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Cooma, a small Australian town, has a dark secret: a prison that was used to imprison individuals for "homosexual offences" and supposedly served as a human experimentation ground with the purpose of treating homosexuality.

According to historical archives, New South Wales (NSW) Justice Minister Reg Downing is credited with founding the prison.

BBC reports that Downing described Cooma prison as the only criminal institution in the world, devoted only to the incarceration of gay offenders in a press statement in 1958.

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In the jail which was reopened in 1957, as per the podcast ‘The Greatest Menace’ many of the prison staff didn’t even know the real reason that gay prisoners were segregated there.

Les Strzelecki, 66, who began working at the prison as a custodial services officer in 1979 and later founded the Corrective Services Museum in Cooma believes that inmates were put there, for their own safety.

"Cooma was a protective institution. We'd red stamp homosexual prisoners with 'N/A': non-association with mainstream prisons," he told BBC. "They were at risk of violence at bigger prisons like Long Bay [in Sydney]."

However, Cliff New, a former employee, maintains it was for less humane motives. He told a podcast series that psychologists and psychiatrists were coming in all the time.

New interpreted these as conversion attempts, as per him these doctors were attempting to put the gay men on the correct path, hoping to "cure them".

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Draconian state laws in the mid-1950s cracked down on homosexuality; in New South Wales homosexuality was a crime until 1984.

While soliciting was a crime, even chatting up another man was a criminal offence for which a man could be jailed.&nbsp;

Historian Garry Wotherspoon while talking to the BBC told of the punishment that buggery or anal sex carried. If proved, it carried a sentence of 14 years and a mere attempt could earn men five years in the Cooma jail.

According to the BBC, the podcast voiced evidence suggesting that the police would actually incite men to commit homosexual acts.

"They'd use hunky policemen to entrap gay men by enticing them to have sex, usually in public toilets," claims Wotherspoon.

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The NSW government established a commission to investigate the "cause and treatment of homosexuality" in 1958. A statement stated it would include "experts in the fields of medicine, psychiatry, penology, and social and moral welfare."

As per Patrick Abboud, the podcast’s developer, psychiatrists addressed issues such as 'did your mother's power drive you to despise other women?'. He also said that "over mothering" was concluded to be a significant cause of homosexuality.

Even so, the mission against homosexuality failed despite all the efforts. Gay men had ongoing relationships in prison and would actually commit offences to go back to their boyfriends.

(With inputs from agencies)

Cooma, a small Australian town, has a dark secret: a prison that was used to imprison individuals for "homosexual offences" and supposedly served as a human experimentation ground with the purpose of treating homosexuality.

Cooma, a small Australian town, has a dark secret: a prison that was used to imprison individuals for "homosexual offences" and supposedly served as a human experimentation ground with the purpose of treating homosexuality. According to historical archives, New South Wales (NSW) Justice Minister Reg Downing is credited with founding the prison. BBC reports that Downing described Cooma prison as the only criminal institution in the world, devoted only to the incarceration of gay offenders in a press statement in 1958. Also read | World leaders send their 'warmest congratulations' to Emmanuel Macron. Check out the wishes! In the jail which was reopened in 1957, as per the podcast ‘The Greatest Menace’ many of the prison staff didn’t even know the real reason that gay prisoners were segregated there. Les Strzelecki, 66, who began working at the prison as a custodial services officer in 1979 and later founded the Corrective Services Museum in Cooma believes that inmates were put there, for their own safety. "Cooma was a protective institution. We'd red stamp homosexual prisoners with 'N/A': non-association with mainstream prisons," he told BBC. "They were at risk of violence at bigger prisons like Long Bay [in Sydney]." However, Cliff New, a former employee, maintains it was for less humane motives. He told a podcast series that psychologists and psychiatrists were coming in all the time. New interpreted these as conversion attempts, as per him these doctors were attempting to put the gay men on the correct path, hoping to "cure them". Watch | How netizens are reacting to Apple's 'pregnant man' emoji Draconian state laws in the mid-1950s cracked down on homosexuality; in New South Wales homosexuality was a crime until 1984. While soliciting was a crime, even chatting up another man was a criminal offence for which a man could be jailed. Historian Garry Wotherspoon while talking to the BBC told of the punishment that buggery or anal sex carried. If proved, it carried a sentence of 14 years and a mere attempt could earn men five years in the Cooma jail. According to the BBC, the podcast voiced evidence suggesting that the police would actually incite men to commit homosexual acts. "They'd use hunky policemen to entrap gay men by enticing them to have sex, usually in public toilets," claims Wotherspoon. Also read | A 'beary' interesting tale: Plagued by mysterious noise, California family finds 5 bears under their house The NSW government established a commission to investigate the "cause and treatment of homosexuality" in 1958. A statement stated it would include "experts in the fields of medicine, psychiatry, penology, and social and moral welfare." As per Patrick Abboud, the podcast’s developer, psychiatrists addressed issues such as 'did your mother's power drive you to despise other women?'. He also said that "over mothering" was concluded to be a significant cause of homosexuality. Even so, the mission against homosexuality failed despite all the efforts. Gay men had ongoing relationships in prison and would actually commit offences to go back to their boyfriends. (With inputs from agencies)

Australia's dark secret: A gay men's prison that conducted experiments to abolish homosexuality

On Monday, several pleas, including those from two couples, seeking recognition of same-sex marriage under the special, Hindu and foreign marriage laws have been listed for final hearing by the Delhi High Court.

