claimed that the legalisation of same-sex marriages will further add confusion to the Domestic Violence Act that "is meant to protect women against men." He also said that if the law is passed, rules regarding the custody of the child post-separation or divorce of the parents must be laid out. The custody of children and shared parenting in cases of separation must be ensured, he added. (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.

Indian child rights activist claims same-sex marriage denies kids one parent's love

Even as the world takes strides towards inclusivity, Uganda on Tuesday passed a law criminalising identification as LGBTQ. The new law, as per Reuters, gives authorities broad new powers against Ugandans who already face legal discrimination and mob violence. As per the rights group Human Rights Watch, the law appears to be the first to outlaw the mere identification as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/laws-criminalising-lgbt-people-are-sin-pope-francis-559004">Laws criminalising LGBT people are 'sin': Pope Francis</a>

The new Ugandan law, in addition to the previous ban, forbids the promotion and abetment of homosexuality. Additionally, it prohibits "conspiracy to engage in homosexuality", reports Reuters.

Under the new law, anyone found in violation of the bans risks steep penalties, including death for so-called aggravated homosexuality, while gay sex is punishable by life in prison. Here, according to the law, aggravated homosexuality refers to gay sex with "victims" below the age of 18 years or sex by an HIV-positive person.

Also read&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uganda-bans-prominent-lgbt-rights-group-504539">Uganda bans prominent LGBT rights group</a>

Supporters of the latest legislation say that it is needed to punish a broader array of LGBTQ activities. These activities as per them are a threat to the conservative and religious East African nation's traditional values.&nbsp;

The legislation will now be sent to President Yoweri Museveni to be signed into law. Museveni, as per Reuters, has long been an opponent of LGBTQ rights.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/centre-opposes-same-sex-marriages-says-only-those-between-a-man-and-a-woman-the-norm-throughout-history-571127">Centre opposes same-sex marriages, says those between a man and a woman 'the norm throughout history'</a>

In 2013, the leader signed an anti-LGBTQ law that garnered condemnation globally. Before the law was struck down by a domestic court on procedural grounds, it even attracted international sanctions. Homosexuality is already illegal in the country. In more than 30 African nations, including Uganda, same-sex relations are banned.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Even as the world takes strides towards inclusivity, Uganda on Tuesday passed a law criminalising identification as LGBTQ. The new law, as per Reuters, gives authorities broad new powers against Ugandans who already face legal discrimination and mob violence.

Even as the world takes strides towards inclusivity, Uganda on Tuesday passed a law criminalising identification as LGBTQ. The new law, as per Reuters, gives authorities broad new powers against Ugandans who already face legal discrimination and mob violence. As per the rights group Human Rights Watch, the law appears to be the first to outlaw the mere identification as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer. Also read | Laws criminalising LGBT people are 'sin': Pope Francis The new Ugandan law, in addition to the previous ban, forbids the promotion and abetment of homosexuality. Additionally, it prohibits "conspiracy to engage in homosexuality", reports Reuters. Under the new law, anyone found in violation of the bans risks steep penalties, including death for so-called aggravated homosexuality, while gay sex is punishable by life in prison. Here, according to the law, aggravated homosexuality refers to gay sex with "victims" below the age of 18 years or sex by an HIV-positive person. Also read | Uganda bans prominent LGBT rights group Supporters of the latest legislation say that it is needed to punish a broader array of LGBTQ activities. These activities as per them are a threat to the conservative and religious East African nation's traditional values. The legislation will now be sent to President Yoweri Museveni to be signed into law. Museveni, as per Reuters, has long been an opponent of LGBTQ rights. Also read | Centre opposes same-sex marriages, says those between a man and a woman 'the norm throughout history' In 2013, the leader signed an anti-LGBTQ law that garnered condemnation globally. Before the law was struck down by a domestic court on procedural grounds, it even attracted international sanctions. Homosexuality is already illegal in the country. In more than 30 African nations, including Uganda, same-sex relations are banned. (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.

