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Zimbabwe Rejects UN Appeal for Gay Rights, Denies Torture Claims

Zimbabwe's justice minister has vowed not to recognize basic rights for gays and lesbians after meeting with the United Nations human rights chief today, reports the BBC and  AP.

Patrick Chinamasa said he told U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay that Zimbabwe will arrest same sex partners found committing homosexual acts. "We made it clear that in our law homosexual activities are criminalized and that any person who commits homosexual activities will be arrested," he told reporters after meeting with Pillay in Harare.

He said claims of state sponsored torture were untrue, and the allegations must be investigated. "There is no state sponsored violence, these are all lies. We told her that there are no torture chambers in Zimbabwe," he said.

Pillay is on a first ever mission by a UN Human Rights chief to Zimbabwe, at the invitation of the Government. The South African judge will meet President Robert Mugabe, Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, cabinet ministers, the nation's chief justice and others.

Independent human rights groups have accused Mugabe's ruling Zimbabwe African National Union – Patriotic Front  of "stage managing" the visit and presenting a "fraudulent" account of human rights, according to another report by AP.

In a joint statement Monday, 36 groups said they will boycott a meeting with her arranged by Mugabe’s justice ministry at the Harare Parliament building scheduled Tuesday. The groups said bogus organizations, some even the perpetrators of injustice, were invited to “ambush” the rights defenders’ talks with Pillay. ...

Human rights groups have compiled dossiers from witness accounts of systematic political violence, assaults, beatings, rape and torture over the past decade. At least 600 people have died, about 200 of them in violence during campaigning for the last national elections in 2008.

The 36 groups said Monday that Chinamasa had insisted there was nothing to hide from the U.N. envoy, but that he and justice ministry officials then tried to suppress the activists’ views. Mugabe’s party wanted to stage manage her mission using loyalists to present “a glorified and sugar coated account” of rights issues, the statement said.

The news comes after a series of harsh, anti-gay remarks from ZANU-PF leadership. Last week  a senior government official called for the forced evictions of gays and lesbians. President Barack Obama's historic announcement on marriage equality was described as "the worst form of Satanism" only days before by one legislator.

Zimbabwe's notoriously notoriously anti-gay leader Mugabe entered into a coalition government with opposition leader and Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai in 2008. Elections are expected later this year.  Tsvangirai has promised "not to prosecute anyone who is gay" if he wins the election. Tsvangirai says he will continue to call out for tolerance despite an onslaught of criticism after his remarks.

Same-sex acts are currently illegal in Zimbabwe, as they are in at least 38 of 54 African countries. Four nations—Mauritania, Nigeria, Somalia and Sudan—boast the death penalty for gays or same-sex activity. South Africa and Seychelles are the only African nations that protect LGBT rights. The neighboring Republic of South Africa is also the only African nation to guarantee marriage equality.

Two Zimbabwean LGBT activists were arrested and tortured last year.  Both were acquitted of all charges. Neighboring Gay men and transgender women face widespread harassment, violence and rape in Zimbabwe, the U.S. State Department reported in its annual human rights survey.

Some Background:
ZIM: Cabinet Official Demands Expulsions of Gays
ZIM Man Withdraws from Mr. Gay World 2012 Contest
Mr. Gay Namibia Robbed and Assaulted
ZIM PM Tsvangirai Continues Calling for Gay Rights
ZIM: Tsvangirai Slammed Over Support for Gay Rights
ZIMBABWE: PM Tsvangirai Now Calls for Gay Rights
ZIM Service Chiefs "Demand" Mugabe's Resignation?
Mugabe Denounces "Filthy Gays" of Europe
UN Votes to Condemn Anti-Gay Violence
Zimbabwe: Gay Activist Trial Delayed
Zimbabwe: Gay Activist Acquitted
Mugabe Apologizes to Dogs for Gay Comparison
Zimbabwe Vows to Outlaw Homosexuality in Constitution

30 Day Sentence for Dharun Ravi in Tyler Clementi Webcam Spying Case

PHOTO: Star-Ledger

Former Rutgers University student Dharun Ravi has been sentenced to only 30 days in jail for using a webcam to record and live-stream roommate Tyler Clementi's sexual encounter with another man in September 2010. The 18-year-old Clementi completed suicide only three days later.