Justice Jyoti Singh and Chief Justice D N Patel granted the parties time to file their replies and rejoinders and set November 30 for a final hearing in the matter.

In the first petition, Abhijit Iyer Mitra and three other petitioners assert that same-sex marriage is impossible despite the Supreme Court decriminalising consensual homosexual acts and want them to be recognised under the Hindu Marriage Act (HMA) and the Special Marriage Act (SMA).

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/30-years-in-tracing-the-history-of-gay-marriage-252990">30 years in: Tracing the history of gay marriage</a>

The second appeal is brought by two women seeking to get married under the SMA, contesting the statutory provisions and their limitations pertaining to same-sex marriages.

The third appeal comes from two men who got married in the US but were denied registration of their marriage under the Foreign Marriage Act (FMA).

Another petition calls for the right for a spouse of an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholder to apply for registration as an OCI regardless of sexual orientation or gender.

This petition is by a married same-sex couple Joydeep Sengupta, an OCI, and Russell Blaine Stephens, a US citizen. Along with the couple, an Indian citizen and a queer rights academic and activist Mario Dpenha has also filed this petition.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/they-said-yes-swiss-voters-back-same-sex-marriage-416213">They said yes! Swiss voters back same-sex marriage</a>

Advocate Karuna Nandy, representing the couple, stated that they got married in New York, and contends that the Citizenship Act is silent on the gender or sexuality of the spouse and that a person married to an overseas citizen of India for two years should be declared eligible to apply as a spouse for an OCI card.

However, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta claimed that 'spouse' meant either the husband or wife and that 'marriage' indicated heterosexual unions and that a specific reply to the Citizenship Act was not required.

'The law as it stands...Personal laws are settled and marriage which is contemplated to be is between (a) biological man and (a) biological woman," he said, adding that petitioners' perception of the Supreme Court's decriminalisation verdict is unclear.

"The issue here is whether marriage is permissible between homosexual couples. Your lordships have to see that. There is some misconception regarding Navtej Singh Johar case. It merely decriminalises consensual homosexual act. It does not talk about marriage," Mehta contended.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/same-sex-marriages-not-recognised-by-our-laws-society-and-our-values-centre-to-hc-327439">Same sex marriages not recognised by our laws, society and our values: Centre to HC</a>

According to Saurabh Kirpal, a senior advocate representing one of the petitioners, while the Supreme Court didn't specifically permit same-sex marriage, the inevitable implication in Constitutional matters provides for it, this being how Constitutional jurisprudence operates.

In India, the central government has opposed same-sex marriage, claiming it is not just the union of two individuals, but an institution between a biological male and a biological female.

Moreover, it said that judicial interference would create "complete havoc with the delicate balance of personal laws".

(With inputs from agencies)

On Monday, several pleas, including those from two couples, seeking recognition of same-sex marriage under the special, Hindu and foreign marriage laws have been listed for final hearing by the Delhi High Court.

On Monday, several pleas, including those from two couples, seeking recognition of same-sex marriage under the special, Hindu and foreign marriage laws have been listed for final hearing by the Delhi High Court. Justice Jyoti Singh and Chief Justice D N Patel granted the parties time to file their replies and rejoinders and set November 30 for a final hearing in the matter. In the first petition, Abhijit Iyer Mitra and three other petitioners assert that same-sex marriage is impossible despite the Supreme Court decriminalising consensual homosexual acts and want them to be recognised under the Hindu Marriage Act (HMA) and the Special Marriage Act (SMA). Also read | 30 years in: Tracing the history of gay marriage The second appeal is brought by two women seeking to get married under the SMA, contesting the statutory provisions and their limitations pertaining to same-sex marriages. The third appeal comes from two men who got married in the US but were denied registration of their marriage under the Foreign Marriage Act (FMA). Another petition calls for the right for a spouse of an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholder to apply for registration as an OCI regardless of sexual orientation or gender. This petition is by a married same-sex couple Joydeep Sengupta, an OCI, and Russell Blaine Stephens, a US citizen. Along with the couple, an Indian citizen and a queer rights academic and activist Mario Dpenha has also filed this petition. Also read | They said yes! Swiss voters back same-sex marriage Advocate Karuna Nandy, representing the couple, stated that they got married in New York, and contends that the Citizenship Act is silent on the gender or sexuality of the spouse and that a person married to an overseas citizen of India for two years should be declared eligible to apply as a spouse for an OCI card. However, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta claimed that 'spouse' meant either the husband or wife and that 'marriage' indicated heterosexual unions and that a specific reply to the Citizenship Act was not required. 'The law as it stands...Personal laws are settled and marriage which is contemplated to be is between (a) biological man and (a) biological woman," he said, adding that petitioners' perception of the Supreme Court's decriminalisation verdict is unclear. "The issue here is whether marriage is permissible between homosexual couples. Your lordships have to see that. There is some misconception regarding Navtej Singh Johar case. It merely decriminalises consensual homosexual act. It does not talk about marriage," Mehta contended. Also read | Same sex marriages not recognised by our laws, society and our values: Centre to HC According to Saurabh Kirpal, a senior advocate representing one of the petitioners, while the Supreme Court didn't specifically permit same-sex marriage, the inevitable implication in Constitutional matters provides for it, this being how Constitutional jurisprudence operates. In India, the central government has opposed same-sex marriage, claiming it is not just the union of two individuals, but an institution between a biological male and a biological female. Moreover, it said that judicial interference would create "complete havoc with the delicate balance of personal laws". (With inputs from agencies)