Identifying as LGBTQ in Uganda can lead to life in jail and even death sentence

The United States on Wednesday expressed concerns about Uganda's law criminalising identification as LGBTQ and said that it represents one of the most extreme actions taken against the LGBTQ community in the world. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby warned Uganda that imposing the controversial law could invite possible economic "repercussions." Speaking to the press, White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre said that if the Anti-Homosexuality Act (AHA) is enacted, it would threaten Uganda's fight against HIV-AIDS, and deter tourism, and investment in Uganda.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Uganda outlaws identifying as LGBTQ, imposes death penalty for gay sex

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Financial repercussions "would be really unfortunate because so much of the economic assistance that we provide is health assistance," remarked Kirby. He added that Washington was closely watching "real closely" the Uganda LGBT law and that implementation of the law remains a "big if."

Uganda on Tuesday passed legislation making it illegal to identify as LGBTQ. The legislation's implementation&nbsp;is pending final approval by the country's President Yoweri Museveni.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uganda-to-criminalise-identification-as-lgbtq-introduces-strict-punishments-for-violations-574498">Identifying as LGBTQ in Uganda can lead to life in jail and even death sentence</a>

"The bill is one of the most extreme anti-LGBTQI+ laws in the world. Human rights are universal. No one should be attacked, imprisoned, or killed simply because of who they are or whom they love," said White House spokesperson Jean-Pierre.

The new law targets gay Ugandans who already face legal discrimination and mob violence.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/laws-criminalising-lgbt-people-are-sin-pope-francis-559004">Laws criminalising LGBT people are 'sin': Pope Francis</a>

In more than 30 African nations, including Uganda, there exists a ban on same-sex relations. However, as per Human Rights Watch, the Ugandan law appears to be the first to outlaw merely identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ).&nbsp;

Those in violation of the so-called Anti-Homosexuality Act risk severe punishments, including death penalty and life in prison.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The United States on Wednesday expressed concerns about Uganda's law criminalising identification as LGBTQ and said that it represents one of the most extreme actions taken against the LGBTQ community in the world.

The United States on Wednesday expressed concerns about Uganda's law criminalising identification as LGBTQ and said that it represents one of the most extreme actions taken against the LGBTQ community in the world. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby warned Uganda that imposing the controversial law could invite possible economic "repercussions." Speaking to the press, White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre said that if the Anti-Homosexuality Act (AHA) is enacted, it would threaten Uganda's fight against HIV-AIDS, and deter tourism, and investment in Uganda. Watch | Uganda outlaws identifying as LGBTQ, imposes death penalty for gay sex Financial repercussions "would be really unfortunate because so much of the economic assistance that we provide is health assistance," remarked Kirby. He added that Washington was closely watching "real closely" the Uganda LGBT law and that implementation of the law remains a "big if." Uganda on Tuesday passed legislation making it illegal to identify as LGBTQ. The legislation's implementation is pending final approval by the country's President Yoweri Museveni. Also read | Identifying as LGBTQ in Uganda can lead to life in jail and even death sentence "The bill is one of the most extreme anti-LGBTQI+ laws in the world. Human rights are universal. No one should be attacked, imprisoned, or killed simply because of who they are or whom they love," said White House spokesperson Jean-Pierre. The new law targets gay Ugandans who already face legal discrimination and mob violence. Also read | Laws criminalising LGBT people are 'sin': Pope Francis In more than 30 African nations, including Uganda, there exists a ban on same-sex relations. However, as per Human Rights Watch, the Ugandan law appears to be the first to outlaw merely identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ). Those in violation of the so-called Anti-Homosexuality Act risk severe punishments, including death penalty and life in prison. (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 expresses concern over Uganda's anti-homosexuality law, warns African nation of 'repercussions'

In Italy, thousands gathered in the city of Milan to protest against a move brought in by Giorgia Meloni's government. The measure restricts recognition of parental rights only to biological parents in families which have same-sex parents.

Italy restricts parental rights for LGBTQIA+; protests witnessed in Milan

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".

"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 |&nbsp;Blow to LGBTQ rights: Japan rules same-sex marriage ban constitutional

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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;

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 |&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>

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 |&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>

"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)

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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"

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is reportedly debating allowing gay and bisexual men in monogamous relationships to donate blood without abstaining from sex, as required under the current guidelines.

A Wall Street Journal (WSJ) report citing sources familiar with the plans said that the FDA plans to issue the new rules in the coming months.

Under the new guidelines, the donors would be required to complete an individualised risk assessment similar to that used by Canada.

