Norway Tells Iraqi Gay Go Home And To Be Discrete

Earlier this week the website LGBT Asylum News reported yet another example of anti-gay actions by countries who don't want asylum seeking LGBTs to stay.

This time it's Norway when authorities told Azad Hassan Rasol (pictured left) even though Norway acknowledges that gays and lesbians are at risk even to the point of being killed in Iraq, a Norwegian High Court responded to Rasol's request for asylum that he ''must comply with Iraq's socio-cultural norms''.

In other words go home, stay in the closet and hopefully you won't be killed.

Rasol who is a Kurd was quoted as saying, "My clan is going to kill me. Gays and lesbians cannot live openly in Iraq". Rasol not only runs the risk of being arrested, convicted and punished for being gay he could also be subject to what are called "honor killings" in retaliation for being openly gay.

According to writer/reporter Michael Luongo in a piece for the website Gay City News, Ali Hili (who has been a news source for myself over the past several years) chairman of Iraqi LGBT a London, England based human rights group for LGBTs in Iraq, told in a press release of the arrest of over 20 gay men in Kurdistan this past September.

“The men were attending a party at a private house on 15th of September when the police raided the address. After fierce protests against the raid by human rights organisations, including Amnesty International, all but three men have since been released from the city’s Garmyan Prison. Several of those detained claim to have been subject to violent beatings while being held in solitary confinement. The authorities in Kalar refuse to disclose the whereabouts of those still in detention, the conditions in which they are held, or the charges they face.”

Rasol's case will now go to the Norwegian Supreme Court.

George Clooney Is Gay Ally

In an article at the website The New Civil Rights Movement reports via other media, actor George Clooney who has signed up for Dustin Lance's upcoming play about Prop 8 Clooney speaks out for Equality for gays and lesbians when he says, “It is astonishing that gay and lesbian Americans are still treated as second-​class citizens,” Clooney said. “I am confident that, very soon, the laws of this nation will reflect the basic truth that gay and lesbian people — like all human beings — are born equal in dignity and rights.”

Ousted Twice Under DADT Sailor Rejoins Navy Again

In what will no doubt be one of many stories to follow since the repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell, The Washington Blade reports that Petty Officer 2nd Class Jase Daniels who was discharged not once but twice from the US Navy has signed up and been brought onboard to serve as a linguist.

Daniels was quoted in the article as saying, “Today, I took an oath and affirmed to defend the Constitution of the United States of America,” Daniels said in statement. “I am humbled as I am reinstated to the job I love and by the enormous support I have received on this momentous day. I look forward to returning to the Defense Language Institute and ultimately, my career in the military.”

Transgender Wins Gender Discrimination Lawsuit

Vandy Beth Glenn who was a legislative editor for the Georgia General Assembly and was dismissed because of her transition from male to female and subsequent gender reassignment surgery has won her case against the state and a federal appeals court has sided with Glenn in her reinstatement to work for the State of Georgia.

Among the judges who supported Glenn in their decision was Conservative judge William Pryor who was appointed by George W. Bush in 2005 and was among one of the most Conservative federal appeals judges.

In part the ruling read, "An individual cannot be punished because of his or her perceived gender non-conformity". "Because these protections are afforded to everyone, they cannot be denied to a transgender individual."

You can read the full story as reported by CNN here and a background report from TIME here.

While transgender groups are heralding the ruling, all in the LGBT community should also and speaking out and fighting injustice with regards to discrimination against workers both in the private and public sector when it comes to sexual preference and identity.

Boycotts as have and will continue to be suggested by the LGBT elite and bloggers against businesses who perpetrate such discrimination as a "feel good" solution is by no means enough.

Your voice needs to be heard in governmental reprimands to change discrimination laws and if required with your vote on election day.

We as a community have come so far in recent years but still have far to go when it comes to total Equality.