Dallas Transgender Advocates and Allies Member of the World IGLHRC Collective: Our Proudest Moment

Europe solidaire sans frontières | planetransgender a place for everyone. No exceptions!

We at the Dallas Transgender Advocates and Allies(DTAA) were asked to sign a petition supporting the The International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission(IGLHRC) efforts to obtain UN consultative status after Egypt blocked this request.

Having added our name to this effort we have been listed with the worlds most fearless human rights organizations. Now the Dallas Transgender Advocates and Allies which has members on nearly every continent can stand proudly with our members and announce to the world we are the DTAA, we are transgender and we are united sans frountieres in our struggle for full equality.

The list of petition signers of the IGLHRC collective to date. Please add your organization's name today!

Petition
To the Members and Observers of the United Nations Economic and Social Council:

Civil society is a vital partner in the work of the United Nations and the 2010 session of the UN ECOSOC presents an opportunity to support civil society voices. We urge you to support the application for NGO consultative status of the human rights organization, the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC) and to prevent the unfair use of procedural measures to silence civil society.

Last month, certain Member States in the subsidiary NGO Committee presented a motion of “no action” on the call for a vote to decide on the consultative status application of IGLHRC. This no-action call was successful despite the fact that IGLHRC’s application has already been in the Committee process for three years and the organization has answered numerous questions and requests for information. The nature of the questions facing IGLHRC and various other statements made by some Member States indicated that this stalling tactic was motivated by the fact that IGLHRC’s human-rights work focuses on already marginalized lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people.

This is the first time this no-action procedure has been used to prevent the Committee from doing its work to make a recommendation on an application’s merits after an initial (and in this case extensive) review of the applying organization. This extraordinary use of the no-action motion to prevent the full ECOSOC from taking decisions on an NGOs application, where that NGO works on politically contentious issues or for unpopular minority groups, should not be allowed to stand. If left unchallenged, this could result in the regular use of such a procedure to block progress. This would subvert the purpose of the NGO sub-committee, deny the ECOSOC the opportunity to fulfill its function and would limit the access of vital civil society groups to contribute to the work of the UN.

We call on you to support IGLHRC’s application for consultative status at ECOSOC and to send a message to the NGO Committee that it must review all applications without discrimination.

Diversity of civil society at the United Nations is essential to respecting, protecting and promoting the human rights of all people and to achieving sustainable peace and human security. Please do not allow the voices of marginalized people to be silenced by discrimination and procedural roadblocks.

Sincerely, Organization Country Name ECOSOC Status


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sign the petition here: democracyinaction.org
or email us to add your name at ecosoc.communications suS iglhrc.org

IGLHRC · 80 Maiden Lane, Suite 1505 · New York, NY 10038 phone: +1 (212) 430-6054 · fax: +1 (212) 430-6060 · www.iglhrc.org

Endorsing Organizations:

