A Ugandan activist is asking for asylum in Canada, a proposal to ban gender-neutral toilets in the United Kingdom is introduced, and a council in Australia is banning same-sex parenting books.
Ugandan Activist Asks For Asylum In Canada
Steven Kabuye, a prominent Ugandan activist, sought asylum in Canada after he was stabbed earlier this year in Uganda.
Rainbow Railroad, a group that works with LGBTQ and intersex refugees, got Kabuye “away from the dangers” in Kenya and Uganda.
“The Ugandan government fails to get the culprits who wanted to end my life,” said Kabuye in an interview with the Blade.
“Every time I come up and demand for the police to act out, they end up calling the colleagues of mine that remain in Uganda and intimidate them so they can scare me off.”
For now, Kabuye continues his advocacy for LGBTQ Ugandans from Canada. “They’ve [Rainbow Railroad] still given me a chance to continue my advocacy.”
Proposal To Ban Gender-Neutral Toilets In UK
Photo by Kaldari, via Wikimedia Commons.
A policy has been proposed by the Department for Levelling Up in the United Kingdom that seeks to prevent all non-domestic new builds from having gender-neutral toilets.
This would include restaurants, shopping centers, and offices. If passed, this change could go into effect by the end of 2024.
According to Pink News, Kemi Badenoch, the Equalities minister, said this proposed legislation will end the “rise” of gender-neutral toilets and “mixed sex toilet spaces.”
Badenoch told Pink News that the current law allowing for gender-neutral facilities “deny privacy and dignity to both men and women.”
“Today’s announcement will also create better provision for women so that our particular biological, health and sanitary needs are met,” said Badenoch.
Council Bans Same-Sex Parenting Books
Photo via worldwidesurrogacy.org.
The Cumberland city council in Sydney, Australia, voted to ban same-sex parenting books from local libraries.
According to The Guardian, the amendment was put forward by Steve Christou, the former mayor and current councilor.
“We’re going to make it clear tonight that … these kinds of books, same-sex parents books, don’t find their way to our kids,” said Christou during the floor debate. “Our kids shouldn’t be sexualised.”
During the meeting, Christou referenced a book called “Same-Sex Parents” by Holly Duhig that was originally published in the U.K. He said that he received “really disturbing” complaints about the book and some parents were “distraught” to see the book in the children’s section of the library.
Christou told Guardian Australia that the move is not meant to be targeted towards the LGBTQ community, but towards any books that promote “sexualization.”
“We are a deeply religious community with deep family values,” he said. “I’m only representing the wishes of my community.”
John Graham, the NSW arts minister, said this is censorship and may affect the library’s government funding.
“When civilizations turn to burning books or banning books, it is a very bad sign. That is equally true for local councils,” said Graham.
