"Despite being a widespread occurrence
across continents and cultures, the torture
and ill-treatment suffered by LGBT (Lesbian,
gay, bisexual, and transgender) people is
surrounded by a conspiracy of silence," Amnesty
International said. "While some governments
take an active role in fuelling homophobic
violence in society, many more share responsibility
for lack of action."
The
report, "Crimes of Hate, Conspiracy
of Silence: Torture and Ill Treatment Based
on Sexual Identity," is being lauded
by The International Gay and Lesbian Human
Rights Commission. "We are now calling
on all activists worldwide to redouble
their efforts in collecting their stories
of persecution and perseverance," said
Scott Long, IGLHRC's Program Director.
This report follows a trend of investigations
into sexual identity crimes by six Independent
UN Experts earlier this month. It was the
first time a group of high-level UN experts
with the power to address governments about
suspected abuses has publicly taken on
LGBT issues.
The report is one of a series of publications
issued by Amnesty International as part
of its worldwide campaign against torture.