Aleanca LGBT Albania, Albania
Alternatives-Cameroun, Cameroon
Amnesty International
Amnesty International Australia, Australia
Arc International, Canada
Arc-en-ciel d’Afrique, Rwanda
Associacao Brasileira de Lesbicas, Gays, Bissexuais, Travestis e Transexuais (ABGLT ), Brazil
Association de lutte contre le sida, Morocco
Associates for Global Change, United States of America
Association for Women’s Rights in Development (AWID)
Australian Coalition for Equality, Australia
l’Autre Cercle Midi-Pyrénées, France
Blue Diamond Society, Nepal
Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network, Canada
Catolicas pelo Direito de Decidir, Brasil
Center for Economic and Social Rights (CESR), Spain
Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria, South Africa
Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, United States of America
Center for the Study of Discrimination based on Sexual Orientation, Germany
Center for Women’s Global Leadership, United States of America
Centre for Human Rights and Rehabilitation (CHRR), Malawi
Centre for Popular Education and Human Rights (CEPEHRG), Ghana
Centro De Investigacion Y Promoción Para América Central De Derechos Humanos, Costa Rica
Cero en Conducta, Argentina
Coalition of African Lesbians (CAL)
Comeout Australia, Australia
Comision Mexicana de Defensa y Promoción de los Derechos Humanos, Mexico
Concertación Interamericana por los Derechos Humanos de las Mujeres, Costa Rica
Congo Action Now, United States of America
Conseil des ecoles catholiques de langue francaises centre est, Canada
Creating Resources for Empowerment in Action (CREA), India
Cultuur en Ontspannings-Centrum Netherlands (COC Netherlands), Netherlands
Dallas Transgender Advocates and Allies, United States of America
Demus, Estudio para la Defensa de los Derechos de la Mujer, Peru
DignityUSA, United States of America
EEGO Foundation, United States of America
Eddoboozi Human Rights Defenders Network, Uganda
Europe solidaire sans frontières (ESSF), France
Evangelical Network, United States of America
Fiji Transgender Empowerment Project, Fiji
Foundation for AIDS Research, amfAR, United States of America
Foundation for Women, Thailand
Fraternidad Q, Mexico
Freedom and Roam Uganda, Uganda
freedom fighters for equality facebook, United Kingdom
Freedom House, United States of America
Frontline Defenders, Ireland
Fundaciòn Ecuatoriana Equidad, Ecuador
Gay and Lesbian Association Of Ghana, Ghana
Gay Japan News, Japan
GAYa NUSANTARA, Indonesia
Gays United for Peace and Solidarity, Philippines
Good Samaritan Community Based Health-Care Services, Uganda
Global Rights, United States of America
Greenville-Norton Hill United Methodist Church
Heartland Alliance for Human Needs & Human Rights
Human Rights Foundation of Aotearoa New Zealand, New Zealand
Human Rights Initiative, Hungary
Human Rights Watch
Iglesia Catolica Antigua del Rio de la Plata en México
Ingersoll Gender Center, United States of America
International Alliance of Women, Austria
International Commission of Jurists
International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH), France
International Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, United States of America
International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex Association (ILGA)
International Service for Human Rights, Switzerland
International Union of Food workers, Switzerland
International Women’s Rights Action Watch Asia Pacific, Malaysia
Interweave Continental, United States of America
Iranian Queer Organization - IRQO
Iranian Railroad for Queer Refugees, Iran
Irish Raelian Movement, Ireland
Jamaica Forum for Lesbians All-sexuals and Gays (J-FLAG), Jamaica
Kaos GL, Turkey
Kirklees Faiths Forum, United Kingdom
Knowledge and Rights with Young people through Safer Spaces, Malaysia
Lambda Wellness Project, United States of America
Larcher Group, Canada
Las Ramonas, organizacion de Feministas Jovenes, Paraguay
Latin American and Caribbean Women’s Health Network, Colombia
Law and Rural Development, Thailand
Law, Race & Gender Unit, University of Cape Town, South Africa
Lesbian and Gay Federation in Germany LSVD, Germany
Liga Internacional de Mujeres por la Paz y la Libertad, (Limpal / WILPF), Colombia
Marriage Equality New York, United States of America
Metropolitan Community Churches
Movimiento Antidiscriminatorio de Liberacion, Argentina
MUTUAC (United Women Workers) – Mexico
Nash Mir Gay & Lesbian Center, Ukraine
New Light Metropolitan Community Church
Ontario HIV Treatment Network, Canada
Open Society Institute (OSI)
Opportunity Agenda, project of Tides Center, United States of America
Other Sheep MCC
OTRAM (org de travestis mendocinas), Argentina,
Organización de Transexuales por la Dignidad de la Diversidad, Chile
Out & Equal Workplace Advocates, United States of America
OutRage!, LGBTI human rights movement, United Kingdom
Oxfam Novib, Netherlands
Patriots for Change, United States of America
Pride Hilo, a Registered Independent Student Organization at University of Hawaii, United States of America
PT Foundation, Malaysia
Public Service Alliance of Canada, Canada
Purity Affirmative Organisation For Transgender Health-Uganda
Running Amach’-Dublin LGBTQ Women’s Social Networking Club, Ireland
Safra Project, United Kingdom
Sao-Sao-ed Group, Thailand
Semillas. Sociedad Mexicana pro Derechos de la Mujer AC
Sexuality, Orientation, Gender Identity and health (SOGIAH), Uganda
Sexuality Policy Watch - Brazilian secretariat, Brazil
Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG), Uganda
Si Jeunesse Savait, Democratic Republic of Congo
Spectrum Uganda Initiatives Inc, Uganda
Swedish Federation for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Rights (RSFL), Sweden
Tanzania Lesbian Association, Tanzania
Therapy North, United Kingdom
Uganda Harmonised Rights Alliance (UHRA), Uganda
UK Gay News, United Kingdom
UK-CAB, United Kingdom
Unidad de Atención Sicológica, Sexológica y Educativa para el Crecimiento Personal, Mexico
Unitarian Universalist United Nations Office, United States of America
United Church of Christ, Justice and Witness Ministries, United States of America Vancouver Island Human Rights Committee, Canada
Vida Plena Puebla, Mexico
WhyCantWeGetMarried.Com West Africa Chapter, Sierra Leone
Women for Women’s Human Rights (WWHR), Turkey
Women Living Under Muslim Law
Women’s Economic Council, United States of America
Women’s WORLD, United States of America
World Congress of GLBT Jews, United States of America

