Yogyakarta Principles are a set of principles that are based on the application of International Human Rights Law. The principles are specific to sexual orientation and gender identity. There are 29 principles which strive to provide guidance on the application of human rights law in relation to sexual orientation and gender identity issues. "They promise a different future where all people born free and equal in dignity and rights can fulfil that precious birthright."

Click here to access the Yogyakarta Principles.


The International Gay & Lesbian Human Rights Commission "is a leading international organization dedicated to human rights advocacy on behalf of people who experience discrimination or abuse on the basis of their actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity or expression".

(IGLHRC) Commentary: End the Criminal Treatment of LGBT People by Cary Alan Johnson.
Cary Alan Johnson is Executive Director of the International Gay & Lesbian Human Rights Commission.


Diva Magazine: Lesbian Parents Gain Equal Rights.
Link

01/09/2009 11:19:35
Lesbian couples now have the same rights as straight people when registering the birth of a child conceived as a result of fertility treatment.

From September 1, changes to the Registration of Births and Deaths Regulations 1987 mean female civil partners who use the treatment can both register their names on the birth certificate.

Also, female couples not in a civil partnership but receiving fertility treatment may also be registered as parents in the same way as unmarried heterosexual couples.

The change, which applies to couples in England and Wales beginning fertility treatment on or after 2 April this year, allows legal parenthood on a biological mother’s female partner of the first time.

Home Office Minister Lord Brett said: “This positive change means that for the first time female couples who have a child using fertility treatment have the same rights as their heterosexual counterparts to be shown as parents in the birth registration.

“It is vital that we afford equality wherever we can in society, especially as family circumstances continue to change. This is an important step forward in that process.”

Stonewall’s Head of Policy and Research Ruth Hunt said: “As the law improves to provide further equality, knowing your new rights will help people make full use of the services they’re entitled to. And, if discrimination occurs, the same knowledge can help them demand fair treatment.

“Now lesbian couples in the UK who make a considered decision to start a loving family will finally be afforded equal access to services they help fund as taxpayers.

“So life for lesbian families isn’t only fairer – it’s also much easier.”


"Bad Blood: gay men and blood donation" by Richard Hurley

Some developed countries now accept blood donations from men who have ever had sex with men, but most do not. Richard Hurley asks why

Click Here to read his article.
I would like to thank Richard Hurley for his permission to allow us to link to his article.