The sentence includes three years of probation, 300 hours of community service, a $12,000 fine and mandatory counseling on  "cyber bullying" and "alternate lifestyles," reports the Star-Ledger. The 20-year-old Dharun Ravi faced up to 10 years in prison and deportation to his native country of India.

Both sides will appeal the sentence, according to reports.

Ravi was convicted of invasion of privacy, bias intimidation, witness tampering and other charges on 16 March. During the trial, witnesses testified that Ravi not only positioned the webcam toward Clementi's bed, but attempted to stream a second encounter and invited students to a "viewing party" Skype and Twitter. Text messages showed that Ravi told friends that he was "creeped out after" watching the encounter and said, "Keep the gays away."

Clementi took his life on September 22, 2010 by jumping off the George Washington Bridge. Ravi was not  charged in Clementi's death.

REPORT: FAMU Hazing Suspects Escorted Robert Champion's Casket

PHOTO: Rattler Nation

A cruel footnote to the death of Robert Champion, the openly gay Florida A&M University drum major who died last November after a vicious hazing from fellow band members. Prosecutors have revealed that several men who marched in front of Champion's casket at his funeral were among those who allegedly beat him to death, reports ABC News.

Three of the Florida A&M University band members charged in the hazing death of drum major Robert Champion were fellow drum majors who escorted his casket as an honor guard at his November funeral. ...

Florida State Attorney Lawson Lamar announced charges [on May 2] brought against 13 individuals in connection to Champion's death. Among the [11] charged with felony hazing were Jonathan Boyce, 24, Shawn Turner, 26, and Rikki Wills, 24, all fellow drum majors. They were among five drum majors who led Champion's funeral march, escorting his casket during the funeral.

"I can confirm that some of the people arrested were part of the funeral," Champion family attorney Christopher Chestnut told ABCNews.com. When asked about Boyce, Turner and Wills, Chestnut said, "Yes, they were drum majors that participated in the funeral."

Champion died during a band trip to Orlando on 19 November 2011. The 26-year-old drum major suffered blunt trauma blows and died from shock caused by severe bleeding, according to the autopsy. Champion was reportedly vomiting before he was found unresponsive aboard the bus.

Thirteen defendants were charged with felony hazing on May 2. Two defendants face midemeanor counts. The felony hazing charge carries a maximum penalty of almost six years.

Investigators have learned that more than 100 members of FAMU's famous marching band are NOT registered students. This includes at least three of the 11 band members charged almost two weeks ago with felony hazing

Champion's parents publicly revealed in January that their son was gay. In addition to being vocally opposed to hazing, Champion's sexuality could have been among the reasons why he was viciously beaten during the attack, according to the family's attorney. Read more at my article for Ebony.com: "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell": Why Has Black Media Ignored the Sexuality of FAMU Hazing Victim Robert Champion?"

You May Have Missed:
Why Has Black Media Ignored Sexuality of RChampion?  [EBONY]
Final Felony Suspect Surrenders in Hazing Death
10 Arrested in FAMU Hazing Death
8 Suspects Arrested in FAMU Hazing Death
13 Face Criminal Charges in FAMU Hazing Death
Multiple Charges Expected in FAMU Hazing Death
Prosecutors Review Champion's FAMU Hazing Death
2 FAMU Music Professors Involved in Band Hazing
Still No Charges in Champion's Death
FAMU Student's Sexuality Lead to Hazing Death?
Police Arrest 3 FAMU Students After Brutal Hazing
Investigators Uncover Misconduct in Hazing Death
Lawsuit Reveals Details in FAMU Hazing Death

"The Grio" Debuts Week-Long Series on Blacks and Homophobia

"I Love the Black Church But the Black Church Doesn't Love Me" is the first essay in a week-long series on homophobia in Black America by TheGrio.com. The series debuted on the same weekend the national board of the NAACP voted to endorse equal marriage rights for same-sex couples—and only days after President Barack Obama's historic announcement supporting that position.