democracyinaction.org

Dallas Transgender Advocates and Allies

Help The IGLHRC Gain UN Consultative Status: Add Your Organization in Support

Support the Fair Treatment of Civil Society at the UN

Dear Friends & Colleagues:

The International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission needs your support. Three years ago we applied to the UN for consultative status so that we can bring the voices and issues facing lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people to the UN. We finally have a chance on during this session of ECOSOC in July to get this status.

But there are governments who are doing all they can to prevent this. We need as many Member States as possible to support us. You can help by asking your government to vote in our favour and by showing your organizations support through visiting http://tiny.cc/iglhrcECOSOC and adding your name to this letter to be sent to all Member States.

As the letter below explains, the sub-committee that makes recommendations to the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) this last May again prevented our application from being considered on its merits by the full ECOSOC. With the support of some Member States this measure to block us is being brought to the attention of ECOSOC and we are hoping that we will be able to move forward and be approved.

Please add your organization name today and send this email on to your lists.

Thank you for helping to ensure that the voices of civil society are not silenced by discrimination.

Cary Alan Johnson
Executive Director
International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission

This letter will be available in French and Spanish shortly. Please email ecosoc.communications@iglhrc.org if you would like to receive the translated versions.

** Petition **

To the Members and Observers of the United Nations Economic and Social Council:

Civil society is a vital partner in the work of the United Nations and the 2010 session of the UN ECOSOC presents an opportunity to support civil society voices. We urge you to support the application for NGO consultative status of the human rights organization, the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC) and to prevent the unfair use of procedural measures to silence civil society.

Last month, certain Member States in the subsidiary NGO Committee presented a motion of "no action" on the call for a vote to decide on the consultative status application of IGLHRC. This no-action call was successful despite the fact that IGLHRC's application has already been in the Committee process for three years and the organization has answered numerous questions and requests for information. The nature of the questions facing IGLHRC and various other statements made by some Member States indicated that this stalling tactic was motivated by the fact that IGLHRC's human-rights work focuses on already marginalized lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people.

This is the first time this no-action procedure has been used to prevent the Committee from doing its work to make a recommendation on an application's merits after an initial (and in this case extensive) review of the applying organization. This extraordinary use of the no-action motion to prevent the full ECOSOC from taking decisions on an NGOs application, where that NGO works on politically contentious issues or for unpopular minority groups, should not be allowed to stand. If left unchallenged, this could result in the regular use of such a procedure to block progress. This would subvert the purpose of the NGO sub-committee, deny the ECOSOC the opportunity to fulfill its function and would limit the access of vital civil society groups to contribute to the work of the UN.

