In Aceh, Indonesia, two men were publicly caned for engaging in same-sex intimacy after being arrested in a park, highlighting the region's strict enforcement of Shariah law and ongoing human rights concerns. Despite international criticism and legal debates, Aceh continues to implement corporal punishments for moral violations, including homosexuality, which are condemned by human rights organizations.
An outdoor screening of the Barbie movie in Noisy-le-Sec, Paris, was canceled due to threats from opponents claiming the film promotes homosexuality and attacks women's integrity. The mayor condemned the threats and announced plans to reschedule the screening, while facing backlash and accusations of political exploitation and Islamophobia. An investigation into threats and intimidation has been opened.
An Islamic court in Aceh, Indonesia, sentenced two men to 80 lashes each for engaging in what it deemed gay sex, following their arrest in a public restroom. This marks the fifth such sentencing since Aceh implemented Shariah law in 2015, reflecting the province's strict stance on homosexuality under Islamic law.
Pope Francis apologized for using a vulgar term for gay men during a private meeting with Italian bishops, emphasizing that his comments were not intended to be homophobic and reaffirming that the Church welcomes everyone. The Vatican confirmed the reports but stressed that the Pope's remarks did not contradict his inclusive stance.
Pope Francis apologized for using a vulgar term to refer to gay men, highlighting the ongoing tension within the Catholic Church regarding LGBTQ+ issues. Despite his efforts to reach out to LGBTQ+ Catholics, his informal comments and actions have often sparked controversy. The Church officially teaches that homosexual people should be treated with dignity but views homosexual activity as "intrinsically disordered." Francis' notable comments over the years reflect his complex stance on the matter.
Uganda's Constitutional Court has upheld a controversial anti-gay law that allows for the death penalty in cases of "aggravated homosexuality," sparking condemnation from rights activists and leaders abroad. The law, signed by President Yoweri Museveni last year, criminalizes homosexuality and has been challenged by activists in court. While the court ruled that members of the gay community should not face discrimination when seeking medication, it declined to nullify the law, stating that it was legally passed by parliament and does not violate the constitution. The United Nations and U.S. President Joe Biden have expressed deep concern over the law, with the World Bank halting new loans to Uganda in response.
The Church of England's governing body will debate fresh commitments on homosexuality and same-sex couples, acknowledging "profound disagreement" on the matter. While the church does not allow same-sex marriage, it has been working to make the LGBTQ community feel more included and has apologized for past hostility. The upcoming Synod meeting will address these issues, as well as racial justice and the church's response to historic transatlantic slavery.
The Vatican has set red lines for discussions with German bishops, stating that women priests and Church teaching on homosexual acts are not up for debate in talks scheduled for next year. The Vatican's note emphasized that the teachings on priestly ordination being reserved for men and the Church's negative judgment on homosexual acts are non-negotiable. This comes in response to resolutions issued by Germany's "synodal way," which called for women deacons, a re-examination of priestly celibacy, lay preaching at Masses, same-sex blessings, and a revision of the Catechism of the Catholic Church on homosexuality. The Vatican's stance follows Pope Francis expressing concerns about elements in the German Church deviating from the universal Church's path.
Kelly Johnson, the wife of House Speaker Mike Johnson, took down the website for her company, Onward Christian Counseling Services, after it was revealed that the site compared homosexuality to bestiality and incest. The website featured an operating agreement that stated the company's belief that sex outside of a heterosexual marriage is offensive to God. The document also referred to "pre-born babies" and expressed a commitment to protecting all human life. The website has since been removed, and it is unclear what level of involvement Speaker Johnson had in drafting the bylaws for his wife's company.
A court in Nigeria has granted bail to 69 individuals who were arrested in connection with an alleged gay wedding, which is illegal in the country. Homosexuality is generally seen as immoral in Nigeria, and the country implemented an anti-gay law in 2014. The suspects were released on bail after posting 500,000 naira ($645) each and are required to sign a register at the court once a month until their next hearing. The anti-gay law in Nigeria carries a prison term of up to 14 years for those convicted.
Ethiopian security forces are cracking down on hotels, bars, and restaurants in Addis Ababa where gay sexual activity is alleged to take place, following tip-offs from the public. The LGBTQ community in Ethiopia remains underground due to high levels of discrimination and fear of violence. While gay sex is prohibited by law, there have been no recent reports of convictions for consensual same-sex sexual activity. An LGBTQ advocacy group has condemned the recent escalation in attacks on individuals based on their sexual orientation and gender identity in Ethiopia.
The World Bank has suspended new loans to Uganda due to its anti-homosexuality law, which includes harsh penalties and even death for LGBTQ individuals. While Uganda is one of 62 countries with laws criminalizing homosexuality, the World Bank continues its relationships with other countries, such as Saudi Arabia and Brunei, despite their executions of homosexuals. The decision has prompted the US to review its aid to Uganda, and President Yoweri Museveni has stated that Uganda will develop with or without loans.
Lebanon's culture minister, backed by Hezbollah, is seeking to ban the film "Barbie" from cinemas, claiming it promotes homosexuality and contradicts religious values. The move comes amid a broader campaign against the LGBT community, with powerful religious leaders and the Christian far right joining forces. Lebanon, once seen as a safe haven for the LGBT community in the Middle East, has recently seen tensions rise over the issue. The film, starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, has already grossed over $1 billion worldwide.
Iraq's official media regulator, the Communications and Media Commission (CMC), has ordered all media and social media companies operating in the country to refrain from using the term "homosexuality" and instead use "sexual deviance." The use of the term "gender" has also been banned. While Iraq does not explicitly criminalize gay sex, loosely defined morality clauses in its penal code have been used to target the LGBT community. The decision still requires final approval, and a penalty for violating the rule has not yet been determined.
Women in England and Wales can now apply to have outdated criminal convictions related to homosexuality expunged from their records under an expanded amnesty program that previously only covered men. The Disregards and Pardons program grants pardons to those who were unjustly convicted under outdated British laws criminalizing gay and lesbian activity. The program also covers military veterans who were dismissed from the British armed forces because of their sexuality, and women who were dismissed from the armed forces because of their sexuality will be able to have their medals restored.
