Pakistan along with all 57 countries belonging to the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) at the UN have declared opposition to the upcoming UN Human Rights Council’s discussion on discrimination and violence against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people.
Prior to the panel discussion scheduled for March 7, 2012 in Geneva, Pakistani Ambassador to the UN, Zamir Akram in a letter to the UN Human Rights Council stated that LGBT rights have “nothing to do with fundamental human rights.”
Writing on behalf of Pakistan and the OIC, Akram’s letter further states that same-sex relationships are “abnormal sexual behaviour” and that “the issue of sexual orientation is unacceptable to the OIC.”
“We note with concern the attempts to create controversial “new notions” or “new standards” by misinterpreting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and international treaties to include such notions that were never articulated or agreed to by the UN membership,” the letter reads.
In a concluding note about the scheduled 19th session of the UN Human Rights Council, the letter states that, “the Member States of the OIC would like to place on record their opposition to the holding of this panel and will not accept its considerations and recommendations.”
Despite opposition by the OIC, it is expected that the UN panel will reaffirm its commitment to fighting discrimination and violence based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
In 2011, the UN Human Rights Council passed a historic resolution that sought equal rights for everyone regardless of their sexual orientation, marking progress for gay rights despite strong Arab and African opposition.
The resolution was passed narrowly with 23 votes in favour, 19 against and three abstentions.
COMMENTS (84)
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First of all, the colours of flags by this news website shows sympathy towards gays, remove it immediately.
Secondly, I think the holy Quran has clearly stopped us from homosexuality acts by referring Hazrat Lout (A.S) nation story.
Third, I admire western world for their developments and inventions for the better world but we (Islamic World) must oppose Lesbians & Gays phenomena by valid scientific arguments (and I belief it exists). If west is guiding us wrong by scientific research and information (which they believe is true), we must answer them in same manner rather we should not escape this debate and I trust Allah and muslim scientists and scholars that they can pursue West if they want to... But we NEED to face them.
There is nothing abnormal or un-natural about being homosexual.
Please use the Pakistani flag as you wish to stress the point you're making. The Pakistani flag belongs to every Pakistani--regardless of their views of homosexuality.
If OIC has any self respect left in it, its members should resign from the UNO and create a parallel organization made up of Muslim countries. Unless it does so, it will continue to be treated as Organization of Impotent Countries.
In the land of the pure this is not an issue and therefore does not need to be addressed. When someone is in fact identified LG they are removed from the land of the pure.
This is just another divisive agenda by the West under the guise of human rights. The same people who are destroying our Constitution and groping children's bodies at checkpoints suddenly care about gblt rights? It's divide and conquer. Hey, the US army once tried to make a gay bomb for the battlefield. Look it up. Think and wake up!
as if the OIC coutries have respected the funadmental rights of their own people, minorities, women that they would respect these poor folks. LGBT folks, you have a long way to go but I am sure your rights will be recognized one day. Keep struggling.
The LGBT rights have nothing to do with Human Rights indeed. State must supress these kind of activities when it comes to the best interest of society.
Its irony...UN is criminally ignoring the violence against poor by west and US who have killed millions in iraq, afghanistan etc and shedding crocodile tears over the social status of gays and lesbians
Thank you Pakistan, We can always depend on Pakistan and OIC to prove most allegations an stereotypes against muslims to be true
This is for all the people upset by the flag graphic youtube video link
Love is a fundamental human right.
Religion causes the brain to function slower... this proves it and those who are talking about folks having some sense of islam are just as ignorant to their own religion. they allowed the clerics and homophobes to make it a matter of islam but have no idea what their own faith says...
but it makes sense... as i said the brain slows when you are religious.. this is a proven fact.
@SalSal:
"Yes islam has allowed slavery. But not the oppressive slavery which we know. In Islam you need to treat your slave properly. You can’t beat them, what you wear u should give them that to wear, you should treat them equally and give them food which you would eat. That’s the reason why slavery is almost non existent in the Muslim world. Because it was so difficult to keep treating them equally that people would free them. Watch Hassan Nisar talk about slavery in Islam"
This is similar to what the Confederate States were saying before the American civil war. They were claiming they treat their "n**rs" so well that there is no reason to complain! Please read what you just wrote, so it is all fine as long as the slaves are treated "well". Thus slavery is fine but it couldn't be kept up because it was difficult to "treat them equally" ? Where does the question of equality comes when slavery means you OWN a human being?