We call on you to support IGLHRC's application for consultative status at ECOSOC and to send a message to the NGO Committee that it must review all applications without discrimination.

Diversity of civil society at the United Nations is essential to respecting, protecting and promoting the human rights of all people and to achieving sustainable peace and human security. Please do not allow the voices of marginalized people to be silenced by discrimination and procedural roadblocks.

Sincerely,
Organization
Country Name
ECOSOC Status

Sign the petition here or email us to add your name at ecosoc.communications@iglhrc.org

IGLHRC · 80 Maiden Lane, Suite 1505 · New York, NY 10038phone: +1 (212) 430-6054 · fax: +1 (212) 430-6060 · salsa.democracyinaction.org

Belize: Protect Student Jose Garcia from Discrimination and Expulsion

Join the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC) and United Belize Advocacy Movement (UNIBAM) in calling on the Ministry of Education of Belize and other authorities to take legal action to ensure that Jose Garcia is not prevented from attending school because of his sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression and to protect him from harassment and discrimination.
Expelled!
On October 1 and 5, 2009, Jose Garcia, a 19-year-old student at Baptist School of Adult and Continuing Education in Belmopan, Belize, received letters from the school threatening to dismiss him is because "he acts like a girl," "dresses effeminately," "uses the female bathroom," and "carries a purse as his school bag." On October 20, Jose received a letter from the school principal, Norman Willacey, asking that Jose withdraw from the school and seek counseling. Later, he told Jose, "You have me so embarrassed. I don't want to see you here in the compound. If you [don't] leave right now I will call the police!"
Authorities seem to be unwilling to act to protect Jose Garcia's right to education. The Public Information Officer of Belmopan, Arlette Gomez, has stated that it is their aim to ensure that Mr. Garcia's constitutional rights are not being infringed upon and that the guidelines of the Education Act and Rules are being followed. The Minister of Education, Patrick Faber, has also stated that the school is "bound to follow the constitution, otherwise anybody can take them to court." Nonetheless, the Minister has offered no concrete protection for Jose Garcia, stating that "it is a Baptist High School, there is not much the Ministry can do."
"I am not hurting anybody because of the way I dress."- José García
Discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression in education systems is a serious problem all over the world that has not been addressed at all. Harassment, mistreatment, violence, and other human rights violations threaten students' physical or emotional well-being, influence how well students do in school, make it difficult for students to achieve their career goals, and excludes thousands of students all over the world entirely from education systems.
All people have the right to education under international human rights law without discrimination based on, and taking into account sexual orientation and gender identity (Yogyakarta Principle 16). Article 26 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), Article 13 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), Article 28 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and the Convention against Discrimination in Education, all of which Belize is party to, ensure the right to education of all. Additionally, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), the Convention Against Torture (CAT), and the ICESCR are explicitly interpreted to include protection from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and/or gender identity (Human Rights Committee: Toonen v. Australia; Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights General Comment 20; Committee Against Torture General Comment 2).
Furthermore, the right to education without discrimination exists in Belize law as well. The preamble to the Belize Constitution states that "a just system should be ensured to provide for education and health on the basis of equality," and the Education Act dictates that "[s]chools shall be free of gender, racial and other biases (Art. 25 (2))." Jose Garcia's rights to education and non-discrimination under international and Belize law are being violated by his expulsion, threatening all other rights underpinned by equal access to education, including his right to work, to housing, and to health.

