Global: State sponsored homophobia 2011 report out now

From the adoption of marriage laws in Argentina and Iceland, and the decision of the Brazilian Supreme Court recognising rights of same-sex civil unions, to the issuing of a statement signed by 85 countries at the UN Human Rights Council condemning persecution on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity, a lot of progress has been made the last year on recognition of LGBTI rights in the world. Though the number of countries criminalising same-sex sexual activities between consenting adults is still the same as last year, namely 76 (including the five which have the death penalty), it is becoming more and more difficult for homophobic states to defend their laws on the international stage. This was one of the conclusions of ILGA’s (The International Lesbian, Gay, Trans, Bisexual and Intersex Association) co-secretary generals Gloria Careaga and Renato Sabbadini in their foreword to the State Sponsored Homophobia report 2011.