Rights of Lesbian and Gay Individuals

Topic: Rights of Lesbian and Gay Individuals
Country: Belarus
Delegate Name: Nora Sullivan
School: Ann Arbor Community High School

Homosexual acts have been legal in the Republic of Belarus since 1994, earlier than the United States. The Republic of Belarus believes that gay individuals should be allowed freedom of expression. Though our laws are limited, we respect the rights of the individual. More than half of member states in Africa have made it illegal to be homosexual. We believe that forcing citizens to conform to the laws of marriage set forth by the government is inhumane. We, the Republic of Belarus believe that it is our duty to recognize homosexual citizens and not prosecuted them.

The Republic of Belarus believes that gay and lesbian individuals have the right to openly express themselves. However we recommend individuals to marry the opposite sex. In our country legal benefits are given to opposite sex couples not same sex couples. We believe that everyone has a right to their own sexual orientation, and that though it is recommended that opposite sex couples marry, homosexual acts are not forbidden or illegal in our country.

One of the United Nation’s Millennium Development goals was to “eliminate gender disparity…preferably by 2005.” The world has not reached this goal. We believe that all countries should have same sex marriage laws and gay and lesbian civil rights should be encouraged. People have the human right to be openly gay or lesbian, and we stand by our same sex marriage laws.

Topic: Rights of Lesbian and Gay Individuals
Country: Cameroon
Delegate Name: Devon Early
School: Mattawan High School

We the country of Cameroon believe that it is not the role of the UN to infringe on the sovereignty of other nation by telling them how to treat their own citizens and what they cannot do in regards to the treatment of homosexuals. With a population that is 40% Christian and 20% Muslim, over half of our citizens are against homosexuality, and the Republic of Cameroon believes it is the right of the people to protest or demonstrate against homosexuals. Furthermore, we have section 347 of the penal code that mandates that homosexual activity and practices is illegal and punishable by 5 years in prison. We believe that because of legislation such as this that the citizens of Cameroon are not only safer because of the removal of criminals off of the streets, but because it reduces the influence of homosexuals on people.

The Republic of Cameroon believes that, although important, this issue is not one of global importance and should be left up to each country to individually determine how homosexuals should be treated and what their status will be in society. Although we recognize the call for equality and respect it, we are a country with very conservative roots, and we believe that it is not the right of the UN to tell us how we have to do something or treat someone when our culture doesn't accept it. The best course of action we believe is to increase education of citizens on the treatment of homosexuals, and what they can do to avoid mistreating them.

Topic: Rights of Lesbian and Gay Individuals
Country: Canada
Delegate Name: Cloé Brügger
School: Forest Hills Central High School

Canada is a country that was founded by the principles of GOD and the rule of law. Under the constitution act of 1982 section 15.1 “every individual is equal before the law and has the right to the equal protection and equal benefit of the law without discrimination based on race. National or ethnic origin, color, religion, sex, age or mental or physical disabilities. Canada is country that has and will remain committed to making sure that all of its citizens have the basic human rights that their country was built upon.

As of now Canada is one of seven countries that recognizes gay marriage. On July 20th 2005 the Canadian senate passed bill C-38 also known as the Civil Marriage Act. By a 46-22 vote. This bill gives same-sex coupkes all the same rights as heterosexual marriages while respecting religious freedom. The government seay that we believe all same-sex couples should have equal acess toe marriage and that and that anything short of that is less then equal and discriminatory. This bill also guarantees freedom of conscience and religion. Nothing in this bill affects that guarantee and, in particular, the freedom of members of religious groups to hold and declare their religious beliefs. We have since then been in the forefront of this debate. When Karyn Kaplan, representative of the Gay and Lesbian Human rights commission was invited to speak at a United Nations AIDS session some delegates were less then accepting of her and the delegate from our country fought tooth and nail to make sure that she was given the rights not only to speak but that people actually paid attention.

Canada looks forward to working closely with those other countries that have already legalized marriage between two people of the same sex. We are hoping that we can count on the delegate from Belgium, The Netherlands, Norway, Spain, South Africa and Sweden to support us in the thought that all humans should be able to marry whomever they choose.

Our ultimate goal would be that all humans on this planet would have all the rights that they are entitled to. However, we know that this is a clearly impossible goal. We see no reason why any country that currently says that they are fighting for human rights would deny anyone the right to be married. A key point that we would like to see in a resolution is at least having all developed countries agree on some sort of definition of marriage. From there we could easily define who could get married legally.

