Equality Round-Up

Photo via Twitter/Equality Card

From Mexico to Turkey, countries across the world have been making massive lurches forward in terms of LGBT equality. Here are some of the biggest stories from the past few days:

1. Marriage comes to Chihuaha, Mexico:

Chihuaha has officially become the fourth Mexican state (of 31 total), to legalize marriage equality—and couples are expected to be able to apply for licenses from today! [Gay Star News]

2. Greece expected to approve same-sex civil unions:

The left-wing governmnet of Greece has announced its intention to legalize same-sex civil unions. With a majority in the nation's parliament, the July vote is expected to pass smoothly. [Out Traveler]

3. The Italian Parliament's Lower House approves same-sex civil unions:

The reverberations of Ireland's historic vote have propelled marriage rights to the fore in many countries. At the moment, Italy does not recognize any form of same-sex partnership. However, the Lower House this week adopted a measure to legalize same-sex unions [New Civil Rights Movement]

4. Germany's Federal Assembly calls for marriage equality:

Likey Italy, German LGBT activists have been galvanized by Ireland's example. Despite Chancellor Angela Merkel's insistance that marriage equality is not on the agenda for her government, the pressure is mounting in Germany, where more than 75% of the population supports marriage. Germany's Federal Assembly, which consists of representatives from each state, is far more liberal than Bundastag (Parliament), where Merkel's coalition has a majority. This week, it voted to press for same-sex marriage rights and adoption rights. [Gay Star News]

5. Same-sex marriages are skyrocketing in Scotland:

According to statistics from the National Records of Scotland, one in eight marriages this year have been between same-sex couples. Civil partnerhsips over the same period dropped, showing where the preference lies. [Gay Star News]

6. Turkey elects most pro-LGBT parliament in history:

This week's election saw a huge shake-up in Turkey. 22 outspoken LGBT activists were voted in this year, along with a record-breaking 97 women, and other minority groups. Erdogen's conservative government lost it's majority, meaning that it will have to form a coaltion with other parties, one of which is the new, pro-gay HDP party, which holds 80 seats (out of a total of 550). [Gay Star News]

7. Ugandan scientists tell President that homosexuality is natural:

A group of prominent scientists at the Ugandan Academy of National Scientists have officially endorsed a South African study that argues that homosexuality is natural. Uganda, home of the infamous "Kill The Gays Bill," has become one of the worst places for LGBTs in recent years. This move will, hopefully, help turn the tide. [Pink News]