The World Conference on Racism in Durban opened with a highly discriminatory act. ILGA, the international association that brings together gay and lesbian organizations from around the world (of which Arcigay is a member), was excluded from the proceedings due to the opposing vote of Islamic countries and the Vatican. In some of these countries (Sudan, Pakistan, Iran, Saudi Arabia), homosexuality is punishable by death, in others by harsh prison sentences.
This is a contradiction that cannot be ignored by Western countries.
We ask Foreign Minister Renato Ruggiero and Undersecretary Margherita Boniver, who are representing Italy at the Conference, to bring to Durban the spirit of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, which, in Article 20, identifies the range of discrimination that Europe is committed to combating equally, including that based on sexual orientation.
In an article in La Stampa a few days ago, Margherita Boniver described Italy's position as attentive to new forms of discrimination, to individuals oppressed in their rights regardless of ethnic origin, such as women, and to new rights to be protected.
Based on these assumptions, which we share, we hope that the Italian delegation will play a stimulating role in ensuring that the shame of stripping the violated rights of homosexuals no longer finds any ground.
Sergio Lo Giudice
National President of Arcigay