Topic: Rights of Lesbian and Gay Individuals
Country: China
Delegate Name: Melanie Kruvelis
School: Royal Oak High School

The People's Republic of China recognizes international concern over the rights of gay and lesbian individuals. This concern is warranted to some extent, but we must remember, as a body, that all nations are sovereign, and the international community must respect that intrinsic right.

For the past thirty years, our nation has made strides towards decriminalizing gay and lesbian relations. Regarding homosexuality, sodomy was decriminalized in 1997, and the new Chinese Classification and Diagnostic Criteria of Mental Disorders removed homosexuality from its list of mental illnesses in 2001. The pace at which we are progressing is at the discretion of the government, and international pressure should be limited.

The People’s Republic of China believes any action to revise the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in order to include homosexual rights would impede upon national sovereignty. This choice in lifestyle is contradictory to many religious beliefs, some of which nations are based off of.

The People’s Republic of China has taken strides, however, in raising awareness of HIV/AIDS. In 2003, the Chinese government began a program that promotes educational campaigns and HIV testing outreach projects. This movement came into legal effect in 2004, when State Council Document Number 7 instructed local governments to"integrate HIV/AIDS into the routine government agenda as an important item … and urgently and effectively respond to HIV/AIDS, which is a priority linked to the interest and benefit of China and its people". International public health experts, including UNAIDS and the WHO, have commended the Chinese government for its recently implemented HIV prevention and treatment programs.

The People’s Republic of China would like to urge this committee to work on establishing HIV awareness and prevention programs, in accordance with Goal 6 of the Millennium Development Goals (MDG), rather than draft international legistature that on the topic of LGBT rights that would greatly infringe upon national sovereignty.

Topic: Rights of Lesbian and Gay Individuals
Country: Côte d’Ivoire
Delegate Name: Whitney Morris
School: Royal Oak High School

The nation of Côte d'Ivoire does not condone or condemn gay and lesbians. in our country, gays and lesbians are not singled out by discriminatory legislation. Nor do we allow same sex marriages. we hold to a traditional standard of marriage. We believe that marriage is a union between one man and one woman. We currently have no stance on same-sex adoption. In Africa there is no shortage of children that need homes. It would not make much sense to refuse a caring adult the chance to care for a child that otherwise would have no one. For this reason do not have any legislation that forbids gays or lesbians to adopt.

We do not view it necessary to arrest and / or punish gays and lesbians simply because of their sexual orientation. This is unnecessary and also a waste of resources. There are more important things that need to be addresses than the sexual orientation of individuals. We believe simply that these people should be allowed to peacefully live but we do not want them pushing their beliefs and we do not allow marriage between them. We do not want to give these people extra rights. they are allowed to have the same basic rights and freedoms as every other citizen. we look forward to working with the other nations of this body to come to a resolution on this topic but we feel that this body should be quick on this topic because there are far more important things to be addressed.

Topic: Rights of Lesbian and Gay Individuals
Country: Ecuador
Delegate Name: Katie O’Brien
School: Ann Arbor Community High School

We, the Republic of Ecuador, believe all humans are equal regardless of sexual orientation. It states in the first article of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, "All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights…" This does not say that only heterosexual persons are free and equal – regardless of sexual orientation a person is still human.

This is reflected in Article 66 of Constitución Política de 2008, our constitution, it gives our people, “The right to make free, informed, voluntary, and responsible choices about their sexuality and sexual orientation. The state will promote, guarantee, and protect the decisions herein.” We do not prosecute our citizens because of their sexuality nor sexual orientation.

The Republic of Ecuador also supports civil unions, a right which is given in Article 68. It states a stable, monogamous union between two people under conditions specified by law, will have the same rights and obligations of families formed through marriage. However adoption may only be through heterosexual couples.

We, the Republic of Ecuador, believe that other countries should not prosecute their people because of sexual orientation or sexuality. This is not equality for all citizens if this happens. We also believe in supporting civil unions between same-sex, monogamous couples with the same rights as marriage. We uphold the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in that all our citizens are born free and equal.

Topic: Rights of Lesbian and Gay Individuals
Country: El Salvador
Delegate Name: Shanae Dawson
School: Flint Northern High School

Today in El Salvador homosexual, lesbian and transgender people are being subjected to terror, intimidation, violence and murder on a daily basis. They are being targeted by anti-gay vigilantes. This select group is not receiving the proper safety and security that they are entitled to. When a homosexual, lesbian, or transgender person is at risk authority is reluctant to fulfill their responsibilities.