The opening essay takes on the well-known "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy of many Black congregations.

My sexual orientation is "known" but never openly discussed. "I think she is one of them" is what they'll say. The invisible nature of my existence and the routine condemnation of me for being something other than a child of God, ultimately forced me leave the black church. As a gay person, I was made to feel that I was the only sinner in a land of saints. Well, at least the 'saints' were guilty of committing 'acceptable' sins. Me? Let the stoning begin!

We know people in the church who sin openly, and even have children out of wedlock. We are there to shout 'amen' for our church leaders and wish them well as they move from one failed marriage to the next one. ... We think gays are a threat to the manhood of African American men, however as a Christian community we would rather only whisper about love on the 'down low' as opposed to addressing it openly. We ignore the real threat to our communities: schools that are continually failing our children; while, "at least my pastor drives a fancy car and lives in a fabulous home."

But fair warning: "Avoid [the essay] like the plague if u have an aversion to hate speech," tweets Atlanta-based blogger and activist Darian Aaron, referring to the dozens of comments. Many of them are hatefully heartbreaking.

One comment that stands out: "If you think you are so-called unloved in the Black Church, join a White Church. Good luck with that. You chosed to be whatever you are so stop whining."

VIDEO: Donna Summer Sings "Black Power" on German TV in 1969

The late Donna Summer can be seen singing her first recording "Black Power" in this video clip circa 1969 from the German television series 11 Uhr 20. The track was written by German composer/arranger Peter Thomas, notes Dangerous Minds.

This is Summer’s first recording [but] it wasn’t released commercially until it appeared on a 1998 compilation of Thomas’ compositions called Moonflowers And Mini-Skirts. Although Thomas scored countless internationally released films and German television series, it wasn’t until bands like Pulp, Stereolab and Air started sampling his work that he became a hip commodity.

Donna Summer was only 21-years-old when she made this video. She died last Thursday at age 66 of cancer.

Via Northwestern's John Keene—whose tribute to the disco queen is worth reading—watch AFTER THE JUMP ...

PHOTOS: Rapper Flo Rida Gets HUGE for "Muscle & Fitness"

For those who enjoy a thick slab of country-fed beefcake ...

Babydaddylicious  Tramar Dillard aka Flo Rida shows where he has been hiding in recent months: The gym. The Miami-based rap sensation covers Muscle & Fitness' June 2012 issue and it looks like all of his muscles are huge.

Flo Rida was last seen on South Beach, wearing jeans that sagged a little too low and squeezing some fresh orange juice. Photographer Jim Wright's cover and more slice of beefcake AFTER THE JUMP ...

NAACP Endorses Marriage Equality

Bravo. The board of directors of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People has voted to endorse equal marriage rights for same-sex couples. The resolution approved today by the nation's oldest civil rights organization affirms that "marriage equality [is] consistent with equal protection under the law provided under the Fourteenth Amendment of the United States Constitution."

This marks the first time the national board has fully endorsed marriage equality—and comes ten days after President Barack Obama's historic announcement supporting that position.

The resolution was presented at the civil rights organization's annual retreat in Miami. It was approved by an almost unanimous vote—only 2 members of the 64-member board  opposed. The resolution states:

"The NAACP Constitution affirmatively states our objective to ensure the ‘political, education, social and economic equality’ of all people. Therefore, the NAACP has opposed and will continue to oppose any national, state, local policy or legislative initiative that seeks to codify discrimination or hatred into the law or to remove the Constitutional rights of LGBT citizens. We support marriage equality consistent with equal protection under the law provided under the Fourteenth Amendment of the United States Constitution. Further, we strongly affirm the religious freedoms of all people as protected by the First Amendment."

"The mission of the NAACP has always been to ensure the political, social and economic equality of all people," said NAACP Board Chair Roslyn Brock in a statement. "We have and will oppose efforts to codify discrimination into law."

"The NAACP's support for marriage equality is deeply rooted in the Fourteenth Amendment of the United States Constitution and equal protection of all people," added President and CEO Benjamin Jealous. "The well-funded right wing organizations who are attempting to split our communities are no friend to civil rights, and they will not succeed."