Also read |&nbsp;Gravitas: US senators want FDA to allow gay people to donate blood

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Canada adopted its risk assessment form in September, however, it is not just for gay and bisexual men, rather it is applicable to donors of all genders and sexual orientations. The form asks uniform questions about a potential donor's medical, travel and sexual history.

Officials of the US FDA are still drafting its questionnaire and the guidelines.

WFJ citing an anonymous FDA official reported that the new assessment would most probably ask people about their sexual history over the past three months, including new sexual partners if any.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gender-disparity-in-news-women-especially-those-of-colour-grossly-underrepresented-in-leadership-and-coverage-538864">Gender disparity in news: Women especially of colour grossly under-represented in leadership and coverage</a>

People with no new sexual partners in the past three months will be free to donate blood. Those who report new partners would have to answer follow-up questions like whether they engaged in anal sex or not.&nbsp;

Those with no anal sex encounters in the last three months will be allowed to donate blood, while those who reply yes to the question will have to wait another three months before being eligible to donate.

As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) compared to other forms of sex unprotected anal sex carries a higher risk of HIV infection.&nbsp;

HIV Infection becomes apparent in three months, said the FDA official.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tokyo-court-rules-current-definition-of-marriage-constitutional-but-creates-an-unconstitutional-situation-538840">Tokyo court say current definition of marriage constitutional, but creates 'unconstitutional situation'</a>

LGBTQ advocacy groups have for long said that the US policy is discriminatory and outdated, organisations like the American Medical Association, and the American Red Cross too have called for a policy change.

US blood donation policy was originally adopted in 1985 and it dictated that a gay/bisexual man will not be eligible to donate blood if they have had sex with another man even once since 1977. It came into force to protect the blood supply from HIV.

In 2015, the rule was amended and only men who have had a sexual partner of the same sex in the past one year were made ineligible to donate. During the pandemic due to a shortage of blood supply, this time period was further shortened to three months.

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is reportedly debating allowing gay and bisexual men in monogamous relationships to donate blood without abstaining from sex, as required under the current guidelines.

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is reportedly debating allowing gay and bisexual men in monogamous relationships to donate blood without abstaining from sex, as required under the current guidelines. A Wall Street Journal (WSJ) report citing sources familiar with the plans said that the FDA plans to issue the new rules in the coming months. Under the new guidelines, the donors would be required to complete an individualised risk assessment similar to that used by Canada. Also read | Gravitas: US senators want FDA to allow gay people to donate blood Canada adopted its risk assessment form in September, however, it is not just for gay and bisexual men, rather it is applicable to donors of all genders and sexual orientations. The form asks uniform questions about a potential donor's medical, travel and sexual history. Officials of the US FDA are still drafting its questionnaire and the guidelines. WFJ citing an anonymous FDA official reported that the new assessment would most probably ask people about their sexual history over the past three months, including new sexual partners if any. Also read | Gender disparity in news: Women especially of colour grossly under-represented in leadership and coverage People with no new sexual partners in the past three months will be free to donate blood. Those who report new partners would have to answer follow-up questions like whether they engaged in anal sex or not. Those with no anal sex encounters in the last three months will be allowed to donate blood, while those who reply yes to the question will have to wait another three months before being eligible to donate. As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) compared to other forms of sex unprotected anal sex carries a higher risk of HIV infection. HIV Infection becomes apparent in three months, said the FDA official. Also read | Tokyo court say current definition of marriage constitutional, but creates 'unconstitutional situation' LGBTQ advocacy groups have for long said that the US policy is discriminatory and outdated, organisations like the American Medical Association, and the American Red Cross too have called for a policy change. US blood donation policy was originally adopted in 1985 and it dictated that a gay/bisexual man will not be eligible to donate blood if they have had sex with another man even once since 1977. It came into force to protect the blood supply from HIV. In 2015, the rule was amended and only men who have had a sexual partner of the same sex in the past one year were made ineligible to donate. During the pandemic due to a shortage of blood supply, this time period was further shortened to three months.