The office of Entre Amigos Association, a Salvadorian gay advocacy group, is constantly subjected to unfair treatment. The group has been raided seven times between 2001 and 2006. All of these raids had been reported but not one resulted in prosecution. Despite the police protection one member of the association has reported being held at gunpoint. Complaints by homosexuals are clearly being ignored by police. There have even been reports of abuse by officers. In the nation’s capital, San Salvador four transgender youths had been brutally beat and insulted by thugs and three detectives of the national police. It took eight police cars and eighteen policemen to arrest just one man. Entre Amigos helped the victims to take their case to the national prosecutor's office after their initial complaints to the police were rebuffed.

The treatment these people are undergoing should not be tolerated. Police and the criminal justice system should take heed to the situation at hand. Homosexuals, lesbians, and transgender people should receive the protection that it is entitled to. There should be more groups like the Entre Amigos Association that stand up for the rights of these people. Action should be taken now!

Topic: Rights of Lesbian and Gay Individuals
Country: France
Delegate Name: Jeremy Gloster
School: Roeper School

Earlier this year, before the 64th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, President Nicolas Sarkozy, the leader of our French Republic, declared that “we have already waited too long.” We have simply waited to long to address the issues that face us in this new century. Specifically, this body has waited to long to confront human injustice regarding the rights of lesbian and gay individuals. We must now begin to recognize that gay rights are human rights.

Homosexuality has been decriminalized in France since 1791. We have wrestled with, and have found success in, providing equal rights for LGBT persons since that time. In 1986, we equalized the age of consent for homosexual persons. In 1999, we began recognizing domestic partnerships between same-sex couples. Discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity has been banned in our nation, and openly gay individuals are allowed to serve in the military.

We recognize that other nations, due to national culture or religion, cannot be as progressive on this issue. Still, we urge such nations to adopt measures to decriminalize homosexuality, and we are especially alarmed by the use of capital punishment against LGBT individuals. While we believe that some LGBT issues, such as domestic partnership, can be healthily debated, all nations must agree that human rights violations, including the denial of the right to health, on the basis of discrimination are unacceptable.

In 2008, we, France, brought forth a declaration to address this issue. It declared, in part, that discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity was a violation of fundamental human rights. We commend the 66 nations that supported our initial statement, as well as the United States, which changed its position in favor of the statement earlier this year. We look forward to working with other nations to decriminalize homosexuality universally, and fighting for equal rights for all persons.

Topic: Rights of Lesbian and Gay Individuals
Country: Germany
Delegate Name: Lauren McCarthy
School: Forest Hills Eastern High School

Discussion of Gay and Lesbian individual’s rights has become increasingly more common, to the point where discussion has reached the status of an international issue. It can be argued that gay and lesbian individuals should not be granted the ordinary citizens rights and rights equivalent to that of a heterosexual married couples and that homosexual marriage hurts the institution of heterosexual marriage. While others believe gay and lesbian couples should be free from discrimination in all forms, and specifically granted equal rights of union, as they are clearly stated and fully protected in the Universal Declaration of Rights.

Germany views the marriage of homosexual couples as acceptable and grants couples the same inheritance and tenants’ rights as heterosexual married couples. As a nation, Germany strives to achieve lesbian and gay equality and stress the importance of respecting the human rights of all people in complete international conduct. A foreigner legally joined in gay partnership to a German will also gain the right to citizenship. Germans tolerant beliefs, by no means, should be restricted to the country alone, but rather taken into consideration and held with great recommendation to other nations around the globe. In concurrence with Germany, all nations should recognizes the humanity of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people at home and abroad. As a country we urge all countries to endorse a United Nations declaration calling for an end to discrimination and other human rights abuses based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Under such declaration, same sex domestic partners will be granted all the rights of married couples and no form of discrimination, prejudice, or persecution will be tolerated.

Topic: Rights of Lesbian and Gay Individuals
Country: Greece
Delegate Name: Kristinn Borgfjord
School: Mattawan High School

We the people of Greece are located on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, close to Turkey. Our government is officially called The Hellenic Republic, with George Papandreou as our Prime Minister, and Karolos Papoulias as our president who were elected democratically. Our major language is Geek, and our major religion is Christianity.

