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But the European Region of the International
Broadcaster Cleared
Lesbian and Gay Association says the Parliament’s
in 'Pillow Biter' Case
March 16 move was not strong enough.
Australian radio personality John Laws was
“We believe a more targeted resolution on the
exercising his right to free speech when he called
specific situation of LGBT human rights defenders
Queer Eye for the Straight Guy’s Carson Kressley
would have sent a stronger message to Nigeria,”
a “pillow biter" and “pompous little pansy prig”
said executive director Patricia Prendiville. “We
during a 2004 broadcast, the New South Wales fear that the current outrageous bill outlawing any
Administrative Decisions Tribunal ruled March 1.
activities representing and protecting the human
In a 2-1 decision, the tribunal dismissed a com rights of LGBT people in Nigeria is not prominent
plaint filed by gay activist Gary Bums.
ly dealt with by the Parliament, and this issue
The judges agreed that the remarks “constitut might lose its momentum by being shelved togeth
ed homosexual vilification” and “incited severe
er with other ongoing human rights concerns in
ridicule of homosexual men on the ground of their
Nigeria.”
homosexuality," but two of the judges determined
The bizarre bill states, in part: “Publicity,
the statements “fell within an exception estab procession and public show of same-sex amorous
lished by the {Anti-Discrimination) Act that is
relationship through the electronic or print media
designed, within appropriate limits, to preserve
physically, directly, indirectly or otherwise are pro
freedom of expression.”
hibited in Nigeria.... Any person who is involved
in the registration of gay clubs, societies
and organizations, sustenance, procession
or meetings, publicity and public show of
same-sex amorous relationship directly or
indirectly in public and in private is guilty
of an offense and liable on conviction to a
term of five years imprisonment.”
Openly lesbian U.S. Rep. Tammy
Baldwin, D-Wis., and 31 of her colleagues
sent a letter March 20 to U.S. Secretary of
State Condoleezza Rice urging her to con
tact the government of Nigeria and voice
opposition to the legislation.
“The bill outlaws advocacy organiza
tions or associations supporting the rights
of lesbian and gay people, and prohibits
public expressions of support for equal
rights for gay and lesbian Nigerians," the
House members said. “Not only would
lesbian and gay Nigerians be treated as
Radio personality John Laws is free to call gays “pillow
second-class citizens and constantly in
biters," according to a New South Wales tribunal.
fear of arrest and prosecution for simply
EUROPE
exercising free speech if this legislation were to
Swedish Church
pass, but it would also greatly hamper the vital
Embraces Marriage
mission of human rights defenders in advocating for
Sweden’s dominant Lutheran Church will
basic and equal human rights, as well as Nigeria’s
marry same-sex couples if the government legalizes
massive battle against HIV/AIDS.”
same-sex marriage, the Swedish Church Assembly
The legislators also urged the State Department
said March 16.
to issue a public statement opposing the bill.
Sweden has had a registered partnership law
that grants same-sex couples the rights of marriage | Polish Deputy PM:
since 1994 and is now planning to extend full I Muslims Understand Gay Threat
marriage rights to gays and lesbians.
If Europe doesn’t ban abortion and limit gay
A church spokesman said that priests would be
propaganda, Muslims will take over, Polish Deputy
allowed to choose individually whether to marry
Prime Minister Roman Giertych said March 2.
gay couples and that the church might call same-
“Abortion must be banned immediately,”
sex marriages something other than “marriages." Giertych said. “Homosexual propaganda must also
About 78 percent of Swedes are Lutherans, though
be limited so children will have the correct view of
most don’t go to church.
the famjly.
The United Church of Canada is believed to be
“The propaganda of homosexuality is reaching
the only mainstream Christian church that
ever younger children," he explained. “In some
performs same-sex marriages. Full same-sex mar countries it is even forbidden fo( children in hospi
riage is legal in Belgium, Canada, the Netherlands,
tal to talk or read about Mommy and Daddy,
South Africa, Spain and Massachusetts.
because this allegedly violates minority rights. Let’s
Euro Parliament, U.S. Legislators
Denounce Nigerian Bill
The European Parliament has called on
Nigeria’s National Assembly not to pass an extreme
anti-gay bill that would outlaw gay marriage, visit
ing a gay Internet site, public or private gatherings
of gay people and nearly everything else associated
with being gay.
free ourselves of this unwise political correctness. If
we will not use all our power to strengthen the
family, then as a continent there is no future for us.
We will be a continent settled by representatives of
the Islamic world who care for the family."
Other officials in Prime Minister Jaroslaw
Kaczynski's ruling coalition also have denounced
gays—and local officials routinely attempt to ban
Gay Pride parades.