Figures released by the Health Protection Agency (HPA) this morning have shown that the state of sexual health among the UK population is poor, with STI rates reaching record levels. The figures have also revealed that gay men are of particular concern;
Terrence Higgins Trust’s Chief Executive Sir Nick Partridge said: "It’s staggering that almost half a million people each year are affected by preventable sexually transmitted infections. Gay men continue to top the list, accounting for two thirds of syphilis and over a third of gonorrhea diagnoses last year, while being only 6% of the population.
"We know about the risks of HIV transmission and these figures show that it’s just as important to be aware of STIs too. Getting an STI, like chlamydia or gonorrhea, makes it much easier to pick up or pass on other, more serious infections, including HIV."
The Terrence Higgins Trust run several STI prevention campaigns, including Young and Free, which seeks to encourage young people to get tested for chlamydia, an STI that can often go unnoticed because of the relative lack of symptoms, but can lead to serious problems if left untreated.
According to the HPA's figures, chlamydia among gay men and men who have sex with men has risen 341 per cent in the last ten years.
Sir Nick: "We know how to reduce the risks: enjoy safer sex, use condoms, and if you’ve had unsafe sex go to a GUM or community testing clinic. All sexually active gay men should have a full sexual health screen and an HIV test at least once a year. We can – and we must – improve our sexual health."
Speaking to PinkNews.co.uk, Jason Warriner at THT said that although websites such as Gaydar and the new Grindr iPhone app had increased opportunities for meeting for sex, there was no hard evidence that the popularity of social neworking sites made a significant contribution to the rising statistics.
Mr Warriner cited Netreach, the new service from Terrence Higgins Trust for Gaydar users in England and Wales, which allows users to talk to trained outreach workers in the website's chat rooms or on the general chat boards. He added: "The key thing [to know] is that websites such as Gaydar can also be used as vehicles to get across messages and offer advice about safe sex, which is what we aim to do with Netreach."
The latest edition of Attitude, the UK's best-selling gay magazine, is focusing on the sensitive – and often taboo – issue of mental health problems in gay men.
The "Issues Issue" addresses the "alarming" high rates of depression, suicide, anxiety and addiction in gay men, and provides "concrete reasons" for why some may suffer from these things and what they can do about them.
Attitude's editor, Matthew Todd said: "It's not just treading over old ground. We've taken advice from the world's leading gay psychologists and I think we have some real, solid answers about what causes the increased levels of anxiety, depression and self-destructive behaviour in many of us, including myself, as I say in the issue – and how those of us who do feel that way can do something about it.
"I'm hoping this will be the first step towards discussing this openly. I'm especially pleased that people can now download Attitude onto their iphones or ipads because we know some people are anxious about buying gay magazines in shops."
The findings presented in the magazine are backed up by research which shows that gay men suffer a disproportionate amount of mental health problems – certainly more than their straight brethren.
Following a lengthy public trial, Judge Vaughn Walker has ruled that the voter initiated Proposition 8, that bans gay marriage in California is unconstitutional.
Judge Walker ruled that Prop 8, as it has become known, violates the equal protection clause in the United States constitution by denying gays and lesbians the right to marry a member of the same sex.
In a written judgement, he said: "the state does not have an interest in enforcing private moral or religious beliefs without an accompanying secular purpose."
"Proposition 8 fails to advance any rational basis in singling out gay men and lesbians for denial of a marriage license," he added
"Indeed, the evidence shows Proposition 8 does nothing more than enshrine in the California Constitution the notion that opposite-sex couples are superior to same-sex couples. Because California has no interest in discriminating against gay men and lesbians, and because Proposition 8 prevents California from fulfilling its constitutional obligation to provide marriages on an equal basis, the court concludes that Proposition 8 is unconstitutional." The case was brought by two gay couples who argued that their constitutional rights were violated by Prop 8, which was voted in by residents of California following an earlier court ruling that legalised gay marriage within the state.
