Questions and Answers

What does GLBTI stand for?

'GLBTI' is an acronym that stands for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex.

What are the rights of people who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex?

There is no separate human rights treaty focussing on sexuality and gender rights; but it is clear that GLBTI people have the right to enjoy all human rights available to other members of the community. In particular, people who are GLBTI enjoy the fundamental rights of nondiscrimination and equality before the law. The United Nations Human Rights Committee has been very clear that the principle of non-discrimination and equality before the law protects GLBTI people under international law. These non-discrimination provisions are in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD) and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW).
Source: http://www.hreoc.gov.au/HUMAN_RIGHTS/gay_lesbian

Is the practice of homosexuality deemed to be illegal in any member states of the United Nations?

Being gay or lesbian is illegal in 77 countries and a capital offense in 7 countries. Countries where homosexuality is a capital offence include Iran, Mauritania, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, the United Arab Emirates, Yemen and Nigeria.

Other articles on Homophobia

For related articles, visit the Homophobia section of Durban Review or select from the articles below. Other anti-racism themes, conference details, and news are available from the Durban Review home page.