LGBT Rights
People around the world face violence and inequality—and sometimes torture, even execution—because of who they love, how they look, or who they are. Sexual orientation and gender identity are integral aspects of our selves and should never lead to discrimination or abuse. Human Rights Watch works for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender peoples' rights, and with activists representing a multiplicity of identities and issues. We document and expose abuses based on sexual orientation and gender identity worldwide, including torture, killing and executions, arrests under unjust laws, unequal treatment, censorship, medical abuses, discrimination in health and jobs and housing, domestic violence, abuses against children, and denial of family rights and recognition. We advocate for laws and policies that will protect everyone’s dignity. We work for a world where all people can enjoy their rights fully.
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GhanaPope Francis has repeatedly made news this fall, calling for a Catholic Church that is more welcoming toward LGBTQ+ people. In October, a newly released documentary on the Pope’s life aired earlier comments in support of same-sex civil unions. During a September visit to Hungary and Slovakia, the Pope commented on the need for the Church to “do pastoral work” with same-sex couples. At a press conference a few days later, he remarked on the prospect of same-sex civil unions, saying that “if a homosexual couple wants to lead a life together, the State has the possibility to give them safety, stability, inheritance.”
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South Africa: Broken Promises to Aid Gender-Based Violence Survivors
Improve Shelter Funding; Increase Access for Sex Workers, LGBT, Undocumented Survivors
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“I Just Try to Make It Home Safe”
Violence and the Human Rights of Transgender People in the United States
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Rwanda: Round Ups-Linked to Commonwealth Meeting
Detention, Ill-Treatment of Poor, Gay, and Transgender People
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News
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Chile Overwhelmingly Passes Marriage Equality
Addresses Parentage, Joint Adoption, Assisted Reproductive Technology
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On LGBTQ+ Rights, Ghana’s Bishops Choose to Ignore Pope
As the Catholic Church continues to make more inclusive comments about LGBTQ+ rights, the Church's leadership in Ghana supports a violent and repressive draft law targeting LGBTQ+ people.
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Biden Administration Confronts US Anti-Trans Violence
State and Federal Lawmakers Should Address Structural Discrimination
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LGBT Qataris Call Foul Ahead of 2022 World Cup
LGBT Qataris at Risk Despite Gestures Toward Inclusion
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South Africa: Broken Promises to Aid Gender-Based Violence Survivors
Improve Shelter Funding; Increase Access for Sex Workers, LGBT, Undocumented Survivors
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United States: Transgender People at Risk of Violence
State Laws Stoke Bias; Black Trans Women at Greatest Risk
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New Olympic Framework Backs Inclusion
New Guidelines Push Back on Discriminatory ‘Sex Testing’ Practices
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Papua New Guinea: Address Abuses Raised at UN Review
Countries Criticize Failures on Women’s and LGBT Rights and the Death Penalty
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A Discriminatory System Killed a Transgender Man in Egypt
By reforming its own system, Egypt can influence positive changes in other countries in the region and lead the way for clear and accessible legal gender recognition mechanisms.
