Anti-Discriminiation Laws
The United Nations human rights office urged the Government of Chile
to pass a law against discrimination, including on grounds of sexual
orientation and gender identity, following the recent killing of a
young gay man in the capital, Santiago.
"We also urge Chile to enact hate crime legislation that establishes
hatred based on various grounds, including sexual orientation and
gender identity, as an aggravating factor for the purposes of criminal
prosecution," said a spokesperson for the Office of the UN High
Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), Rupert Colville.
Speaking at a news conference in Geneva, Mr. Colville said that the
killing of 24-year-old Daniel Zamudio is just the latest reminder of
the gravity and prevalence of homophobic violence that exists in all
regions.
"The case should be seen in the wide context of hate-motivated
violence against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender person around
the world," he said. "This time it happened in Santiago, Chile, but it
happens every day on the streets of towns and cities all over the
world."
Mr. Zamudio died on Tuesday, 25 days after being viciously assaulted
by a group of alleged neo-Nazis in a Santiago park, according to
OHCHR.
"He was reportedly tortured for an hour by his attackers, who stubbed
cigarettes out on him, carved swastikas into his body, and mutilated
him in other ways," said Mr. Colville. "We deplore the violent
criminal act that took the life of this young man and urge the Chilean
Congress to pass a law against discrimination, including on grounds of
sexual orientation and gender identity, in full compliance with
relevant international human rights standards."
In addition to sparking a public outcry in Chile, the attack has also
provoked a debate about homophobia and hate crimes, as well as calls
for the country's Parliament to pass an anti-discrimination law which
was initially presented in 2005 and is currently before lawmakers,
awaiting approval by the lower house.
--
Together, we can change the world, one mind at a time.
Have a great day,
Tommy
--
Together, we can change the world, one mind at a time.
Have a great day,
Tommy
--
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