US | FDA plans to change 'discriminatory and outdated' blood donation rules for gay men

Old-school Japan's progressive Tokyo: City recognises same sex relationships

'Love is love': Countries where same-sex marriage and surrogacy is legal

A matchmaking website, a BSE-listed company, has introduced RainbowLuv, a special platform that serves the entire LGBTQIA+ community, as a first in India.&nbsp;

According to the company, the numerous dating services currently offered are either exclusively for lesbians or gays, or they cater to gender binary persons and allow members of the community to join and search for matches.&nbsp;

Despite the fact that same-sex unions are illegal in India, the matchmaking platform informed that the LGBTIQ+ community has a good need for committed partnerships that have so far gone unsatisfied with the numerous dating portals.

There is a dearth of information on the group, but according to government statistics from 2012 based on self-enumeration or declarations made by community members, there are 2.5 million LGBT persons in India, according to Arjun Bhatia, chief marketing officer of matrimony.com.&nbsp;

Due to the community's sensitivity and ongoing vulnerability, the portal has procedures in place to stop incidents of verbal or physical abuse against its users. To do this, it requires all users to share one or more forms of official identification when registering. To verify the person's legitimacy, this is synchronised in the backend.

Additionally, there is an additional layer of selfie verification, which is reviewed by artificial intelligence and machine learning technology that the company uses, to check phoney profile concerns that arise in the majority of dating and marriage portals and applications.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/maori-face-tattoo-filter-removed-from-snapchat-analysts-say-huge-disrespect-to-culture-513726">Māori face tattoo filter removed from Snapchat, analysts say 'huge disrespect' to culture</a>

Additionally, sending interest signals or starting discussions with other users of the programme is only available to paying users. And RainbowLUV will stop that, unlike many other similar apps where a paid member might obtain access to the mobile phones of the other members.

Prior to anyone having access to any personal contact information, the member must give permission. The user can build a profile and look for matches based on their sexual orientation, location, age, income, and occupation without paying, but they are unable to send EOI or start a discussion.

(with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

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A matchmaking website, a BSE-listed company, has introduced RainbowLuv, a special platform that serves the entire LGBTQIA+ community, as a first in India. According to the company, the numerous dating services currently offered are either exclusively for lesbians or gays, or they cater to gender binary persons and allow members of the community to join and search for matches.

A matchmaking website, a BSE-listed company, has introduced RainbowLuv, a special platform that serves the entire LGBTQIA+ community, as a first in India. According to the company, the numerous dating services currently offered are either exclusively for lesbians or gays, or they cater to gender binary persons and allow members of the community to join and search for matches. Despite the fact that same-sex unions are illegal in India, the matchmaking platform informed that the LGBTIQ+ community has a good need for committed partnerships that have so far gone unsatisfied with the numerous dating portals. There is a dearth of information on the group, but according to government statistics from 2012 based on self-enumeration or declarations made by community members, there are 2.5 million LGBT persons in India, according to Arjun Bhatia, chief marketing officer of matrimony.com. Due to the community's sensitivity and ongoing vulnerability, the portal has procedures in place to stop incidents of verbal or physical abuse against its users. To do this, it requires all users to share one or more forms of official identification when registering. To verify the person's legitimacy, this is synchronised in the backend. Additionally, there is an additional layer of selfie verification, which is reviewed by artificial intelligence and machine learning technology that the company uses, to check phoney profile concerns that arise in the majority of dating and marriage portals and applications. Also Read: Māori face tattoo filter removed from Snapchat, analysts say 'huge disrespect' to culture Additionally, sending interest signals or starting discussions with other users of the programme is only available to paying users. And RainbowLUV will stop that, unlike many other similar apps where a paid member might obtain access to the mobile phones of the other members. Prior to anyone having access to any personal contact information, the member must give permission. The user can build a profile and look for matches based on their sexual orientation, location, age, income, and occupation without paying, but they are unable to send EOI or start a discussion. (with inputs from agencies)

Matchmaking website launches first-ever platform for LGBTQIA+ in India

Bowing to pressure, Amazon has restricted search results and inventory related to LGBTQ+ topics and products in the United Arab Emirates. As per a report by the New York Times, a number of books related to the community have been removed from sale in the UAE. Additionally, search results for 150 plus keywords including broad terms like "LGBTQ", "Pride" and targeted searches like "Transgender flag" and "chest binder for lesbians" have been removed.&nbsp;This move comes as Pride month, an annual celebration of LGBTQ+ individuals around the world, is coming to a close.&nbsp;In the United Arab Emirates, it is against the law to be homosexual. UAE is one of 69 nations worldwide with laws outlawing homosexuality.