I am sorry to digress from the main topic, but I find it pathetic when people try to justify and excuse slavery using spurious arguments instead of condemning it outright as a grossly immoral and anti-human practice.
The comments here at least are indicative of how powerful is media; it has reached to people even this idiotic and senseless.
@truthbetold Yes islam has allowed slavery. But not the oppressive slavery which we know. In Islam you need to treat your slave properly. You can't beat them, what you wear u should give them that to wear, you should treat them equally and give them food which you would eat. That's the reason why slavery is almost non existent in the Muslim world. Because it was so difficult to keep treating them equally that people would free them. Watch Hassan Nisar talk about slavery in Islam
@Waqas ur Rahman:
"This statement clearly shows ur unfamiliar with ISLAM. 1st study Islam and then come up with such statement. Islam is against this curse of Slavery. It is Islam which stood against this curse."
I think you need to study the scriptures more thoroughly. If you do, you will find that slavery is indeed sanctioned in Islam. I could easily point you to the appropriate verses but it would be better if you do it yourself objectively.
how shamful... I wonder how everybody raise their voices for something that is extremely unnatural. And i am amazed to c dm very curious and fascinated about it as if 50% ov us are homosexuals. But i am even more amazed when no one talks about a thing dat is even more unnatural. No one shouts for human rites in kashmir no 1 4 palestine..
@double-standardz: @Fasih:
This is the Official Flag of LGBT group or association in Pakistan. According to them, the different colors represent the different sections / shades of the society. There was a LGBT gathering in Pakistan recently where they first unveiled this flag. I read about in many Pakistan newspapers. ET did not make this flag on its own.
@Sumera: what an insane comment (the first bit)
@Truthbetold: "Since you want to follow whatever Islam preaches, are you in favor of slavery, which Islam sanctions?"
This statement clearly shows ur unfamiliar with ISLAM. 1st study Islam and then come up with such statement. Islam is against this curse of Slavery. It is Islam which stood against this curse. Watch it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p1nuoovckag
PM should call for a special session of All Parties conference and the Parliament should pass an Unanimous Resolution either supporting or denouncing the UN move. It does not matter either way as all unanimous resolutions of the Parliament or Assemblies so far have been useless only.
BTW, we do not hear "Long March" these days, Only hear about Unanimous Resolutions. Have Long Marches gone out of trend ?
@mindless : Whether I am gay or not is none of your business. I am a human being and an Indian. I guess you are probably bisexual (therefore you see sexuality as a choice! ) But guess what, I dont care. There is a very ancient slogan in India "Satyamev jayate" which means 'truth alone triumps'. You can spread lies and religious bigotry against homosexuals as much as you want, the real truth will come out. The Delhi HC judgement was a huge slap on the faces of bigoted religious people. One day people in your country will also understand the truth. No propaganda, hate speeches, religious obscurantism can take over 'truth'.
Homosexuality is not a belief system that somebody convert to. There is huge scientific evidence in support of Homosexuality in animals including humans. Homosexuality is scarce but it exists and it's normal human sexual behavior.
just proves what a regressive society we are. another stain of shame on Pakistan.
Good Decision as a Islamic Country Supporteurs leave to INDIA which support the LGBT rights..
do decision pakistan
well done OIC . Every Muslim knows what happened with Hazrat Loot's followers . One supporting this cause should fear from Allah's wrath !.
islam is not that accommodating to different viewpoints. When homosexual behavior is considered normal by psychology, the 1000 year old ideology binds seemingly educated minds from accepting science.
Ultimately science tells us we are part of nature but some Religious ideologies say we are special children of God.
If thats the case why consume medicines which are tested on animals before they are given to Humans? The fact that one refuses to do so only validates that deep down inside he recognizes that he is one among the flowers of nature.