Since we are a predominantly Christian nation we have believed that being gay was wrong. However, in June 2008 we allowed for our first gay marriage to take place. The problem is that some people are very anti-gay rights. The people that are against gays are part of the Greek Orthodox Church has expressed strong objections, and the country's Justice Minister, Sotiris Hatzigakis, said he believed gay marriages were illegal. On the other hand, there are people that believe that gays should have rights, and our Government is starting to allow for more gay rights, although they are still discriminated against. The significance of Greece allowing for its first gay marriage is that we are hoping that discrimination against gays will start to decline from here on out. Gay campaigners believe they have found a loophole in Greek civil law, which does not clarify the gender of people wishing to marry. Greece has formally legalized neither gay marriage nor the "registered partnerships" which becoming more common in other European countries. Since other countries such as the Netherlands offere full civil marriage rights to gay couples in 2001 and Belgium followed in 2003. Spain legalized gay marriage in 2005. The UK has legalised civil partnerships but not gay marriage. It is only a matter of time before everyone in Greece allows full gay rights.

Topic: Rights of Lesbian and Gay Individuals
Country: Guatemala
Delegate Name: Jennifer Larson
School: Royal Oak High School

It is in Guatemala's attention that LGBT Rights has progressively become a global issue. We, the Republic of Guatemala, with help from other nations in the United Nations, would like to see the world at peace with this issue. In Guatemala, sexual acts are legal for those above age 18, regardless of sexual orientation. Guatemala wants to eliminate hate crimes, which are a substantial part of this issue. It can be argued that homosexuals should have every right of heterosexuals, and should be protected as stated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Some also believe homosexual marriage hurts heterosexuals and is immoral.

Though Guatemala is Roman Catholic, we are open to consider the ideas of other countries on the issue of LGBT Rights. As a dominantly Catholic country, our people have a hard time adjusting to the rising acceptance, which results in hate crimes. As a country, we have not settled on a solution for these related issues, and we are willing to follow rational resolutions in order to fix this problem. As of now, LGBT Rights in Guatemala are legal for adults, but adoption is not yet allowed for homosexuals. Adoption of Guatemalan children is only available to single women and heterosexual couples over the age of 25.

Though we are opening up to Gay individuals, hate crimes have yet to cease, which is our main concern regarding LGBT Rights. We will address more details on this issue in the conference, and we look forward to resolving the issue.

Topic: Rights of Lesbian and Gay Individuals
Country: Iraq
Delegate Name: Marshayda McKinzie
School: Flint Northern High School

Homosexuality is legal in Iraq, but many people such as the Shi’ite Death Squad, made up of the Madi Army and the Badr Corps, thimks very differently about the situation. There are even uniformed police officers who carried out brutal attacks among the Lesbian, Gays, Bi-Sexual, and Transgender of Iraq. When Saddam Hussien was the dictator there was criminal penalties behind being homosexual. The homosexual were often beating, blackmailed, or even murdered.

In Iraq they are starting to arrest and sentence the Lesbian,Gays,Bi-sexual and Transgender people to the death penalty. They are executing them by the twenties just because they are homosexual. The death penalty has gone up since 2004. In 2007 they gave a least 199 homosexuals the death penalty. In 2008, 285 homosexuals were given the death sentence, but only 34 were actually known to be executed. Some of the police officers in Iraq are a part of the Badr Crops. The government really does really care what happens to the homosexuals in Iraq. Once the homosexuals went to the Americans for help and they just laughed in their face and did nothing about it. Homosexuals do not feel safe even stepping out of their own homes with the fear of being executed by the Shiite death squad.

United Nations:

Several speakers addressing a conference on the delecration noted that in many countries laws against homosexuality stemmed from the British colonial past from religion or tradition. In December of 2008, homosexuality is illegal in 77 countries and punishable by death in seven. The 1994 decision in Toonen vs. Australia, the UN Human Rights Committee declared that such laws are in violation of human rights law. In 2009, with the effort of its founder, Louis George. International Day against homophobia launched a worldwide campaign to end the criminalsation of same sex relationships.

Conclusion:

In conclusion I believe that what they do to the homosexuals in Iraq is cruel and should be punished. Also I believe that is cruel and unusual punishment. Thank You.

Topic: Rights of Lesbian and Gay Individuals
Country: Malawi
Delegate Name: Jenna Salmeron
School: Forest Hills Eastern High School

Gay and Lesbian rights has become a more pressing issue in the upcoming decade. The Malawi government has talked about this issue multiple times. Ten years ago we believed that these people were not normal and what they were doing was wrong. Now we have realized that this is wrong and we are fixing this issue. We believe that these people have the right to love whomever they choose to. We also believe that being aware of this will help us fight the spread of HIV/AIDS, by recognizing this we can hopefully help people become more aware of what is happening in the world around them. We as a country believe that our gay population should have the right to services in which they will be helped with this disease. 25% of our gay population lives with HIV and more than 800,000 of our people have died because of this since it first surfaced our country in 1985.