During case testimony, the court heard experts testify that allowing gay marriage would help the mental health of gays and lesbians, give more legal protection to their children, reduce discrimination and give gay couples more political power.
Prop 8 supporters argued that retaining the ban would protect children and traditional marriage. They put forward only two witnesses, one of who argued that gays are 12 times more likely to molest children. Unusually, given that the legislation is upheld by the State of California, the original 'defendants', California Attorney General Jerry Brown and Govenor Arnold Schwarzenegger, refused to support Proposition 8 in court. Schwarzenegger campaigned heavily against the introduction of Proposition 8. In concluding, Judge Walker re-instated gay marriage in California. He wrote that the "plaintiffs have demonstrated by overwhelming evidence that Proposition 8 violates their due process and equal protection rights and that they will continue to suffer these constitutional violations until state officials cease enforcement of Proposition 8."
He added: "California is able to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples, as it has already issued 18,000 marriage licenses to same- sex couples and has not suffered any demonstrated harm as a result, moreover, California officials have chosen not to defend Proposition 8 in these proceedings. Because Proposition 8 is unconstitutional under both the Due Process and Equal Protection Clauses, the court orders entry of judgement permanently enjoining its enforcement; prohibiting the official defendants from applying or enforcing Proposition 8 and directing the official defendants that all persons under their control or supervision shall not apply or enforce Proposition 8."
Democrat Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin, the co-chair of the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus said: "We live in a democracy wherein majority rule is checked and balanced by the guarantee of inalienable minority rights. This case, as it wends its way up to the U.S. Supreme Court, presents jurists with fundamental questions about minority rights and majority rule. I believe Judge Walker got it right, declaring that denial of marriage rights and protections to gay and lesbian citizens violates the Constitution even if it reflects the will of the majority of Californians."
In 2009, following a trip to the United States, the then prime minister, Gordon Brown told gay rights campaigners: "This Proposition 8 in California, this attempt to undo good that has been done, this attempt to create divorces for 18,000 people who were perfectly legally brought together in partnerships. "This is unacceptable and this shows why we have always got to be vigilant, always got to fight homophobic behaviour and any form of discrimination."
Gay & Lesbian Center [sic] chief executive Lorri Jean welcomed the ruling: "Today’s historic decision by the federal district court is clearly a milestone victory for all gay, lesbian and bisexual Californians, our families and our friends. But much more than that, it is a resounding affirmation of fundamental American ideals and core principles of the US Constitution.
"Almost from our very beginnings, one of the exceptional hallmarks of our nation’s progress has been the expansion of our concepts of liberty and justice to include those of us who were not initially considered fully equal, or who were perhaps not even considered at all.
"Although it has often taken years of struggle, we have seen profound advancements in the recognition of the full citizenship of women, of African-Americans, and of countless other ethnic, religious and social minorities.
"These changes have come about through a continually broadening public understanding of who we all are, and of the common bonds and aspirations that we all share."
She added: "As welcome and significant as today’s ruling truly is, it is in no way a final victory…not in the current court case, and certainly not in the ultimate fight for the fully equal treatment of all LGBT Americans. There are more legal challenges, debates and votes to come. Therefore, it is as important as ever that all who support our ultimate goal of full equality continue, through every available avenue and at every opportunity, to persuade those who may not yet be with us.
"Over the last 40 years, the advances in the movement for LGBT equality have been extraordinary, but that progress has not been unbroken and there are clearly more obstacles to overcome. But today’s decision is yet another signpost as we move ever closer to the day when the ideal of liberty and justice for all is fully realized for LGBT Americans, as it should be for every American, and indeed for everyone everywhere.”
Around 18,000 gay couples married in the state in the few months in which gay marriage was legal. They were permitted to remain married after the ban passed. Prop 8, which was the most expensive social issue campaign in US history, passed with 52 per cent of the vote.