Watch | LGBTQI+: Bias and Discrimination | WION Wideangle

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In a statement, Nicole Pampe, an Amazon spokeswoman, said: "As a company, we remain committed to diversity, equity and inclusion, and we believe that the rights of L.G.B.T.Q.+ people must be protected."

However, Pampe added that "with Amazon stores around the world" the company "must also comply with the local laws and regulations of the countries in which we operate."

According to the document accessed by NYT, the Emirati government gave Amazon until Friday to comply or face penalties. What those punishments would have been, however, remained unclear.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/homosexuality-crackdown-in-saudi-arabia-authorities-seize-rainbow-toys-488612">'Homosexuality' crackdown in Saudi Arabia: Authorities seize rainbow toys</a>

UAE's crackdown on homosexuality isn't new.

Recently, according to a report by state TV Al Ekhbariya, authorities in Saudi Arabia also seized rainbow-coloured toys and children's apparel on the grounds that they promote homosexuality. According to the report, representatives from the commerce ministry confiscated a variety of merchandise from stores in the capital, Riyadh, including hats, skirts, T-shirts, hair clips, and pencil bags.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/pride-month-lgbtqia-icons-trailblazers-you-need-to-know-488901">Pride Month: LGBTQIA+ icons, trailblazers you need to know</a>

Additionally, Saudi Arabia has outlawed movies that feature or even hint at sexual minorities. The kingdom said in April that it had requested Disney remove "LGBTQ references" from Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness Marvel movie, but Disney had refused.&nbsp;

Saudi Arabia and more than a dozen other nations have also outlawed Disney's most recent animated film, Lightyear, which depicts a same-sex kiss.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Bowing to pressure, Amazon has restricted search results and inventory related to LGBTQ+ topics and products in the United Arab Emirates. As per a report by the New York Times, a number of books related to the community have been removed from sale in the UAE.

Bowing to pressure, Amazon has restricted search results and inventory related to LGBTQ+ topics and products in the United Arab Emirates. As per a report by the New York Times, a number of books related to the community have been removed from sale in the UAE. Additionally, search results for 150 plus keywords including broad terms like "LGBTQ", "Pride" and targeted searches like "Transgender flag" and "chest binder for lesbians" have been removed. This move comes as Pride month, an annual celebration of LGBTQ+ individuals around the world, is coming to a close. In the United Arab Emirates, it is against the law to be homosexual. UAE is one of 69 nations worldwide with laws outlawing homosexuality. Watch | LGBTQI+: Bias and Discrimination | WION Wideangle In a statement, Nicole Pampe, an Amazon spokeswoman, said: "As a company, we remain committed to diversity, equity and inclusion, and we believe that the rights of L.G.B.T.Q.+ people must be protected." However, Pampe added that "with Amazon stores around the world" the company "must also comply with the local laws and regulations of the countries in which we operate." According to the document accessed by NYT, the Emirati government gave Amazon until Friday to comply or face penalties. What those punishments would have been, however, remained unclear. Also read | 'Homosexuality' crackdown in Saudi Arabia: Authorities seize rainbow toys UAE's crackdown on homosexuality isn't new. Recently, according to a report by state TV Al Ekhbariya, authorities in Saudi Arabia also seized rainbow-coloured toys and children's apparel on the grounds that they promote homosexuality. According to the report, representatives from the commerce ministry confiscated a variety of merchandise from stores in the capital, Riyadh, including hats, skirts, T-shirts, hair clips, and pencil bags. Also read | Pride Month: LGBTQIA+ icons, trailblazers you need to know Additionally, Saudi Arabia has outlawed movies that feature or even hint at sexual minorities. The kingdom said in April that it had requested Disney remove "LGBTQ references" from Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness Marvel movie, but Disney had refused. Saudi Arabia and more than a dozen other nations have also outlawed Disney's most recent animated film, Lightyear, which depicts a same-sex kiss. (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.

Amazon bows down to UAE's crackdown on homosexuality, limits LGBTQ+ search results

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