Send a message »
Please send your letters to:
Sr. Patrick Faber
Minister of Educationemail: http://us.mc456.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=moeducation.moes@gmail.com
Sr. Wilfred Elrington
Attorney Generalemail: http://us.mc456.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=agministrybze@yahoo.com
Sr. Elvin Pender
Minister of Youth, Sports, Information and Broadcastingemail: http://us.mc456.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=info@pressoffice.gov.bz
Sr. Simeon Lopez
Mayor of Belmopanemail: http://us.mc456.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=bmpcitco@btl.net
Sra. Arlette Gomez
Public Information Officer of Belmopanemail: http://us.mc456.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=Arlette.gomez@moe.gov.bz
Please send a copy to:
Caleb Orozco
UNIBAMemail: http://us.mc456.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=orozco.caleb@gmail.com
Fernando D'Elio
IGLHRCemail: http://us.mc456.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=fdelio@iglhrc.orgemail: http://us.mc456.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=communications+action.alert@iglhrc.org
Sample Letter
Mr. Patrick FaberMinister of Education of Belize
Minister Faber:
I am writing to express my deep concern over the expulsion of Jose Garcia, a 19-year-old student, from Baptist School of Adult and Continuing Education in Belmopan on October 30, 2009 because of his perceived gender identity and sexual orientation. I call on you to protect his and all students' right to education without bias or discrimination.
All people have the right to education, under international human rights law, without discrimination based on, and taking into account sexual orientation and gender identity (Yogyakarta Principle 16). Article 26 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), Article 13 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), Article 28 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and the Convention against Discrimination in Education (CDE), all of to which Belize is a party, ensure the right to education to all. Additionally, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), the Convention Against Torture (CAT), and the ICESCR are explicitly interpreted to include protection from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and/or gender identity (Human Rights Committee: Toonen v. Australia; Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights General Comment 20; Committee Against Torture, General Comment 2).
The right to education without discrimination exists in Belize law as well. The preamble to the Belize Constitution states that "a just system should be ensured to provide for education and health on the basis of equality" and the Education Act dictates that "[s]chools shall be free of gender, racial and other biases (Art. 25 (2))." Jose Garcia was threatened and expelled by his school simply because he was perceived to be too "feminine" with no remedy or protection. A bias-free educational system cannot support such discrimination.
Discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression in educational systems is a serious problem that needs to be addressed at all levels. Harassment, mistreatment, violence, and other human rights violations threaten students' physical or emotional well-being, influence how well students do in school, make it difficult for students to achieve their career goals, and excludes thousands of students all over the world entirely from education systems.
We respectfully request that:
The state ensure that Jose Garcia can return to his school or any other where he feels safe and protected from harassment and discrimination to complete his education.
The state lead and conduct programs and campaigns to sensitize principals, teachers, students, and others involved into the education system on the issues of sexual orientation and gender identity as well as discrimination based on those grounds, to allow all young people to learn a tolerant, non-discriminatory environment.
We trust you will treat this request with the attention it deserves.
Sincerely,
Name:Organization:Country:E-mail address:
Send this letter »

International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission TDOR

IGLHRC Observes Transgender Day of Remembrance:
Take Action Against Abuse of Transgender People in Guatemala and Turkey
On November 20, the 11th annual Transgender Day of Remembrance, take action against the recent murders of transgender women in Guatemala and call for changes in a law used to persecute transgender people in Turkey.
TAKE ACTION: GUATEMALA »

Stop Murder of Trans Women in Guatemala
This day offers a powerful opportunity to insist that trans rights are human rights, and that the global community has an obligation to stop violence against transgender people.
TAKE ACTION: TURKEY »

Change Law of Misdemeanors to End Abuse of Trans People
Transgender Day of Remembrance memorializes those who have been killed by hatred and prejudice against transgender people and raises public awareness to combat violence against transgender people. Every year, transgender people around the world face pervasive threats of discrimination, imprisonment, violence, and murder.
The tragic deaths of over 200 trans people reported in the last two years-and the countless others that go unreported around the world-are sobering reminders of transgender people's vulnerability to state-sponsored and private violence because of their gender identity and expression.
READ OUR BLOG »

Read more about the state of trans people's human rights in the past two years.
IGLHRC's mission is advancing human rights for everyone, everywhere to end discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. In September 2009, IGLHRC held its first strategy workshop for trans activists in the Caribbean. The workshop provided activists from the most marginalized communities with training in documentation and human rights advocacy. The Caribbean Forum for Liberation and Acceptance of Genders and Sexualities (CARIFLAGS) and the Caribbean Vulnerable Communities Coalition (CVC) co-hosted the workshop.
WATCH VIDEOS »

Watch videos of activists from the workshop speaking about the hardships and challenges they have confronted in their lives.