Delhi High Court sets November 30 for final hearing on same-sex marriages in India

On 12 June 2016, Omar Mateen opened fire in a gay nightclub in Orlando, United States. By the time he finished the rampage, 49 people from the LGBTQIA+ community were dead and 53 injured.

This month, President Joe Biden signed off on naming the Pulse nightclub a national memorial.

The gruesome incident in that club, once a space of joy, is a reminder to the LGBTQIA+ community of the consequences they face for exercising freedom, even in relatively open societies. Asserting those freedoms is at the heart of the&nbsp;Pride&nbsp;Month.&nbsp;

In late 20th century, when "certain looking" people were discouraged from pursuing social interaction in public, clubs emerged as safe spaces for sexual minorities.

With the Stonewall riots in New York City, the Gay Liberation Movement took off in 1969 and called on governments to take notice of the community’s needs and demands. After being excluded from the mainstream narrative, minorities were finally finding a voice. That movement continues to manifest itself globally with yearly&nbsp;pride&nbsp;parades and the enlarged demands for representation.&nbsp;

<h6 data-ogsc="black"><img alt="A person waves the rainbow flag, or pride flag, during the first in-person LGBT+ Pride march amid the novel coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic, in Guadalajara, Jalisco State, Mexico, on June 12, 2021." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="abd0fd83-87cd-4719-88bb-88187ce11038" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/oof%20%281%29_3.jpg" /> 
A person waves the rainbow flag, or pride flag, during the first in-person LGBT+ Pride march amid the novel coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic, in Guadalajara, Jalisco State, Mexico, on June 12, 2021. | AFP 
 
&nbsp;</h6>

But the Orlando nightclub shooting brought to light a new threat posed by community-driven safe spaces, marking a new direction in hate crimes of trespassing these spaces that were instituted for the safety enshrined in them.

Suddenly, the community felt shocked and scathed - dumbfounded by how their years-long struggle was diluted by an ignorant homophobe. It shook everyone to this cold reality: exclusive clubs are not enough, safe spaces aren’t safe enough, marriage equality is not enough.

While legal recognition in democratic countries has allayed fears among sexual minorities, the ground reality continues to remain grim.&nbsp;

In fact, with global discussions about marriage equality and anti-discrimination measures, the community has been flung into the mainstream narrative. This does not sit well with naysayers. And when majoritarian groups feel threatened, they react with violence.&nbsp;

An NBC news report claims that in 2019 alone, hate crimes against transgenders soared by 20 per cent and that’s just in the US.

The pertinent question is - has the LGBTQIA+ community been celebrating a premature victory?&nbsp;

In India, the scrapping of the archaic Section 377 instilled a sense of faith among people. But there are no measures in place to protect LGBTQIA+ community from discrimination and harassment, in both the public and private spheres.&nbsp;

The transgender community especially remains extremely compartmentalised due to decades-long stigmatisation.&nbsp;Are radical changes like marriage equality enough?&nbsp;

In 2019, the&nbsp;Transgender&nbsp;Persons Bill&nbsp;was passed with the hope of ending&nbsp;discrimination in terms of employment, education, and access to healthcare. But is that change trickling down in India?

<h6 data-ogsc="black"><img alt="A participant holds a rainbow flag as people take part at the annual Pride March parade in Paris on June 26, 2021." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="63bddd5a-7c84-4cc0-9702-c994048bf973" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/oof%20%285%29_0.jpg" /> 
A participant holds a rainbow flag as people take part at the annual Pride March parade in Paris on June 26, 2021. | AFP</h6>

 
European countries are also facing a "cultural battle" over the scope of LGBT+ rights, as suggested by French President Emmanuel Macron.

