ILGA AND MUSLIMS FOR PROGRESSIVE VALUES CALL FOR MORE VISIBILITY OF INCLUSIVE RELIGIOUS VOICES

ILGA and Muslims for Progressive Values have called for urgent action to promote tolerant, empathetic, and socially inclusive religious voices around the world. The statement, read out at the United Nations Human Rights Council during a recent discussion with the UN’s expert on Freedom of Religion or Belief, Mr. Heiner Bielefeldt, reminds governments that they must promote and protect all human rights.

Too often violence is carried out in the name of religion against LGBTI individuals on the basis of their actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity. The statement recalls that all religions agree on the non-violent principle: “love thy neighbor as thyself” and asks for more innovative educational materials that counter messages of intolerance and hate that dominate the Internet and social media.

Mr Bielefeldt devoted part of his recent report to  homophobic and transphobic violence against LGBT persons perpetrated in the name of religion.