2007's Anti-Gay Hall of Shame

Since today is the International Day Against Homophobia, it only seems fitting to point out those who seem to dedicate their lives to demeaning homosexuals. UK Gay News has posted their "Hall of Shame," letting us all know which world leaders are working against us. UK News says...

“This ‘hall of shame’ does not claim to include the worst offenders, but it
highlights leaders who have lent their authority to denying basic human rights,”
said Scott Long, director of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Rights
Program at Human Rights Watch."

Of course, the obvious offenders, Bush (The Chimperor) and the Pope are at the top of that list...but the article lists others who constantly undermine the advances in equality that the homosexual community has made. Among those on the list are...

* "Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad: for creating public and private
scandals. President Ahmadinejad has overseen a widening campaign to “counter
public immorality,” arbitrarily arresting thousands of Iranians for dressing or
behaving differently. In recent weeks, for example, thousands of women have been
detained for not conforming to “correct” Islamic dress. In Iran’s surveillance
society, Ahmadinejad also uses religious vigilantes to raid homes and other
private places in search of “deviant” behavior – including homosexual conduct.
The Iranian regime polices public behavior and violates the right to privacy on
a massive scale."

* "Roman Giertych, Polish Minister of Education and Deputy Prime Minister:
for endangering children. Part of a right-wing government that has made
homophobia a centerpiece of policy, Giertych’s education ministry has proposed a
law to fine or imprison teachers, school officials, or student human rights
defenders who even mention homosexuality. Vital facts about safer sex and
protection against HIV/AIDS could be banned from schools under the new
law."

* "Bienvenido Abante, Member of the Philippine House of Representatives and
Chair of the House Committee on Civil, Political and Human Rights: for trying to
force his sexual orientation on others. Representative Abante has urged that
homosexuals be “cured” and turned into heterosexuals. He has repeatedly blocked
a landmark bill that would ban discrimination based on sexual orientation and
gender identity in the Philippines. He has also suggested that lesbian, gay,
bisexual and transgender people are excluded from the “definition” of human
rights"

The article goes on to describe other atrocities (and I don't use that word lightly) that have occurred worldwide. I simply cannot understand why those in positions of leadership are so hell bent on eradicating homosexuality. Perhaps someone on this year's Hall of Shame list will step up and honestly answer that question without hiding behind religion and political correctness. I'm not holding my breath, though.