You guys just keep getting better and better at making sure everyone knows you're intolerant hypocrites. You also want people to respect your religion but you don't respect anything anyone else believes. Your thousand cuts lines can't be more perfect for what many of the people are. Parasites. Eating away at the entire planet with no positive after effects. Just a lot inconveniences after blood.
Israel is also opposing this along Argentina. Well done Pakistan
@Akthar:
"Homosexuality of any and all kinds is prohibited in Islam. Pakistan, being Islamic country, has rightfully opposed the resolution."
Since you want to follow whatever Islam preaches, are you in favor of slavery, which Islam sanctions?
@mindless, Thank you for enlightening us. As a courtesy, please reference the scientific articles which have concluded that "it is a mental choice and preferences which we prefer and make."
If Islam as many Muslims point out allows for religious minorities amidst a Muslim society to practice their religion in peace inside the confines of their homes at least, then why does not the same Islam allow sexual minorities to follow their own preferences in private? Even if homosexuality is a choice rather than being inborn, does not Islam support the right of an individual for free will and choice?
It is an utter shame that we are mostly trying to find excuses to HATE others, for their life choices, for their freedoms and for everything that they might do. I think the way LGBT rights have been considered separate from basic human rights is an utter irresponsible and sick minded behaviour towards human preferences. State does not decide how one wants to run their life, state is there to facilitate them. As long as one does not kill or cause a bodily harm oto others (which most politicians in Pakistan do), they must be free to exercise their own life.............btw, did anyone see the karokari ghairat of sindh today?
Atleast KP and Southern Afghanistan should have disagreed with OIC.
@Indikid, Are you gay?. I once asked a gay in Amsterdam what it is like to be a gay?, he replied: take a 6 inch and still smile. Making an excuse that it is not by choice or something like that sort is complete hypothesis. Scientifically it is mental choice and preferences which we prefer and make. Pakistan should oppose this, and by the way Pakistan is not alone to oppose it, Israel as well is opposing it, Argentina and many others.
Bigotry has no friends!!!!! Gay, bisexual and transgender are also God's creation! It is disgraceful that they are treated throughout the Islamic world as sub-human. True progress is only achieved when all members of society are treated with due respect and as equals! The Quran teaches us that in the eyes of God all humans are equal! Who are we to judge and persecute those that are different. Shame on the Muslim world and especially Pakistan. So much for being a democracy!
Since when is it a society's role to dictate what someone does in the privacy of their own home that doesn't infringe on the rights of other? These are human beings who are often subjected to cruel, inhumane, and unjust treatment that is unacceptable. It is not our role to regulate morality, it is our role to protect the rights of individuals.
Homosexuality of any and all kinds is prohibited in Islam. Pakistan, being Islamic country, has rightfully opposed the resolution.
I agree with many comments here that there has been lot of growing Homosexuality in Pakistan. In fact, even in the muslim world this is spreading. Recently, a Saudi prince has been caught for homosexuality and murder in UK. Even in Pakistan, many Maulvi
s in different madrassas have been caught sexually abusing children and in some cases death of innocent students have occurred. Infact, there
s a lot of Homosexuality in various Madrassas which is primarily due to congested / overcrowding living areas and also restricts placed. ET should investigate and comeout with a detailed report such that Government takes action by providing more space and better accomodation and other facilities in Madrassas.Pakistan must immediate frame strict laws similar to the saudi`s referring to the sharia to prevent this disease from spreading.
@Homophobes: The real reason why so many people are homophobes is because they don't understand sexuality. Please consider some points : - 1) Sexuality is not a choice, just like your gender or your skin colour or your intelligence.
2) How many of you were taught by your parents/teachers to be sexually attracted to opposite sex? I guess no one. For heterosexuals, getting attracted towards opposite sex person is natural. For HOMOSEXUALS getting attracted towards SAME SEX is NORMAL.
3) In many animals homosexuality is discovered (are animals also aping the west?). In humans, 5-10% people are known to be LGBT.
4) Not all religions condemn homosexuals. Only semitic religions ( islam, christianity and judiasm) do. Eastern religions like Hinduism, Taoism, Buddhism don't. So, religious condemnations of homosexuality is not universal.
