International Lgbt Campaigning

The Fire Brigades Union has a proud tradition of campaigning on international issues, the LGBT Section have emulated this by regularly taking international issues to the TUC LGBT Conference, whilst campaigning and raising awareness of such issues with sectional members. We recognise there remains over 70 countries with legislation in place that criminalises homosexuality and a small percentage having the death penalty, we also acknowledge that many countries have made positive steps forward with regards issues covering homosexuality and LGBT people, this is welcomed. Whilst there is so much positivity in the area of sexual orientation it is disappointing that in 2009 we did witness a small number of countries introducing or strengthening anti-LGBT legislation. Of particular note is Uganda, with the introduction of the Anti-Homosexuality Bill going through their political system, such legislation will be in violation of human rights and would detrimentally affect and put in place major barriers of the effective work of HIV/Aids prevention efforts. As a member of the Commonwealth, we call on the Executive Council to work with the TUC and affiliates to register our disappointment in the strongest possible terms and launch a campaign that includes gaining support of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to apply whatever political pressure possible to ensure that Uganda complies with its international human rights obligations. This to be done within 6 months of Conference, with a report on progress to be provided to Conference 2011.