The Right to Sexuality

1493 Words3 Pages

Imagine if you were mistreated, abused or even murdered by your government and its people, purely due to the fact that your sexual orientation is not considered normal. Gay and transgender people are denied many of the basic liberties that we take for granted. In many countries across the world this is the plight of homosexual and transgender people, as they struggle for their Right to Sexuality. The Right to Sexuality is expressed as, “Every woman, man, youth and child has the human right to freedom of sexual orientation. This includes the fundamental human right to freedom from discrimination based on sexual orientation…” (www.pdhre.org) This right is so poorly protected, that it is not stated in the International Human Rights Law adopted by the United Nations. However, the Right to Sexuality does exist in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which was created in 1948 to ensure that no human rights would be violated to the gross scale that they were in World War II. The small western European country of Netherlands has become the home to some of the most accepting and liberal sexual rights activists in the world; plus the Dutch government is known for its progressive attitude to protect the rights of all people. The country is a leading voice in the fight for sexual equality. According to Vera Bergkamp, head of the Dutch gay rights organization, COC. “Gay marriage is Holland's best export product because we have shown that it is possible.” (www.globalpost.com) This is indeed true, as the Netherlands were quick to legalize same sex activity in 1811. Then in 2001 they became the first country in the World to allow homosexuals to marry. The Dutch treat and protect Gay and Lesbian people the same way they treat any other c... ... middle of paper ... ...amous People to spread the message would make a tremendous change in society, especially among the younger generation. An example of this was when Macklemore released his hit song “Same Love.” It changed the way many people thought, and is an anthem for gay rights across the world. The Right to Sexuality is extremely important, and it is violated throughout the world. Gay and transgender people struggle for their rights everyday throughout the world, and we need to support them in their fight for equality. As Macklemore said, “everyone else is more comfortable remaining voiceless Rather than fighting for humans that have had their rights stolen…No freedom 'til we're equal, d@mn right I support it.” (www.azlyrics.com) None of us are free if one group cannot attain the rights they need. This needs to happen so all people can live the same quality of life as another.

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