5) Homosexuality is not restricted to a time in history or a culture or a religion. Homosexuals existed in all times, in every culture and in every society. From the caves in South America, to the Ajanta-Ellora caves in India, to Chinese historical literature to Persian poetry, homosexuality was everywhere.
6) Homosexuality is not a religion. Gays cant convert you to become homosexuality. Neither its a disease that can spread from one to the other.
So, dear HOMOPHOBES, take a chill pill, LGBT rights are for a long haul here.
@SalSal
Nobody needs scientists to figure out homosexuality is not a choice. You can go ask any homosexual. You can ask hundreds if you want. There are also homosexuals who are devoted Muslims (I've come across a couple), you can ask people like them too.
And freedom comes with limitations. Just like how ET gives us the freedom of speech but also moderates our comments because some comments are just not acceptable
Men never commit evil so fully and joyfully as when they do it for religious convictions - Blaise Pascal.
@SalSal:
Well said. I see some seriously prejudiced comments here. The word "mullah" is thrown around these days the way the word "nigger" was thrown around in the US in the earlier part of the last century. These "liberals" really need to examine their ideas of tolerance
@Sayyed Mehdi Who said sexual preference is not a choice? Western scientists ? Where were they before the sexual revolution of the 1960s? Saying sexual preference is not a choice is like saying committing crime isn't a choice. You created this world? Allah created this world. (pardon me if you aren't a Muslim but I am and that's what I'll call Him) He put you on this earth. He knows what's best for you. Not some misguided scientists who keep changing their conclusions. Tell me one religion who says homosexuality isnt wrong. And for those who were talking about slavery, do you know slaves were illiterate and physically very strong? They couldnt earn for themselves. If they were freed, they would have resorted to looting and crime because they had the strength to do that and they were uneducated so they didn't have anything else to do. And are you aware of the countless examples in Islam where slaves were bought and when they could earn, they were freed. For Your own sake and your childrens future, stop defying Him who put you on this earth.
Homosexuality is a curse...a very good decision by OIC..!!
@IndiKid: Completely agreed.
The reason so many people here are homophobic is that they're completely unaware that sexuality is not a choice. Homosexuals choose to get attracted to the same sex only as much as heterosexuals choose to get attracted to the opposite sex.
I'm really glad the resolution passed, though ashamed of Pakistan for opposing the discussion. May God protect gay and lesbian people everywhere.
@faraz. Agree 100% with your observation. Couldn't have worded it better myself.
It's called "a discussion" - that's were you get to express your thoughts on a subject - if you don't like gays then show up and say so - beats suicide bombing and beheading everyday.
Thats a right thing we are doing in many years; UN has lost its mind along with the West
Mullah Zindabad...lol
Commentators post these comments as if some Maulana Sahab will mend his ways through this bubbly protest on the ET. All the news, almost all of them, boils down to three and only three bedrock debates. 1- Religious fanatics v/s Liberal fascists. 2- Pro-PTI v/s Anti-PTI. 3- Minority Rights v/s Religious Extremists.
And on a serious note, Homosexual Rights has nothing to deal with fundamental rights... Get your neuroticism treated:-)
we are Hippocrates,we commit every thing but never admit.many of us homo ,lesbian and so on,but publically we oppose this phenomn
anybody noticed what this news site has done with Pakistani flag ? its sheer disrespect they must apologize over its act ....we cant accept everything which is painted here,.,,.but here ...who cares i forget..
What's wrong with equal rights for every one regardless of sexual orientation? Those classified under LGBT, aren't they human beings?
'Zamir Akram in a letter to the UN Human Rights Council stated that LGBT rights have “nothing to do with fundamental human rights.”'
LGBT's are also human beings regardless of whether you think homosexuality is a mental disorder or not. Just like Ahmadis, Shias and Christians are human beings regardless of their beliefs. ALL FOUR OF THEM DESERVE EQUAL HUMAN RIGHTS.