On June 25, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte told Hungary's premier Viktor Orban&nbsp;to "respect LGBT rights or leave the European Union" over a contentious law which prohibits schools in the country from using material that "promotes homosexuality".

The country's&nbsp;"Anti-Paedophilia Act" conflates pedophilia with homosexuality, a common trope which is pushed in homophobic regimes to curtail rights.

On the other&nbsp;end of this spectrum are countries like Italy, where an attempt is being made to create an anti-LGBT hate law.&nbsp;A noble proposal, it was immediately shot down by neighbouring&nbsp;Vatican which&nbsp;headquarters&nbsp;the Roman Catholic Church.

It's not unusual for neighbours to disagree with each other's policies. But the Vatican's attempt to alter the course of pro-LGBTQIA+ measures in Italy are peculiar.&nbsp;

This time, its stance has been invoked as a nation, deeply symbolic of the&nbsp;“concordat” that defines Vatican's&nbsp;relationship with Italy, whose&nbsp;"Zan bill" intends to outlaw targeted violence against sexual minorities.&nbsp;

Italy has extremely less protective provisions for its sexual minorities when compared with other European countries, which is perceived as a&nbsp;direct product of the Catholic Church's historical influence on the country.

It takes a lot more than snap alterations to change a society comfortably settled in majoritarian excesses.&nbsp;No amount of rainbow posturing by corporates will usher real social change until education begins from both ends of power.&nbsp;

In India, the absenteeism exhibited by mainstream political leaders in terms of LGBTQIA+ rights is jarring. It reflects the misplaced priorities of a democracy. At a time when democracies should expand their freedoms, many regimes are taking a step back and questioning the need for diversity.

If this trend escalates, there could be pushback against equality.&nbsp;

At Euro 2020, a sporting event has drawn attention after Manuel Neuer donned a rainbow-coloured armband to support equal rights, which was seen as a ‘political symbol’ by the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA).

They opened an investigation into this statement and are planning to hold more matches in Budapest, where legislation prevents dissemination of any content which ‘promotes’ homosexuality.&nbsp;

<h6 data-ogsc="black"><img alt="Participants hold signs as they take part in the &quot;Skopje Pride&quot;, the second Pride march in downtown Skopje on June 26, 2021." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b19f35fa-3990-4e9f-98c8-ff4326034c57" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/oof%20%283%29_2.jpg" /> 
Participants hold signs as they take part in the "Skopje Pride", the second Pride march in downtown Skopje on June 26, 2021. | AFP</h6>

 
Token moves like yearly events are not enough in a world where many countries still punish homosexuality by death.&nbsp;

We’re all familiar with the Holocaust. But how many of us know that after the Jews, Hitler’s ferocious empire systematically targeted homosexuals - a story that has remained largely buried because war crime archives tend to ignore gendered and sexual violence.

In Chechnya, a Russian territory, anti-gay purges have become rampant in the last five years. Forced disappearances and secret imprisonments at Hitler-style concentration camps have been noted by several eyewitnesses.

<h6 data-ogsc="black"><img alt="An activist holds a rainbow flag during the annual Gay Pride Parade in downtown Sofia, on June 12, 2021." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1ab24a81-7224-4664-bce3-a37378f6e6e7" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/oof%20%284%29_2.jpg" /> 
An activist holds a rainbow flag during the annual Gay Pride Parade in downtown Sofia, on June 12, 2021. | AFP</h6>

 
Most online campaigns driven by marketing greed are acts of posturing more than redemption that appear and disappear in sync with evolving laws. Roughly 50 per cent&nbsp;of Indians have access to internet - the behemoth of free information and knowledge accumulation. Unfortunately, our national politics have never openly embraced narratives of equality for fears of alienating vote banks. But it’s time to move forward, to trigger targeted awareness campaigns, to imbibe sexuality and not just procreative sex into our education system.

Till then, forget marriage equality, most LGBTQIA+ folks can’t even occupy public spaces without being jeered at, verbally abused, or facing acts of violence.&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

On 12 June 2016, Omar Mateen opened fire in a gay nightclub in Orlando, United States. By the time he finished the rampage, 49 people from the LGBTQIA+ community were dead and 53 injured.

