Liverpool hosts a Pride event, Swatch sues Malaysia over LGBTQ watches, and U.S. restrict travel for Ugandan officials.
Liverpool Hosts Kyiv Pride
The city of Liverpool hosted KyivPride on behalf of the Ukrainian capital, continuing the relationship the two cities have built.
Due to the war in Ukraine, the country was unable to host the event but still wanted to celebrate Pride.
“We are marching together for Ukraine, for freedom, to remind the world and the UK that the war is not over,” said Edward Reese, a spokesperson from KyivPride.
According to The Guardian, Andi Herring, the chief executive and co-founder of Liverpool City Region Pride Foundation, said it was important that people in Liverpool show solidarity with members of the LGBT community in Ukraine and around the world.
Swatch Sues Malaysia Over LGBTQ Pride Watches
Photo by Arjan Richter via Wikimedia Commons.
Swatch, the Swiss watchmaker, sued the Malaysian government after authorities seized the company’s watches that were celebrating pride.
According to Al Jazeera, the lawsuit, filed with the High Court in Kuala Lumpur, states that Swatch is seeking compensation and the return of 172 watches seized by officials over their alleged “LGBT elements.” They claim the seizure had no legal basis and included items that had no connection to LGBTQ activism.
Swatch said the watches are valued at 64,795 ringgits, which is equal to $14,232.
“Without a doubt, the seized watches did not and are not in any way capable of causing any disruption to public order or morality or any violations of the law,” said Swatch.
US Restricts Travel For Ugandan Officials
Matthew Miller via www.state.gov.
The United States Government has imposed travel restrictions on Ugandan officials following the signing of an anti-LGBTQ law that was enacted by Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni in May.
The law enacted the death penalty for someone convicted of “aggravated homosexuality,” carries a life sentence for same-sex intercourse, and a 20-year sentence for promoting homosexuality.
The law also imposes fines for media and non-governmental organizations that knowingly promote LGBTQ activity.
According to Al Jazeera, the law has been condemned as one of the harshest laws in the world.
In a brief release, US Department of State spokesman Matthew Miller said the travel restrictions were imposed in response to human rights abuses and corruption.
“The United States strongly supports the Ugandan people and remains committed to advancing respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms in Uganda and globally,” said Miller.