Sexuality is more fundamental to a human being than religion. Mind you dear friends, you can choose your religion but you can't choose sexual preference, just as you can't choose your skin colour. A person is born gay just as he/she is born a straight. No one should be discriminated against for what nature has made him/her. Homosexuality is found in many species of animals too. How did animals learn it? Did they copy it from the west? The answer is 'No'. They were born that way. It's a real shame that OIC is hiding behind a facade of 'religion' to oppress sexual minorities. History never forgives oppressors. OIC is digging its own grave by obstructing fundamental human rights. Shame on them.
So according to OIC, marrying children is ok, but guaranteeing the rights of LGBT is not?
Let's see what they do when the OIC decides to open a discussion in the West on implementation of Islamic law Shariah in those countries. The UN has proved that it's nothing but a complete godless communist type of body who wants to impose itself on the world. @Zeeshan Malik Do you personally know any mullah who raped a kid? Did any religious mullah of any party get accused or even close to being accused of sexual assault on the same sex? Stop generalizing dude. Don't be a stereotype. That's would be like me generalizing that all those who advocate for secularism are sexually promiscuous
If morals defined by religion are universal and constant, then why did all major religions accept slavery? Why were slaves treated as subhumans? Why is extramarital relationship with a female slave allowed in Islam? For centuries, the religions declared that females have low intellect; now as society has evolved, mullahs have slightly retreated from their previous stance. Similarly, the mullahs don’t talk of collecting jizya from non-Muslims, not because it isn’t allowed in religion, but because it’s morally repugnant. Read medieval religious thought, you will realize that morality has evolved and it’s not universal and constant as proclaimed by all religions.
good move by oic members.
Much like other fundamental rights to justice, clean water, electricity and more PK govt is denying LGBT the rights they very simply should have. Religion and state are separate institutions, I wonder when will Pakistanis realize this?
How muslim is Pakistan? Corruption, hipocracy, inequality, in justice - you name it and Pakistan leads the way in all of above and more!
Dont like the flag in these colors...
While I have nothing to add to this discussion, I detest the graphic above. Please don't desecrate the Pakistani flag by adding the universally known gay rainbow background. You could've published your story without defacing the flag. Please be sensitive to Pakistani sentiments when publishing your stories.
@zeeshan malik: Your observation is spot on! One look at the member countries of the OIC shows some of the most intolerant countries in the world. Kudos to the UN panel for dragging these recalcitrants towards a more tolerant world, despite their kicking and screaming.
True, the preachers of Islam are mostly the offenders in children rape cases and this should be brought to light especially in the Muslim countries where such issues remian taboo. However, it does not and should not justify the LGBT rights.
Pakistan is a country only created for straight Muslim men.All others are to be treated as inferior second class citizens,even worse than how animals are treated be it on the basis of religion,sexual orientation or gender.
@faisal khan: I agree. This is the most horrible things could ever reach here
if cast color or creed can NOT be topics for discrimination then why sexual orientation alone???
"LGBT rights have “nothing to do with fundamental human rights.”
This attitude is expected as minority rights are also not fundamental rights in PAK , or for that matter in all OIC countries.
Inheritance, power of attorney, co-guarantor status, right to decent and free living without fear of intimidation, access to health and human services all fall under the LGBT rights, genius.
What "sin" did trangender people do or what "sin" did GLB group do that others don't do.
Thank God, they still have some sense of Islam.
Thanks God... Now it seems that Pakistan is a Muslim State ,,, Proud to be Muslim,,, Proud to be Pakistani.... :)
damnnnn UN
The same religious fanatics who are the biggest opponents of homosexuality in public are always deadly quiet over the rape of children in madrassas by the maulvis.
The opposition to talks on violence against LGBT community coming from the organisation of islamic conference. Why isn't this a surprise?
woah!! How deep does the hate run.They aren't even prepared to allow a discussion on LGBT rights.This shows the extent to which our society's obsession with religion has destroyed our social fabric.We are so hatefilled and bigoted that we've gone to the extent of disallowing even talking about LGBT rights.
For all those people in the West who complain about homophobia,they should take a look at a society which refuses to allow even TALKS on it.
let the comment pandora box open!