But this is not the first time the board has spoken out for marriage rights:  In February 2009, the national board called for the overturn of California's Proposition 8 but stopped short of endorsing equal marriage.

In February 2010, the NAACP elected 44-year-old Roslyn Brock as its new chairwoman to replace the legendary Julian Bond, a civil rights icon and one of first Blacks elected to the Georgia House of Representatives. Brock joined 37-year-old NAACP President Benjamin Jealous—who has tried to engage LGBT issues— and both have pledged to make the veteran civil rights organization more relevant. In March 2011, the first openly LGBT president of a local NAACP chapter was elected. In August 2011, the organization held its first town hall on LGBT issues.

Bond lead the NAACP until 2010 and has been especially vocal on LGBT issues.  As a result of Bond's leadership, the NAACP now has an LGBT Equality Task Force. Bond also spoke at the 2009 National Equality March and has pushed for marriage equality legislation in Maryland and New Jersey.

You May Have Missed:
NAACP Slams NC Anti-Gay Amendment
VIDEO: Julian Bond Speaks Out for Marriage Equality
Homophobia Discussed at NAACP Town Hall
Gay Man Elected Head of Worcester, MA NAACP
Julian Bond: Eddie Long a "Raving Homophobe"
Will New NAACP Chair Push for Gay Rights?
Prop 8 Trial: Julian Bond Named to Advisory Board
Detroit NAACP Holds Historic Discussion on LGBT Rights
Iowa Black Pastor: "No Compromise on Homosexuality"
Iowa's Leading Black Pastor Seeks Marriage Ban
Julian Bond Speaks Out for Marriage Equality in NJ
NBJC First Black LGBT Group to Address NAACP
Obama to NAACP: "Gays are Still Denied Their Rights"
NAACP and Julian Bond Call for Overturn of Prop 8
MLK Would Favor" Gay Rights
Live Blog: Coretta Scott King Funeral

FRANCE: Justice Minister Christiane Taubira Makes History as Highest Ranking Black in Cabinet

PHOTO: Getty

History is made in France as the new Socialist government of President François Hollande and Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault appointed Christiane Taubira as the Minister of Justice. The French Guyanese lawmaker becomes the highest ranking Black cabinet official ever in French government, as well as the highest-ranking woman in the current administration.

There are three Black ministers in Hollande's new cabinet. France is "now the frontrunner of political diversity in Europe. In not a single European country with a large black community there has been a black cabinet Minister in recent history," reports Afro-Europe.

The line-up: Taubira, from French Guiana, is the new Minister of Justice. George Pau-Langevin from Guadeloupe, a member of Parliament representing Paris, is named junior Minister for Educational success. And Victorin Lurel, also from Guadeloupe, is the new Minister in charge of overseas departments. He succeeds Marie-Luce Penchard, who was also from Guadeloupe.

Although Taubira is not the first black Minister in France, with her appointment as Minister of Justice she can be seen as being the first black person in France to hold such an important cabinet position. Taubira, who is on the left of the Socialist Party, served as a deputy at the French National Assembly since 1993. She is also the author of a law, now called "Loi Taubira,” voted by the French Assembly in 2001, which recognizes the slave trade and slavery as crimes against humanity.

The new cabinet—described as France's most diverse—is comprised of 34 ministers. "While sixteen other [women] have been given portfolios out of the 34 available, apart from Taubira, the top jobs have all gone to men," notes EuroNews.

And: "The cabinet includes 7 people from French ethnic minorities, mostly of Caribbean and North African origins. It also counts Fleur Pellerin, a 38-year-old newcomer who was born in Korea and adopted by a French family when she was six months old," adds France24.

France's first black cabinet minister was Rama Yade, the charismatic French Senegalese human rights lawyer. Rade was appointed by former President Nicolas Sarkozy in 2007. The former human rights minister became the one of the major players behind the United Nations' historic gay rights declaration of 2008. And in 2006: Harry Roselmack was promoted to presenter on TF1, making history as the first non-white person to lead a mainstream, prime-time television news show in France.

