May 17, the
International Day Against Homophobia, marks the 17th
anniversary of homosexuality being removed from the World
Health Organization's roster of disorders. Human
Rights Watch released a "hall of shame," its list of
leaders who have denied citizens their basic human
rights. The list includes Pope Benedict XVI, President
George W. Bush, Polish deputy prime minister Roman Giertych,
and Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
"Homophobia
endangers basic human rights, and we should all be
concerned by it," said Scott Long, the LGBT rights director
for Human Rights Watch. "Governments devalue families
when they deny any family recognition. They endanger
children when they silence any child."
Gays and lesbians
around the world participated in various events,
demonstrations, and protests to commemorate the day. (The
Advocate)