Apple’s Tim Cook raises concern over LGBTQ laws in the U.S.
Apple CEO Tim Cook has raised concerns over LGBTQ laws in the United States, mainly those focused on young people that opponents refer to as “Don’t Say Gay” legislation. Lawmakers in Florida recently passed a bill prohibiting classroom discussion of sexual orientation and gender identity for many young students. Cook said on Twitter: “As a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, I am deeply concerned about laws being enacted across the country, particularly those focussed on our vulnerable youth.” Meanwhile, an ABC News/Ipsos poll published this week says 62% of Americans oppose laws that prohibit classroom lessons about sexual orientation or gender identity in elementary schools.
American pastor preaching hate speech to children
A pastor from Texas who called for the deaths of LGBTQ people – saying he “would love it if every fag would die right now” – preaches his hate directly to young children. Jonathan Shelley (pictured) of the Stedfast Bible Church appears in a YouTube video ranting in a hate-filled speech against LGBTQ people and “fornicators” in front of an audience of young children. Shelley has declared all gay men are pedophiles, and once celebrated the death of a gay man accidentally killed in a Pride march.
UK court blocks same-sex marriage in the Cayman Islands and Bermuda
The United Kingdom’s Privy Council, which serves as the final court of appeals for several islands in the Caribbean, sided with the government of Bermuda, which has fought a local Supreme Court’s decision to allow same-sex marriage. The council also ruled that gay people don’t have the right to marry in the Cayman Islands, based in its Constitution. One of five judges in the Bermuda case dissented the ruling, and the Privy Council acknowledged that gay people are victimised but it said that “international instruments and other countries’ constitutions cannot be used to read into (Bermuda’s constitution), a right to the legal recognition of same-sex marriage.”
Marvel Studios denounces Anti-LGBTQ legislation
Marvel Studios released a statement this week denouncing anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation. Marvel’s official words come after a week of controversy surrounding its parent company, The Walt Disney Company, and its initial lack of public response against Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” legislation. “We strongly denounce any and ALL legislation that infringes on the basic human rights of the LGBTQIA+ community,” Marvel Studios’ statement reads. The company shared the announcement on Twitter. “Marvel Studios stands for hope, inclusivity and strength; and we proudly stand with the community. Today, we pledge to continue our strong commitment as allies who promote the values of equality, acceptance and respect.”
Guatemala Congress shelves same-sex marriage ban
Guatemala’s Congress has shelved a law that would have prohibited same-sex marriage and raised the prison sentences for women seeking abortion. The law had been approved overwhelmingly by lawmakers last week, but the U-turn came after Guatemala’s President, Alejandro Giammattei, threatened to veto it.