Air France Pilot Refuses to Deport Gay Man from UK to Cameroon

An Air France pilot has refused to deport a gay man seeking asylum from the UK to the Cameroon, where gay men are routinely and randomly arrested and subjected to legal ordeals that continue for years. This is at least the fourth time in the past year that an Air France pilot has refused to return a gay asylum seeker to the West African nation—a result of a novel lobbying strategy by European activists.

Twenty-six-year-old Ediage Valerie Ekwedde arrived in Britain last November after escaping from Cameroon where he was harassed because of his sexuality. Ekwedde applied for asylum. The application was rejected because the UK Border Agency claimed that there was "no credible evidence" he was gay.

Valerie made the mistake of drinking too much at his birthday party in a bar in Yaounde, which resulted in a public embrace between him and his partner. They were attacked by an angry crowd and taken to the police station. Because they were both still bleeding from their injuries after two days, they were told they could be taken to the hospital if they had some money. They gave the officer all they had and were fortunately able to make their escape.

Valerie has been living in Coventry, attending a men’s group and frequenting a gay club, but the Home Office does not believe he is a gay man, in spite of having seen a copy of an arrest warrant that was issued for him. In it he is indicted for the crime of homosexuality under section 347 of the Penal Code. This arrest warrant has since been verified by a police officer in Cameroon. His UK partner has now written to the Home Office to confirm they have been in a relationship and other letters from supporters are being submitted.

Ekwedde was supposed to depart from London Heathrow two week ago on May 8 but the Air France pilot refused, reports the BBC.

He was to be flown to Paris to catch a connecting flight. Air France said its 07:10 BST flight from Heathrow to Paris Charles de Gaulle was delayed on Saturday morning due to "operational difficulties". Campaigners said he managed to get a message to the Air France pilot saying that he would "make a fuss" because his life was in danger. According to the campaigners, the pilot is said to have decided not to fly with him out of consideration to the other passengers.

UK and European gay rights activists have successfully lobbied Air France and its pilots to refuse to deport gay asylum seekers. Air France pilots refused to deport gay asylum seekers to Cameroon at least three times during the summer of 2010.

Cameroon boasts one of Africa's more repressive anti-LGBT regimes. Recent months have seen an increase in arrests and prosecutions under section 347a of its penal code, which criminalizes same-sex sexual acts. The government is preparing to toughen its already harsh penalties against homosexuality by equating them with pedophilia.

Gay men in Cameroon are routinely and randomly arrested and subjected to legal ordeals that continue for years. Since late July, a 19-year-old and a 20-year-old have been in police custody. Reports suggest the youths were arrested because they appeared "feminine". The two men received the maximum prison sentence of five years in November.

Background:
Cameroon Urged to Release 2 Gay Youths
CAMEROON: 3 Gay Youths Sentenced to Five Years
CAMEROON: Alice Nkom Warns of Rise in Arrests
CAMEROON: 2 Teens, 2 Men Face Trial
2 Gay Youth Arrested for "Looking Feminine"
2 Gay Youth Face Trial for Homosexuality
Air France Refuses to Deport Gay Asylum Seeker
CAMEROON: 3 More Arrests for Homosexuality
Cameroon: Pro-LGBT Attorney Threatened w/ Arrest
Cameroon Sentences Journalist to 6 Months
Cameroon Sentences Three for Homosexuality
Gay Man Imprisoned for Two Years Without Trial
"Homosexuelle en Afrique"
Cameroon Gay Man Re-Arrested

Malawi President Joyce Banda Vows to Overturn Anti-Gay Laws

This is just brilliant. Malawi's new president has declared that she wants to repeal the southern African nation's anti-gay laws and sodomy statutes. President Joyce Banda's move reverses the recent trend in Africa in which gays have been increasingly singled out for prosecution. Malawi would become the first African nation to do this since South Africa in 1994, reports the BBC.

Mrs Banda took power last month after her predecessor, Bingu wa Mutharika, died of a heart attack. She has since reversed several of his policies, including devaluing the currency, in a bid to get donor funding restored. Many donors cut aid under Mr Mutharika, accusing him of economic mismanagement and political repression.