We as a country fully accept and respect our gay and lesbian community, and we do not promote hate crimes. Hate crimes are inexistent in our country towards gay and lesbians. If any hate crime were to be committed which we expect not to, the person or persons responsible for such a horrendous act will be prosecuted and jailed. We have given our country strict instructions not to do so, with them fully aware of the punishment. Malawi is a single country and family, we do not discriminate for any reason what so ever.

Topic: Rights of Lesbian and Gay Individuals
Country: Mozambique
Delegate Name: Nathan Flynn
School: Roeper School

There has been a debate in the United States for a number of years about the legitimacy of same-sex relationships. One state at a time the country seems to be changing its mind about whether the linking of a gay couple should be allowed and attitudes in general have changed so that being gay is no longer taboo. The same cannot be said for other countries. Some, such as Zambia and Zimbabwe allow female same sex relationships but not male. In all Central American countries except Belize, it is legal. In Mauritania, being homosexual in penalized with death. Most countries can agree that same sex marriage does not happen, one of these is Mozambique.

Mozambique does not allow same sex marriage or same sex adoption. There are no specific laws about being in a same sex relationship and there is record of law enforcement against such relationships. Such enforcement is to be thrown in prison for a non specific period of time and then released. This is in stark contrast to an originally drafted bill written by Portugese invaders in 1886. The bill stated that homosexuals should be sent to work in labor camps. There is also a ban on some, not all, anti-gay discrimination. The ban is on discrimination when choosing employees, which cannot be based on sexual orientation. Mozambique is one of only three African nations to place this sort of restriction on discrimination.

Some citizens of Maputo have begun publishing a journal to enlighten the masses about homosexuality. One of the leaders insists that their intentions are not to get same-sex marriage legalized but for recognition as people from the rest of the country. Of 800 members interviewed by Savana magazine, a Mozambiquen publication, 80% of the responders had at least 1 homosexual friend. President of Mozambique Francisco Muchanga was quoted in Savana as saying, “It is necessary that the dialogue over the issue goes on, as long as homosexuality still is not identified as part of Mozambican traditions and culture.” Mozambique does not have nearly the harshest laws against homosexuality as its Southern African neighbors. Uganda and Kenya, among others, have made it illegal to be gay. Only South Africa has more lenient stances than Mozambique in the region. It allows gay marriage and adoption by same-sex partners.

Ever since an article was published in 2006 urging closeted Mozambique citizens to rise up and fight for equal rights for themselves, they have. Such activity prompted the Mozambique Human Rights League to hold a seminar on gay rights. The seminar included topics such as including books about the subject at bookstores and libraries as well as articles in the school syllabus about such things. Members in attendance at the meeting also criticized the censorship that the government had placed on the issue in the first place. Other topics included speaking about gay rights issues with members of the media and journalists about a fair and non offensive way to talk about gay rights in publications. However, these steps taken by the council may all be for naught as long as the president believes that being gay is un-Mozambiquen.

Topic: Rights of Lesbian and Gay Individuals
Country: Netherlands
Delegate Name: Sarah Fries
School: Forest Hills Eastern High School

It is in the primary attention of The Kingdom of The Netherlands that the topic of rights for gay and lesbian persons is fully dealt with, while still keeping every member states’ best interest at hand. Presently, there is an immense spectrum of rights and punishments across the globe in place when individual countries are dealing with this matter. The Kingdom of The Netherlands would like all nations to exercise their sovereign privileges, but we would also like nations to take into consideration the rights of their own people. It is widely known that many religions do not openly agree with the views of gay and lesbian individuals, but it is imperative that all states recognize the rights of these humans in regards to their basic treatment as living beings. I can assure that discrimination is not a welcomed action for most, and therefore is it right that we simply look away when it is involving a more sensitive topic we do not wish to deal with.

When The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was put into action it stated that “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights” and that “Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms… without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status”. Every member state of the United Nations agreed to this Declaration, and any discrimination or privileges denied to gay or lesbian individuals is a clear disregard to this assertion.

