Fridae

APCOM (apcom.org) is a charity devoted to promoting HIV and LGBT rights across the Asia Pacific region.  Its work is very important in coordinating Testing, Advocacy and information sharing across the region.  APCOM recently provided Fridae.asia with an update on its campaign for marriage equality in Taiwan and also the campaign to repeal section 377A in Singapore, two very important issues for the LGBT Community.

Many people think, mistakenly, that following the previous court judgment in Taiwan marriage equality is a certainty – sadly it isn’t! There are public referendums there at the end of November.

The recent successful campaign to decriminalise homosexuality in India has energized LGBT rights advocates across Asia.  However, the fight for rights continues and the latest hotspots are Taiwan and Singapore.

Support Taiwan’s LGBT Rights Defenders

Taiwan has long shown what’s possible in the movement for LGBT equality in Asia. Last year, a ruling from its highest court positioned Taiwan to be the first country in Asia to win marriage equality. But now, anti-LGBT forces have mobilised. However, three referendums on November 24 offer an opportunity to thwart such oppressive efforts to either block or ‘downgrade’ same-sex marriage, as well as prevent ‘homosexual related’ education in schools. If these anti-LGBT forces get their way, Taiwan’s important advances in LGBT equality could be wiped out. Today’s Taiwan Pride will have a focus on these important issues.

The LGBT movement in Taiwan is fighting day and night to defeat the anti-LGBT forces and win the freedom to marry on an equal basis - and they need our help. Help make Taiwan the first country in Asia to win the freedom to marry on equal terms! Give now, and 100% of your donation will help the Taiwan campaign run ads, reach voters and stop these attacks on equal human rights for the LGBT Community. Donate now!! 

Separately, APCOM have created a profile-frame for you to Show Your Support on your facebook page for marriage equality In Taiwan. Click here to put you in the frame!

Support the Campaign to End Singapore’s Gay-Sex-Ban

Singapore is another former British colony and like India it also has a statute created during the colonial era – Section 377A – which outlaws same -sex relations.  LGBT activists have been trying for over a decade to get the law scrapped but powerful conservative forces in the country are continuing to block any reform. Encouraged by successful legal action taken against similar laws in India, Singaporean LGBT advocates have launched their own legal case against the law in Singapore - and a recent petition calling for law reform garnered over 40,000 signatures. Click here to read more.

Separately, a new Change.org petition, which has already been signed by 27,000 supporters, is calling on the Singapore government to scrap the colonial era statute, end the existing law’s unjust discrimination and bring about a truly inclusive and diverse Singapore, to replace a divisive and intolerant one. Please help make change happen in Singapore. Show Your Support by Signing the Petition To Repeal Singapore’s Section 377A!