It is expected that the supporters of Prop 8 will fight the case all the way to the US Supreme Court. Source By Staff Writer, PinkNews.co.uk
An 18-year-old Iranian man is facing execution over a false sodomy charge, campaigners say.
Ebrahim Hamidi was sentenced to death two years ago at the age of 16 for an unspecified assault on another man.
Although the allegation was withdrawn and the Iranian Supreme Court has rejected the guilty verdict and execution order, a lower provincial court is insisting on Mr Hamidi's execution.
Now, his fate lies in the hands of the Supreme Court, which must decided whether to uphold the execution order.
Previously, he was represented by the human rights lawyer Mohammad Mostafaei but Mr Mostafaei has gone into hiding after a warrant for his arrest was issued.
The lawyer is also representing Sakineh Ashtiani, the Iranian woman who has been sentenced to death by stoning on charges of adultery. Supporters of Mr Hamidi say that while Ms Ashtiani is unlikely to face death because she has international support, he could be executed at any time.
They are asking for people to contact their MPs to raise awareness of Mr Hamidi's plight.
He was arrested in 2008 with three other men after a fight between two families outside the city of Tabriz.
The four men were told by police that one of the men they had been fighting had claimed they attempted to strip and sexually assault him.
The men say they were tortured in prison and Mr Hamidi signed a confession which he said was not true.
All four were tried in two consecutive provincial criminal courts and were sentenced to execution.
During their third trial, three of the men were cleared of all charges but Mr Hamidi was again sentenced to execution.
He was sentenced to die on June 21st this year.
On July 7th, the man who made the original accusation against Mr Hamidi withdrew it, telling police in a written statement that he had made up the claim under parental pressure.
The Supreme Court of Iran has twice rejecting the lower court's rulings on the case because of shortcomings in the judicial investigation.
However, Mr Hamidi's supporters say that the lower court is intent on his execution.
Dan Littauer, the editor of Gay Middle East, who has been reporting on the case, says that Mr Hamidi currently has no legal representation.
In a statement today, he urged people to support the accused man's case by contacting their MPs.
"There is no evidence that Hamidi is gay or that he committed any crime. This execution must be stopped. We need your help," Mr Littauer said.
UK-based gay rights campaigner Peter Tatchell added: "Ebrahim's case shows the flaws and failings of the Iranian legal system. It is further evidence that innocent people are sentenced on false charges of homosexuality." "An international campaign can help stop Ebrahim's execution, just as a similar global campaign has, so far, halted the stoning to death of Sakineh Ashtiani."
Daniel Radcliffe will appear in a public service announcement to condemn homophobia.
The Harry Potter star, 20, has volunteered to appear in the broadcast on behalf of the Trevor Project, a charity which supports LGBT people who are at risk of suicide.
Radcliffe told E! Online: “I grew up knowing a lot of gay men, and it was never something that I even thought twice about – that some men were gay and some weren’t. And then I went to school and (for) the first time, I came across homophobia. I had never encountered it before. It shocked me.
“I have always hated anybody who is not tolerant of gay men or lesbians or bisexuals. Now I am in the very fortunate position where I can actually help or do something about it.”
Last August, the star gave a “large” donation to the Trevor Project’s helpline. He has been the subject of gay rumours in the last few years but has shrugged them off.
He added: “I have described myself as being ‘gently eccentric’ and slightly different as a person just because I’ve had a very different set of influences growing up than anybody else in my peer group did.
“I’ve always felt very lucky to have the life that I’ve had. I never had to cope with anything serious about my religion or sexual orientation or anything like that. I think it’s important for somebody from a big, commercial movie series like Harry Potter, and particularly because I am not gay or bisexual or transgendered.
“The fact that I am straight makes not a difference, but it shows that straight people are incredibly interested and care a lot about this as well.”
The Trevor Project was founded in 1998 by three filmmakers whose film, ‘Trevor,’ a comedy/drama about a gay teenager who attempts suicide, received an Oscar in 2004.