Furthermore, The Kingdom of the Netherlands wholly believes that it is essential for nations to give gay and lesbian individuals the civil liberties they have as human beings on this earth. Taking into account the differences in religious beliefs, member states are not being asked to change any of their opinions, but they are requested to not restrict or discriminate anyone for their own personal beliefs. Nations may have their sovereign privileges, but none of them can stand against the law of the United Nations and the natural rights all humans acquire by birth into this world. No matter a person’s religion or culture they are born into, they have the right to life and to live as they wish. A human’s birth place should not determine the boundaries of their liberties, everyone has the same opportunities and constitutional rights regardless of their sexual orientation.

Topic: Rights of Lesbian and Gay Individuals
Country: New Zealand
Delegate Name: Erin Lalinsky
School: Ann Arbor Community High School

We, the country of New Zealand are an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean. The indigenous Māori named, our country, New Zealand Aotearoa, meaning The Land of the Long White Cloud. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people have most of the same rights as other people in our country. This near-equality is a relatively recent development; sex between men was only decriminalized in 1986.

We believe that sex between same-sex partners should be decriminalized all over the world. We also believe that the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people of our country should have closed to the same rights as other citizens. We want to break away from the British Law we adopted in 1840 when we became a part of the British Empire. This “law” included that sex, and eventually sexual activity, between homosexuals was illegal; we want to help other nations with this as well. The punishments for this inhuman law included life imprisonment, hard labor and flogging. There needs to be something done about this. We believe that people should not be in danger of any of the aforementioned consequences. Sex between women has never been illegal in our country. We believe that it should continue like this. Not only in our country, but also in the other nations of the world. We have made consensual sex between males over the age of sixteen legal; in line with the law that consensual sex between a man and a women is only legal when both parties are over the age of sixteen. We believe that other nations should follow our country’s lead by outlawing discrimination on the grounds of sexuality and discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, as stated in our Human Rights Act of 1993. Other nations should also require their military, police, and other government agencies to follow “gay-friendly” policies. We have our Royal New Zealand Navy and the Police, as well as many other government agencies adopt “gay-friendly” policies.

We are attempting to pass laws and amendments that give gay and lesbian couples the same rights as opposite-sex couples, but so far none have created complete equality. We would like to work with other nations who have better and stronger gay and lesbian rights to help us in adopting adopt more equal rights for our lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender inhabitants.

Topic: Rights of Lesbian and Gay Individuals
Country: Norway
Delegate Name: Shelby Pendowski
School: Mattawan High School

We, Norway, aware of the varieties of social, racial, and sexual orientations of the world, believe fully that every man, woman, child whether straight or homosexual are entitled to the same human rights of a non-homosexual. Referring to our granted rights for homosexual couples, such as recognizing same-sex relationship, and same-sex marriage, and allowing these couples to adopt children. The homosexual couples also are allowed the same military rights as straight man or woman. Norway, through anti-discrimination ordinances and laws concerning gender identity and expression aware of the many indifferences in other UN countries emphasizes the necessity to authorize a resolution reaffirming anti-discrimination laws into the other UN countries.

Norway's parliament voted 23-17 in favor of the same gender-neutral marriage law, this reinforced the 1993 legislation that gave gay couples the right to enter civil union but it did not allow church weddings or adoption. This specific piece of legislation, following Denmark's outstanding belief in the equal opportunities of all people, draws the attention of the council to the discrimination of the homosexual population in the world. We, further proclaim an endorsement of an ordinance to support homosexuals and grant them the rights of marriage, adoption, army enlistment, and we are alarmed by the harm afflicted upon those with a gay or lesbian orientation.

Norway, taking into account the many opinions among the UN nations, recommends an agreement between nations to ensure the safety and rights of the homosexual population, pleads with the council, along with the other nations, to agree on a resolution to grant the rights of marriage, adoption, army enlistment, and non-discrimination to each gay and lesbian individual.

Topic: Rights of Lesbian and Gay Individuals
Country: Pakistan
Delegate Name: Caroline Sawatzki
School: Saginaw Arts and Sciences Academy

The Islamic Republic of Pakistan is gravely concerned that certain countries are attempting to impose their belief systems on other sovereign governments. In particular, Pakistan has been affected by the attempted dominance of other nations concerning our policies toward gay and lesbian individuals. In doing so, they are deliberately ignoring the history and traditional culture of Pakistan that are deciding factors in the creation of our laws and governances. The Islamic Republic of Pakistan is particularly concerned with the ongoing effort to pamper lesbians and gays, who are deviants in our country where the dominant and governing religion is Islam, a religion that strongly opposes such sodomy.