On 12 June 2016, Omar Mateen opened fire in a gay nightclub in Orlando, United States. By the time he finished the rampage, 49 people from the LGBTQIA+ community were dead and 53 injured. This month, President Joe Biden signed off on naming the Pulse nightclub a national memorial. The gruesome incident in that club, once a space of joy, is a reminder to the LGBTQIA+ community of the consequences they face for exercising freedom, even in relatively open societies. Asserting those freedoms is at the heart of the Pride Month. In late 20th century, when "certain looking" people were discouraged from pursuing social interaction in public, clubs emerged as safe spaces for sexual minorities. With the Stonewall riots in New York City, the Gay Liberation Movement took off in 1969 and called on governments to take notice of the community’s needs and demands. After being excluded from the mainstream narrative, minorities were finally finding a voice. That movement continues to manifest itself globally with yearly pride parades and the enlarged demands for representation. A person waves the rainbow flag, or pride flag, during the first in-person LGBT+ Pride march amid the novel coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic, in Guadalajara, Jalisco State, Mexico, on June 12, 2021. | AFP But the Orlando nightclub shooting brought to light a new threat posed by community-driven safe spaces, marking a new direction in hate crimes of trespassing these spaces that were instituted for the safety enshrined in them. Suddenly, the community felt shocked and scathed - dumbfounded by how their years-long struggle was diluted by an ignorant homophobe. It shook everyone to this cold reality: exclusive clubs are not enough, safe spaces aren’t safe enough, marriage equality is not enough. While legal recognition in democratic countries has allayed fears among sexual minorities, the ground reality continues to remain grim. In fact, with global discussions about marriage equality and anti-discrimination measures, the community has been flung into the mainstream narrative. This does not sit well with naysayers. And when majoritarian groups feel threatened, they react with violence. An NBC news report claims that in 2019 alone, hate crimes against transgenders soared by 20 per cent and that’s just in the US. The pertinent question is - has the LGBTQIA+ community been celebrating a premature victory? In India, the scrapping of the archaic Section 377 instilled a sense of faith among people. But there are no measures in place to protect LGBTQIA+ community from discrimination and harassment, in both the public and private spheres. The transgender community especially remains extremely compartmentalised due to decades-long stigmatisation. Are radical changes like marriage equality enough? In 2019, the Transgender Persons Bill was passed with the hope of ending discrimination in terms of employment, education, and access to healthcare. But is that change trickling down in India? A participant holds a rainbow flag as people take part at the annual Pride March parade in Paris on June 26, 2021. | AFP European countries are also facing a "cultural battle" over the scope of LGBT+ rights, as suggested by French President Emmanuel Macron. On June 25, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte told Hungary's premier Viktor Orban to "respect LGBT rights or leave the European Union" over a contentious law which prohibits schools in the country from using material that "promotes homosexuality". The country's "Anti-Paedophilia Act" conflates pedophilia with homosexuality, a common trope which is pushed in homophobic regimes to curtail rights. On the other end of this spectrum are countries like Italy, where an attempt is being made to create an anti-LGBT hate law. A noble proposal, it was immediately shot down by neighbouring Vatican which headquarters the Roman Catholic Church. It's not unusual for neighbours to disagree with each other's policies. But the Vatican's attempt to alter the course of pro-LGBTQIA+ measures in Italy are peculiar. This time, its stance has been invoked as a nation, deeply symbolic of the “concordat” that defines Vatican's relationship with Italy, whose "Zan bill" intends to outlaw targeted violence against sexual minorities. Italy has extremely less protective provisions for its sexual minorities when compared with other European countries, which is perceived as a direct product of the Catholic Church's historical influence on the country. It takes a lot more than snap alterations to change a society comfortably settled in majoritarian excesses. No amount of rainbow posturing by corporates will usher real social change until education begins from both ends of power. In India, the absenteeism exhibited by mainstream political leaders in terms of LGBTQIA+ rights is jarring. It reflects the misplaced priorities of a democracy. At a time when democracies should expand their freedoms, many regimes are taking a step back and questioning the need for diversity. If this trend escalates, there could be pushback against equality. At Euro 2020, a sporting event has drawn attention after Manuel Neuer donned a rainbow-coloured armband to support equal rights, which was seen as a ‘political symbol’ by the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA). They opened an investigation into this statement and are planning to hold more matches in Budapest, where legislation prevents dissemination of any content which ‘promotes’ homosexuality. Participants hold signs as they take part in the "Skopje Pride", the second Pride march in downtown Skopje on June 26, 2021. | AFP Token moves like yearly events are not enough in a world where many countries still punish homosexuality by death. We’re all familiar with the Holocaust. But how many of us know that after the Jews, Hitler’s ferocious empire systematically targeted homosexuals - a story that has remained largely buried because war crime archives tend to ignore gendered and sexual violence. In Chechnya, a Russian territory, anti-gay purges have become rampant in the last five years. Forced disappearances and secret imprisonments at Hitler-style concentration camps have been noted by several eyewitnesses. An activist holds a rainbow flag during the annual Gay Pride Parade in downtown Sofia, on June 12, 2021. | AFP Most online campaigns driven by marketing greed are acts of posturing more than redemption that appear and disappear in sync with evolving laws. Roughly 50 per cent of Indians have access to internet - the behemoth of free information and knowledge accumulation. Unfortunately, our national politics have never openly embraced narratives of equality for fears of alienating vote banks. But it’s time to move forward, to trigger targeted awareness campaigns, to imbibe sexuality and not just procreative sex into our education system. Till then, forget marriage equality, most LGBTQIA+ folks can’t even occupy public spaces without being jeered at, verbally abused, or facing acts of violence. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Opinion: Will Pride Month do more than just rainbow colouring of displays? 