IGLHRC 80 Maiden Lane, Suite 1505 New York, NY 10038 phone: 212.430.6054 fax: 212.430.6060

Ugandan Anti GLBT Seminar Condemed by IGLHRC and SMUG

For Immediate Release, March 4, 2009
Contact Media: Hossein Alizadeh, 212-430-6016, halizadeh@iglhrc.org
Source : Walking With Intergity


(New York, March 4)- The International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC) and Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG) condemned a seminar designed to attack lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Ugandans under the cloak of religion. The 3-day seminar in Kampala, which opens Thursday, March 5, features an array of U.S. speakers known for their efforts to dehumanize LGBT people and for their belief that homosexuality can be "cured." The speakers include Scott Lively, Don Schmierer, and Caleb Lee Brundidge—leading voices in the crusade by religious extremists to roll back basic human rights for LGBT people in the United States. Brundidge is affiliated with Extreme Prophetic Ministry in Phoenix, Arizona. Schmierer is on the board of the so-called "ex-gay" organization Exodus International. Lively is well known for his belief that the Nazi Holocaust never happened.

"The American religious right is finally showing its hand and revealing the depth of its support for homophobia in Africa," said IGLHRC's Executive Director Cary Alan Johnson. "This seminar will increase violence and other human rights abuses against LGBT people, women and anyone who doesn't conform to gender norms. This newest form of colonialism is deplorable and must be stopped."

The seminar is hosted by the by Family Life Network (FLN), a Ugandan non-governmental organization founded in 2002 that claims to be committed to the "restoration of Ugandan family values and morals." The FLN opposes access to safe, legal abortions. It also opposes the use of condoms and promotes abstinence-only programming as its approach to HIV prevention. The FLN makes the sensationalized claim that homosexuality is "spreading like wildfire in schools." The event organizers have invited parents, teachers, government workers, politicians, counselors and faith leaders. The seminar costs 25,000 Ugandan Shillings a day (approximately $12.60) to attend. Books and materials are extra.

"This seminar is just another way of encouraging hatred and abuse," said a spokesperson from SMUG." We condemn their discriminatory words and actions that only lead to violence. Suffering is all that they are bringing to Uganda—all in the name of God."

"There is a lot of misunderstanding about human sexuality," said Ugandan Bishop Dr. Christopher Ssenyonjo, who was expelled from the Anglican Church for supporting gay people. “This workshop is going to bring more conflict, greater hostility, increased intimidation. We need love ... in the long run, love will overcome."

The U.S. religious right has a history of exporting homophobia to Africa With support from anti-gay organizations and faith leaders such as Family Watch International and Pastor Rick Warren of Saddleback Church, Pastor Martin Ssempa from Makerere Community Church has attacked not only gay men and lesbians, but also women's rights and HIV activism. Pastor Ssempa has stated, "there should be no rights granted to homosexuals in this country." In 2007, he organized a multi-denominational rally against LGBT rights in Kampala, where one cleric called for the "starving to death of homosexuals."

In response to this ongoing pattern of violence and abuse, SMUG launched its Let Us Live in Peace campaign, aimed at decreasing violence against LGBT Ugandans. The campaign was launched shortly after human rights defenders Victor Mukasa and Oyo Yvonne filed a lawsuit against the Attorney General related to an illegal raid on Mukasa's home. The plaintiffs won their case in December 2008—a landmark victory by organizers in a country that still punishes homosexuality by life in prison and has repeatedly made efforts to silence human rights leaders. FLN organizers cite this victory in the promotional materials for the seminar, saying that it shows that a "well organized homosexual machinery" is taking over Uganda, "wreaking havoc in individuals, families and the society."