Tenets similar to those of the Muslim religion are present in many other global religions and belief systems, notably traditional Christianity. One might correlate the pressure on Pakistan to bestow special privileges unto lesbian and gay citizens with the well-publicized struggle for the same amenities in the United States of America. There is continuous opposition from traditional religious groups which often effectively block any legislation that may recognize or broaden the usurpation of equal status by this minority population. Allowing gays and lesbians equal status with heterosexuals is certainly a controversial issue, and Pakistan must consider such status in context with its state religion and moral principles.

In opposing the aforementioned measures, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan is simply governing in response to the majority of its population. The majority, whose fundamental religious beliefs and ethnic traditions resist the implementation of these special privileges. To entertain the provision of these entitlements in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan would be perceived as a blatant disregard for the 1.2 billion Muslims around the world, and we intend to maintain our rigid and admirable religious standards in our governance.

Most Respectfully Submitted,

The Islamic Republic of Pakistan

Topic: Rights of Lesbian and Gay Individuals
Country: Poland
Delegate Name: Sabine Bickford
School: Saline High School

The Polish Constitution defines "marriage" as a union of a man and a woman. This accurately reflects Poland's stance on same-sex marriage: Poland does not believe that homosexuality is a punishable crime, but it also does not believe that gay or lesbian marriage should be legal and doesn't support providing any kind of benefits to same-sex couples. Poland would like to stand by the traditional belief that legal marriage should be between a man and a woman. These beliefs are held throughout the entire country as demonstrated by a recent pole: which found that only 14% of Polish citizens believe in gay marriage, while 75% were opposed (11% were uncertain).

While Polish law doesn't currently support Gay or Lesbian marriage, there is much controversy in the country surrounding the debate over gay marriage. Since 2000, there have been many debates and proposed laws in the government over same-sex marriage. The first bill to recognize unregistered cohabiting couples (including same-sex) was proposed in 2002 and subsequently rejected. Another bill in 2004 would have allowed gay and lesbian couples to register their relationships as civil unions, therefore granting them benefits such as pensions and joint-death benefits.

Poland does however believe in basic rights and equality for gay and lesbian individuals. In fact, The Polish Constitution guarantees equality in accordance with law and prohibition based on "any reason" which also covers sexual orientation. There is also some concern in Poland, that many homosexual individuals are migrating to places like Britain, Germany and Canada. Some have claimed this is because of the "persecution" LGBTs have faced living in Poland.

Topic: Rights of Lesbian and Gay Individuals
Country: Russia
Delegate Name: Nicole Stancil
School: Forest Hills Central High School

The Russian Federation would like to make it clear that any country is not under a duty to promote a sub culture such as the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) culture. The decision to criminalize homosexuality should be a decision left to each individual country, and no other organization should attempt to influence a country’s decision. The Russian Federation is fairly confident that there will be ample support for this conclusion.

LGBT persons in Russia may face legal challenges not experienced by non-LGBT residents, though many advances have been made in the past two decades. As of 2008 (when MSMs were finally allowed to donate blood), Russia has no criminal law directed at LGBT people. The age of consent currently stands at 16 since 2003, regardless of sexual orientation. Transsexual and transgender people can change their legal gender after corresponding medical procedures since 1997. Homosexuality was officially removed from the Russian list of mental illnesses in 1999 (after endorsing ICD-10). There is currently no legal recognition of same-sex couples in Russia, and same-sex marriages are not allowed. Public support for gay marriages is at 14% as of 2005. Single persons can adopt children, regardless of sexual orientation, but only married couples can adopt children together, as a couple. Gay people officially can serve in the military on a par with heterosexual people since 2003, but they are not welcome there. Public opinion about LGBT topics and people tends to be negative: according to 2005 poll, 43.5% of Russians support re-criminalization of homosexual acts between consensual adults; at the same time, 42.8% of Russians support a legal ban on discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. There is a visible LGBT community network, mostly in major cities like Moscow and Saint Petersburg, including nightclubs and political organizations. (GayRussia.ru)

Topic: Rights of Lesbian and Gay Individuals
Country: Somalia
Delegate Name: Alec Malstrom
School: Cranbrook Kingswood

Homosexuality in the modern world has become an increasing problem in our lives. The tolerance the world has shown is in no way beneficial and needs to be stopped. In Somalia, the Transitional National Government believes that most of the human rights issues should fall to the governments of the states, such as Puntland and Somaliland. The government in Puntland has chosen to maintain the original Somali constitution, the Somali Code, which states that homosexuality is punishable by law. The government of Somaliland has also adopted the Somali Code with certain revisions in which homosexuality is also punishable by law. In Somalia we believe that there should be a definite protection of the traditional family with a marriage between a man and a woman. We also believe that our laws should be influenced by Islamic ideals including Islamic ideals about homosexuality.