It works to prevent crises and suicides among LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and questioning) youth through school workshops, educational materials, online resources and advocacy, along with the Trevor helpline.
Conservative Party leader David Cameron has delivered a key note speech at the party’s spring forum in Brighton. Although he made no direct reference to LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgenered) issues, he did attempt to portray the party as modern, tolerant and compassionate.
Mr Cameron’s speech came on the same day that a poll for the Sunday Times showed that the Tories have the slimmest lead over Labour for two years. The YouGov research places the Conservatives on 37% and Labour at 35%. A quirk in the first past the post system means that the Conservatives need to have a nine per cent lead over Labour in order to form a majority in the House of Commons. However, Tory polling indicates that progress in the key marginal constituencies are not reflected in national polls.
Mr Cameron told delegates: “What sort of party are we? You decided that four-and-a-half years ago when you elected me as your leader.
“We decided then that we wanted to modernise our party to get back in touch with the country that we wanted to govern.
“I didn’t do that on my own, you did it.”
He added: “We can now look the British people in the eye and say this country, our country, this tolerant, compassionate, brilliant multi-racial country, we are like you, we are for you and we are ready to serve you. This modern Conservative party has made its choice and it is never going back.”
Over the years of Mr Cameron’s leadership, the Conservative party has been at great pains to improve its perception among the gay community as well as with other minority groups. There is one gay member of the shadow cabinet, Nick Herbert and a number of other high profile gay Tories including shadow prisons minister, Alan Duncan.
Mr Cameron added: “We have got to inspire people with the potential of what we can be in this country and how optimistic we are that if we take the country on this journey we can achieve it.”
“We need to give people a sense that if we make these difficult decisions we will say ‘Yes we did these difficult things but we came through it together.’
“We need to give people a sense that being a citizen is not just about paying your taxes and obeying the law – it is about being part of something bigger than yourself.
“A sense that when you are growing up in your country you really are part of a big and rich and vibrant society.
“I want us to be a country that fells like a community – that is what our optimistic ambitions should be all about.”
Mr Cameron labeled anti-gay British National Party (BNP) leader Nick Griffin as a “ghastly piece of filth ”
The party leader warned his members: “They don’t hand general election victories and governments on a plate to people in this country, and quite right too.
“This election was always going to be close, this election was always going to be a real choice – Labour or Conservative, Gordon Brown or me.
“And this election was always going to be a real fight for our party, a fight to make sure we serve the country we love and that is the fight that we are going to have.”
In a speech delivered without an auto-cue, Mr Cameron said: “It is an election that we have to win because our country is in a complete mess and it is our patriotic duty to turn it around and give this country a better future.
“I think everyone in this country knows that another five years of Gordon Brown would be a disaster for our country.
“Another five years of spending and bloat and waste and debt and taxes. Another five years of failing to get to grips with our big social problems, another five years and the politics of that big top-down, bossy ‘I know best’ sort of approach and another five years of a Government that is so dysfunctional, so divided, so weak.
“You have got a bunch of ministers that can’t work with him but can’t get rid of him, you have got a Prime Minister who can’t work with them and can’t make his Government work.
“They are just locked in this dangerous dance of death that is dragging our whole country down and it is only the Conservative Party that can give people the hope of a different future.
“As we leave this conference today we must resolve: ‘We will not let you down.”‘
The economy Mr Cameron turned to the economy and questioned whether Prime minister Gordon Brown is really an economic “genius.”
“What sort of genius is it that doubles the national debt? What sort of genius is it that takes one of the best pension systems in the world and wrecks it?” he said
“That’s not genius, that’s incompetence and at this coming election we are going to out your (Mr Brown’s) record and tear it apart piece by piece.”
“I want a really clear message to go out that Britain is under new economic management and we are open for business again,” he said.
Mr Cameron went on to say: “People I think really understand that the economic changes we are going to have to make to deal with our deficit will be tough and will be hard and they don’t want that hidden from them.
