2.4 Laws, policies and politics
Australia: Australia recognises ‘non-specified’ gender. Read more.
USA: A restriction on abortion coverage was added to the health care bill on November 7, 2009. The provision would block the use of federal subsidies for insurance that covers elective abortions. The Obama White House is refusing to weigh in on an amendment that represents perhaps the most restrictive anti-abortion measure introduced in a generation. Read more.
China: 2009 having been a monumental year for China’s LGBT community. Read more.
USA: President Obama announced on October 30, 2009 the end of a 22-year ban on travel to the United States by people who have tested positive for the virus that causes AIDS. At a White House ceremony, he announced that a rule overturning the ban would be published on November 2, 2009 and would take effect after a routine 60-day waiting period. Read more.
The Philippines: The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) rejected Ang Ladlad’s (an LGBT organization) application for registration as a sectoral party for advocating immoral doctrines. Read the article Drawing the Line between Belief and Bigotry in Asserting the Rights of Filipino LGBTs, by Malu S. Marin.
Brazil: President Lula creates National Coordination and Council for the Promotion of LGBT Rights. SPW spoke with LGBT activists about the initiative. Read more.
USA: Even with Obama in the White House, the prostitution pledge remains in place in the case of PEPFAR, which provides US funding to HIV/AIDS programs internationally. Read more.
India: The Election Commission of India has decided to allow transgender people to mark their gender as ‘other’ where they do not want to be described as male or female. Read more.
Uruguay: Senate unanimously approves sex change bill, facing strong opposition from the Roman Catholic Church and conservatives. Read more and check the bill (just in Spanish).
Montenegro: Montenegro’s Gay Community Stays Hidden to Survive.