German Chancellor Angela Merkel slammed Hungary's proposed new law prohibiting the distribution of homosexuality and gender change materials in schools.

"I believe this law is incorrect and incompatible with my beliefs," Merkel said in a statement to the Bundestag, the lower house of parliament, adding that the bill was something she would vote against politically.

Last week, the Hungarian parliament passed a new rule proposed by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's cabinet that prohibits the portrayal of homosexuality and sex reassignment in school education materials and television programmes aimed at children under the age of 18.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/britain-slams-hungarys-anti-lgbt-law-as-an-affront-to-human-rights-392475" hreflang="en">Britain slams Hungary's anti-LGBT+ law as an 'affront to human rights'</a>

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/japan-at-turning-point-for-lgbtq-rights-campaigners-390341" hreflang="en">Japan at 'turning point' for LGBTQ rights: Campaigners</a>

High-ranking officials from numerous EU countries and organisations in the European Parliament immediately condemned the bill, which was passed during Pride month.

The EU Council discussed the uproar over the Hungarian law on Tuesday afternoon, with the Benelux ministers bringing together like-minded countries in a scathing declaration against the legislation. &nbsp;

"The law represents a flagrant form of discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and expression and hence deserves to be condemned. Inclusion, human dignity and equality are core values of our European Union, and we cannot compromise on these principles," the countries said.

Merkel is one of a small number of European Union leaders who have spoken out against the legislation.

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, called it a "shame" and pledged in a statement to utilise all of the commission's powers to preserve LGBT rights in the EU.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel slammed Hungary's proposed new law prohibiting the distribution of homosexuality and gender change materials in schools. "I believe this law is incorrect and incompatible with my beliefs," Merkel said in a statement to the Bundestag, the lower house of parliament, adding that the bill was something she would vote against politically.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel slammed Hungary's proposed new law prohibiting the distribution of homosexuality and gender change materials in schools. "I believe this law is incorrect and incompatible with my beliefs," Merkel said in a statement to the Bundestag, the lower house of parliament, adding that the bill was something she would vote against politically. Last week, the Hungarian parliament passed a new rule proposed by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's cabinet that prohibits the portrayal of homosexuality and sex reassignment in school education materials and television programmes aimed at children under the age of 18. Also read: Britain slams Hungary's anti-LGBT+ law as an 'affront to human rights' Also read: Japan at 'turning point' for LGBTQ rights: Campaigners High-ranking officials from numerous EU countries and organisations in the European Parliament immediately condemned the bill, which was passed during Pride month. The EU Council discussed the uproar over the Hungarian law on Tuesday afternoon, with the Benelux ministers bringing together like-minded countries in a scathing declaration against the legislation. "The law represents a flagrant form of discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and expression and hence deserves to be condemned. Inclusion, human dignity and equality are core values of our European Union, and we cannot compromise on these principles," the countries said. Merkel is one of a small number of European Union leaders who have spoken out against the legislation. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, called it a "shame" and pledged in a statement to utilise all of the commission's powers to preserve LGBT rights in the EU.

'This law is wrong': Angela Merkel joins other EU leaders in criticising Hungary's anti-LGBT law

Marking a major win for the LGBTQIA+ community, Canada on Tuesday passed a bill criminalising the so-called 'conversion therapy'.

In 2019, Canada’s ruling Liberal party had vowed to ban the practice when its election manifesto was unveiled.

On Tuesday, the bill received 263 to 63 votes in Canada’s House of Commons, effectively banning the barbaric practice.

What is conversion therapy?

Conversion therapy has been historically used to “treat” people who don’t identify as heterosexual. The methods employed vary from institution to institution but a protocol of sorts had been established to compound on the lack of awareness about sexuality.

The therapies are aimed at altering a person’s sexual orientation and gender identity. It includes an array of techniques, some benign ones like hypnosis and talk therapy.&nbsp; Many institutions also use electric shocks and fasting on “patients”.

The therapy has no roots in science and has been largely perceived as a tool to subvert sexuality and open dialogues around identities. According to the American Medical Association, the practice is “harmful and ineffective”.

While most countries have stopped practising the therapy, many institutions continue to employ similar methods in the hopes of “curing” gay people, a belief stemming largely from the stigmatisation of sexual orientations.

Related video:&nbsp;Britain's MI6 spy master apologizes for historic discrimination against LGBT+ people

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The history of conversion therapy

Conversion therapy has been historically used in environments where LGBTQIA+ populations aren’t given basic freedoms and democratic rights. The tool has been employed as a harassment tactic against sexual minorities and is still widely practiced in many parts of the world.

Such attitudes originated from the treatment given to homosexuality. For a long time, homosexuality was classified as an illness by the American Psychiatric Association - the world’s largest psychiatric organisation, which has left a long-lasting impact on how legislations are shaped in different countries.