“I think people know that the changes we need to make in our society will be difficult and we will have to confront some really deep vested interests and frankly the same goes for turning round our politics.
“When I say we need to be frank about Britain’s problems, I mean all of them.
“We have got an energy crisis looming and we need to tell people that if we don’t invest in some extra capacity now the lights are going to go out.
Immigration “People want us to be frank about the issue of immigration. It has been too high for too long and it needs to be cut and I will cut it,” Mr Cameron said.
“We have set out reasonably, sensibly, calmly how that will be done.
“As well as frankness I think people are right to expect radicalism. Let’s be frank about it.
Schools “We are not going to turn around the performance of our schools and our education system unless we are radical from day one. We are not going to sort the welfare system and make sure it genuinely helps people, that doesn’t allow you to live an idle life through choice unless we are radical.
“People want to hear that from us.”
“With all our difficulties and the deficit and the debt and the social problems and the political system that has gone so wrong, it can feel like we are looking down some dark tunnel.
“But there is a bright light at the end of it.”
“Imagine what it would be like that instead of having so many sink schools we have got the best state schools in Europe that people will really want to send their children to.
“Imagine if instead of a country where we have got a closed sign over our economy it is the best place again to do business, to invest, to set up, to get things moving again.
Gordon Brown “Every day Gordon Brown is running this country is a grey day for Britain.
“Every day he is in charge is another day we are not gripping our problems, another day of wasted opportunities, another day when this country is not being all it could be.
“And while you do it I want you to think of the incredible dark depression of another five years of Gordon Brown and say ‘No. No we are not going to do that.
“So come on then – let’s get out there and win it for Britain.”
Liberal Democrat response Lib Dem ome affairs spokesman Chris Huhne said: “I thought he was surprisingly nervous. Clearly the party has been shocked, and perhaps he and his team have been shocked, by the fall in the poll ratings. “Perhaps they had started to take that a bit for granted.”
Labour response Work and Pensions Secretary Yvette Cooper told the BBC: “I found it wanting. People aren’t going to be fooled by some platitudes or spin. “They want to know what the substance is behind it.”
"The commandant of the Marine Corps said yesterday he did not agree with lifting the ban on gay US soldiers being open about their sexuality.
General James Conway told a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing that he believed that the “current policy works”.
He is the highest-ranking military officer to disagree with president Barack Obama’s stance that the 1993 law should be repealed.
Gen Conway is thought to be the only chief to have carried out a survey of his generals on their feelings about lifting the ban.
In November, it was reported that he had been more outspoken than other service chiefs in his opposition to out gay soldiers.
Yesterday, he said: “I think the current policy works. At this point. . . my best military advice to this committee, to the [defence] secretary, to the president would be to keep the law such as it is.”
He added that repealing the ban should not be a question of fairness. Instead, he said, the question was whether it would “enhance the war-fighting of the United States Marine Corps.”
President Barack Obama and chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Mike Mullen support repeal of the law, which allows gay soldiers to serve as long as they kept their sexual orientation secret.
If they reveal it, or are outed, they can be fired. Around 13,000 soldiers are believed to have been discharged under the law. In addition, their partners are not informed if they are killed or injured in action.
Earlier this week, Army Chief of Staff General George Casey and Army Secretary John McHugh told the panel they did not support a temporary ban on discharges while a year-long review is carried out.
In the House of Representatives yesterday, Congressman Jim Moran read a letter on the floor from an active duty soldier in Iraq.
He said that the soldier had “learned that a fellow soldier was also gay, only after he was killed by an IED in Iraq. The partner of the deceased soldier wrote the unit to say how much the victim had loved the military; how they were the only family he had ever known.”
According to the University of California’s Palm Center, the unnamed soldier is the second publicly known case of a gay soldier killed in action during the current wars in the Middle East.
The first was US Army Major Alan Rogers, who died while on patrol in Iraq in January, 2008.
Statisticians have estimated that more than 200 gay and lesbian service members have died in action since the onset of the conflict."
