URAGUAY – SAME-SEX MARRIAGE RECOGNISED

Uruguayans who enter into same-sex unions abroad will now be able to have their marriages acknowledged and upheld by law in their own country.  In the landmark ruling, Judge Eduardo Martinez noted that it would be paradoxical to ban same-sex unions at home whilst recognising foreign unions. This new decision means that couples can now marry abroad and will hopefully pave the way for full marriage rights in the country in the future.

KENYA – LGBT COMMUNITY FIGHTS BACK

The Gay and Lesbian Coalition of Kenya has successfully coordinated a social media campaign to successfully identify serial blackmailers of gay men in the country.  GALCK urged its members to report the incidents of extortion, harassment and threats against members of the gay community, in a bid to crack down on the attacks.  In many cases the homosexual victims were set up after being lured into meeting other men online, particularly on Facebook and popular dating sites.  They would then be held hostage, often for up to a day, until ransom money was paid. 

THE NETHERLANDS – ‘GAY CURE’ HEALTH INSURANCE BANNED

Edith Schippers, the Dutch Minister for Health has outlawed gay ‘cure’ therapy for those that hold health insurance packages in the country.  In an open letter to Parliament Ms Schippers stated that LGBT community members who struggle with their orientation should be offered guidance rather than medical treatment, as being gay is not a psychiatric disorder.   In the past, health insurers were compelled to pay for the controversial treatment if it was requested.