In her first state of the nation address to parliament, Mrs Banda said: "Some laws which were duly passed by the august house... will be repealed as a matter of urgency... these include the provisions regarding indecent practices and unnatural acts."

The BBC's Raphael Tenthani in the main city, Blantyre, says the president has the support of a majority of MPs and so should be able to get parliament to overturn the law. However, he says it will be an unpopular move with many church leaders, as well as the wider population in this conservative country.

Malawi faced international condemnation for the May 2010 conviction and 14-year prison sentences given to Steven Monjeza and Tiwonge Chimbalanga. The coupple was convicted of "unnatural acts" and gross indecency" after holding an engagement ceremony. The late President Mutharika pardoned the couple on "humanitarian grounds."

Banda is the continent's newest and second female president. Liberia's Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is the other.

Same-sex acts are currently illegal in Malawi, as they are in at least 38 of 54 African countries. The maximum punishment is 14 years behind bars and hard labor. In September 2009, a senior official first suggested that the conservative African nation "must recognize" gay rights if it hopes to properly address HIV/AIDS.

Four nations—Mauritania, Nigeria, Somalia and Sudan—boast the death penalty for gays or same-sex activity. South Africa and Seychelles are the only African nations that protect LGBT rights. South Africa is also the only African nation to guarantee marriage equality.

You May Have Missed:
Update on Malawi's Monjeza and Chimbalanga
Malawi Couple Break Up, Monjeza Engaged to a Woman
Pardoned Malawi Couple Appears on Television
Malawi: Couple Released, Seeking Asylum
Malawi's President Pardons Imprisoned Couple
Jailed Malawian Couple Separated
WH, Madonna Condemn Sentence of Malawi Couple
Malawi Couple Sentenced to 14 Years Hard Labor
State Dept. Condemns Malawi Conviction
Gay Malawi Couple Convicted of "Unnatural Act"
Malawi Official Calls for Gay Rights to Fight HIV/AIDS

99 Problems, But Gay Marriage Ain't One: Jay-Z, Hip-Hop, Homophobia

PHOTO: AP

Our latest for EBONY.com: "99 Problems, But Gay Marriage Ain't One: Will Jay-Z's Latest Endorsement Turn the Tide for Hip-Hop's Homophobia?"

Just like President Obama’s statement has had a “halo” effect among some Black voters,  Jay-Z has had a similar effect in hip-hop. The rapper’s endorsement has sparked a major conversation about gay rights and homophobia in the American hip-hop music scene—and the conversation has jumped from the barbershops to talk radio, Twitter and Facebook.

Hova’s comments were rapidly followed by similar endorsements from actor Will Smith—who began his career in rap—as well as legendary rap icon Chuck D of Public Enemy. Entertainment, rap icon and fashion mogul Russell Simmons—a longtime gay ally—tweeted his support to his 1.6 million followers: “Extremely proud of Jay-Z for this.” Boxer Floyd Mayweather--who has a history of gay-baiting and homophobia--came out for marriage equality. So did dancehall artist Beenie Man, who has a troubling history of violent anti-gay lyrics.

This week’s narrative was a breath of fresh air in an industry better known for its homophobic lyrics and hostility toward gays—such Busta Rhymes violent remarks about gay men and Ja Rule’s whack comments about gays “ruining” society. And this is despite the fact that many younger Black gay men and women are die-hard hip-hop lovers.

Read the full article HERE.

You May Have Missed:
VIDEO: Jay-Z Supports Obama on Equal Marriage

PHOTOS, VIDEO: Giants WR Victor Cruz Glams It Up for "LATINA"

New York Giants wide receiver and bulging Super Bowl sporno hotness Victor Cruz releases his inner fashionista in a cover editorial for LATINA. Cruz models the latest in CircuitBoy S/S 2012 sportswear—including designer-of-the-moment Michael Bastian—for celebrated fashion photographer Arnaldo Anaya Lucca.

Perfect 10s for "BQ Sex Siren Realness" on the magazine's cover and watch behind-the-scenes video AFTER THE JUMP ...