It was only in 1977 that the association removed homosexuality from its list of illnesses.

In its resolution, the APA had said - “We will no longer insist on a label of sickness for individuals who insist that they are well and demonstrate no generalized impairment in social effectiveness.”&nbsp;

This move could bring relief to thousands of Canadians who may be forced to undergo such therapies. Canada’s summer break begins on Wednesday before which the vote took place on Tuesday. The House cleared its legislative agenda with possible elections set to take place this year. Now, the bill will go to Canada’s Senate.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/britain-slams-hungarys-anti-lgbt-law-as-an-affront-to-human-rights-392475" hreflang="en">Britain slams Hungary's anti-LGBT+ law as an 'affront to human rights'</a>

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/japan-at-turning-point-for-lgbtq-rights-campaigners-390341" hreflang="en">Japan at 'turning point' for LGBTQ rights: Campaigners</a>

Marking a major win for the LGBTQIA+ community, Canada on Tuesday passed a bill criminalising the so-called 'conversion therapy'. In 2019, Canada’s ruling Liberal party had vowed to ban the practice when its election manifesto was unveiled.

Marking a major win for the LGBTQIA+ community, Canada on Tuesday passed a bill criminalising the so-called 'conversion therapy'. In 2019, Canada’s ruling Liberal party had vowed to ban the practice when its election manifesto was unveiled. On Tuesday, the bill received 263 to 63 votes in Canada’s House of Commons, effectively banning the barbaric practice. What is conversion therapy? Conversion therapy has been historically used to “treat” people who don’t identify as heterosexual. The methods employed vary from institution to institution but a protocol of sorts had been established to compound on the lack of awareness about sexuality. The therapies are aimed at altering a person’s sexual orientation and gender identity. It includes an array of techniques, some benign ones like hypnosis and talk therapy. Many institutions also use electric shocks and fasting on “patients”. The therapy has no roots in science and has been largely perceived as a tool to subvert sexuality and open dialogues around identities. According to the American Medical Association, the practice is “harmful and ineffective”. While most countries have stopped practising the therapy, many institutions continue to employ similar methods in the hopes of “curing” gay people, a belief stemming largely from the stigmatisation of sexual orientations. Related video: Britain's MI6 spy master apologizes for historic discrimination against LGBT+ people The history of conversion therapy Conversion therapy has been historically used in environments where LGBTQIA+ populations aren’t given basic freedoms and democratic rights. The tool has been employed as a harassment tactic against sexual minorities and is still widely practiced in many parts of the world. Such attitudes originated from the treatment given to homosexuality. For a long time, homosexuality was classified as an illness by the American Psychiatric Association - the world’s largest psychiatric organisation, which has left a long-lasting impact on how legislations are shaped in different countries. It was only in 1977 that the association removed homosexuality from its list of illnesses. In its resolution, the APA had said - “We will no longer insist on a label of sickness for individuals who insist that they are well and demonstrate no generalized impairment in social effectiveness.” This move could bring relief to thousands of Canadians who may be forced to undergo such therapies. Canada’s summer break begins on Wednesday before which the vote took place on Tuesday. The House cleared its legislative agenda with possible elections set to take place this year. Now, the bill will go to Canada’s Senate. Also read: Britain slams Hungary's anti-LGBT+ law as an 'affront to human rights' Also read: Japan at 'turning point' for LGBTQ rights: Campaigners

In major win for LGBTQIA+ community, Canada passes bill criminalising 'conversion therapy'

Singer Demi Lovato has come out as pansexual. Lovato appeared recently on the Joe Rogan Experience podcast and revealed that she's pansexual- which meant she's attracted to all genders.&nbsp; 
 
Lovato said she's proud to be a part of the "alphabet mafia," referring to the LGBTQIA+ community. 
 
When Lovato was asked if she would like to have children, she said, "I used to. I think if anything I want to adopt. I was engaged to a man last year." The 28-year-old singer was engaged to Max Ehrich for a brief period in 2020.&nbsp; 
 
"I totally thought I'd be married, maybe pregnant by now. And that's not the case," she added. 
 
"I also don't know if I'm going to end up with a guy, so I can't really see myself maybe getting pregnant. I'm so fluid now — and a part of the reason why I am so fluid is because I was super closeted off."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-demi-lovato-chronicles-relapse-overdose-in-new-song-dancing-with-the-devil-373639">Demi Lovato chronicles relapse, overdose in new song 'Dancing With The Devil'</a> 
 
Host Rogan clarified that by calling herself "sexually fluid" she was indicating that she was interested in both men and women. "Yeah- anything really," said Lovato in response.&nbsp; 
 
Rogan asked if the term is "pansexual" and Lovato replied, "Yeah, pansexual." 
 
Lovato said sha had heard someone call the LGBTQIA+ community the “alphabet mafia” — and loved the term. 
 
“That's it! That's what I'm going with. I’m part of the alphabet mafia and proud,” she said. 
 
During the podcast, Lovato was also asked about the time she realised she was interested in both men and women. To which she said, it was while watching 1999's 'Cruel Intentions' and seeing Sarah Michelle Gellar and Selma Blair.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-demi-lovato-feels-shes-too-queer-to-be-romantic-with-a-cisgender-man-370351">Demi Lovato feels she's 'too queer' to be romantic with a cisgender man</a> 
 
"I was like, 'Oh, I like that,'" she recalled. "But I felt a lot of shame because growing up in Texas as a Christian that's very frowned upon. Any attraction I had to a female at a young age, I shut it down before I even let myself process what I was feeling." 
 
Earlier while appearing on the cover of Glamour magazine, Lovato had opened up about her breakup with Ehrich and how it made her realise 'how queer' she was. The singer had <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/demi-lovato-is-waiting-until-a-specific-timeline-to-come-out-to-the-world-369899">though shied away from coming out </a>during the interview which came out earlier this month.&nbsp; 
 
“I know who I am and what I am, but I’m just waiting until a specific timeline to come out to the world as what I am. I’m following my healers’ timeline, and I’m using this time to really study and educate myself on my journey and what I’m preparing to do," Lovato had said.&nbsp; 
 
Lovato has, though, been out as sexually fluid since 2017. In her YouTube documentary, 'Simply Complicated', Lovato had said she was open to dating men and women, explaining, "I am open to human connection. So whether that's through a male or a female, it doesn't matter to me." 
 
The singer is, at present, promoting her new YouTube doc 'Dancing With the Devil', which details her 2018 drug overdose. The singer has revealed she was minutes away from dying and how she was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/demi-lovato-claims-she-was-sexually-assaulted-by-her-drug-dealer-on-the-night-of-her-overdose-episode-371057">sexually assaulted the night of her overdose by her drug dealer.</a> Lovato had also revealed that she lost her virginity in "a rape" when she was 15-years-old.&nbsp;

Singer Demi Lovato has come out as pansexual. Lovato appeared recently on the Joe Rogan Experience podcast and revealed that she's pansexual- which meant she's attracted to all genders.

Singer Demi Lovato has come out as pansexual. Lovato appeared recently on the Joe Rogan Experience podcast and revealed that she's pansexual- which meant she's attracted to all genders. Lovato said she's proud to be a part of the "alphabet mafia," referring to the LGBTQIA+ community. When Lovato was asked if she would like to have children, she said, "I used to. I think if anything I want to adopt. I was engaged to a man last year." The 28-year-old singer was engaged to Max Ehrich for a brief period in 2020. "I totally thought I'd be married, maybe pregnant by now. And that's not the case," she added. "I also don't know if I'm going to end up with a guy, so I can't really see myself maybe getting pregnant. I'm so fluid now — and a part of the reason why I am so fluid is because I was super closeted off." Demi Lovato chronicles relapse, overdose in new song 'Dancing With The Devil' Host Rogan clarified that by calling herself "sexually fluid" she was indicating that she was interested in both men and women. "Yeah- anything really," said Lovato in response. Rogan asked if the term is "pansexual" and Lovato replied, "Yeah, pansexual." Lovato said sha had heard someone call the LGBTQIA+ community the “alphabet mafia” — and loved the term. “That's it! That's what I'm going with. I’m part of the alphabet mafia and proud,” she said. During the podcast, Lovato was also asked about the time she realised she was interested in both men and women. To which she said, it was while watching 1999's 'Cruel Intentions' and seeing Sarah Michelle Gellar and Selma Blair. Demi Lovato feels she's 'too queer' to be romantic with a cisgender man "I was like, 'Oh, I like that,'" she recalled. "But I felt a lot of shame because growing up in Texas as a Christian that's very frowned upon. Any attraction I had to a female at a young age, I shut it down before I even let myself process what I was feeling." Earlier while appearing on the cover of Glamour magazine, Lovato had opened up about her breakup with Ehrich and how it made her realise 'how queer' she was. The singer had though shied away from coming out during the interview which came out earlier this month. “I know who I am and what I am, but I’m just waiting until a specific timeline to come out to the world as what I am. I’m following my healers’ timeline, and I’m using this time to really study and educate myself on my journey and what I’m preparing to do," Lovato had said. Lovato has, though, been out as sexually fluid since 2017. In her YouTube documentary, 'Simply Complicated', Lovato had said she was open to dating men and women, explaining, "I am open to human connection. So whether that's through a male or a female, it doesn't matter to me." The singer is, at present, promoting her new YouTube doc 'Dancing With the Devil', which details her 2018 drug overdose. The singer has revealed she was minutes away from dying and how she was sexually assaulted the night of her overdose by her drug dealer. Lovato had also revealed that she lost her virginity in "a rape" when she was 15-years-old.

Demi Lovato comes out as pansexual, says she is 'sexually fluid'