In Somalia, there are no laws for or against the rights of Gay individuals. There is a history of punishment for homosexuals due to “unnatural behavior” but no strict rulings against the rights of homosexuals. Our government does not recognize the relationship between two people of the same gender to be a true marriage, because it is not accepted by the Islamic faith. We urge other countries to follow our example so that we all may outlaw homosexuality in our sovereignties. The United Nations should not be given the right to determine whether or not homosexuals should be given equal treatment in our countries because that is the responsibility of the government of each country. The delegation of Somalia respects the views of other countries and requests that the other countries respect our views. The delegation requests the support of other countries with similar views in order to abolish slavery in the world.

Topic: Rights of Lesbian and Gay Individuals
Country: South Korea
Delegate Name: Emily Lane
School: Forest Hills Central High School

South Korea’s civil rights laws serve all its’ citizens including lesbian, gay, and transgender individuals. It is true however, that the rights of the members of the lesbian and gay community have some freedoms and also some restrictions. While South Korea does not recognize same sex marriage, it does however allow people to have sex changes after the age of 20. After a sex change it is legal for an individual to request a change of gender on legal documents resulting in that person being accepted as the new gender in legal affairs (this is important because all south Korean male’s are required to serve in the military). If a household is headed by a same sex couple, they receive less protection than heterosexual couples. Homosexuality is not mentioned in South Korea’s constitution or the civil penal code, however due to high Confucian traditions, most South Korean Gay and Lesbian individuals are too fearful to tell their families and friends.

In 2007 the section of the Anti-discrimination Act which prohibited the discrimination based on sexual orientation was removed. The reason for this removal was because the majority of the people, particularly the Christian contingency, did not want it to be in the Anti-discrimination Act. Because South Korea is a democracy we believe that the people should be able to decide what they do and do not want in their constitution as opposed to the government having all of the control. It is in the best interest of our Country to keep things as they are. We have tried in the past to ban discrimination based on sexual orientation, and it was clear that our citizens were not happy with the proposals resulting in their deletion from the Act.

Topic: Rights of Lesbian and Gay Individuals
Country: Sudan
Delegate Name: Danielle Dow
School: Forest Hills Eastern High School

In the Sudan, we have a fervent view on the rights of gay and lesbian individuals in our country. In the Sudan, we have outlawed homosexual behavior to all our citizens. We punish any citizens that engage in such behavior, from basic lashes all of the way to death if such behavior continues. We are not the only nation to have these laws and punishments, with other countries such as Tunisia, The United Arab Emirates, Yemen, and Saudi Arabia among others that have banned homosexual behavior within their respective territories. We rely on these countries to back us up in our stance on the illegality of homosexual behavior in our respective territory.

We urge the rest of the countries of the world, if they do not follow our example and ban homosexual behavior, then at least to not force us, the other countries, to disbar our laws prohibiting homosexual behavior and let us keep our right to enforce laws for our own citizens. This is our culture. We are following our own traditions. This is going to start turning into a religious war, as all of our laws forbidding homosexual behavior are based on our religion. Every other country should let us keep our freedom and make laws for our citizens as we please, as we have the right to make and enforce our own laws according to our own religious views and standards. We would not force you to take away any of your laws, so why force us?

Topic: Rights of Lesbian and Gay Individuals
Country: United Kingdom
Delegate Name: Ben McGowan
School: Cranbrook Kingswood

It has come time for the issue of equal rights for gay and lesbians to be discussed and deabted. The United Nations must take this issue out from the shadows and bring it out into the spotlight, in order for it to be resolved. Despite the equality promised to all in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, it is obvious that Gay and Lesbians are not being treated equally. The United Kingdom recognizes same-sex partnerships, allows same sex adoption and lets homosexuals serve in our military. In 2004 we passed the Gender Recognition Act, allowing our citizens to legally change their gender. We are actively working to provide the last right to our gay and lesbian citizens, marriage.

We Urge our fellow United Nations members to join in our effort to provide this complete equality. It will be the great disappointment of our generation if we cannot supply simple equality to our citizens. The United Nations needs to enforce its Declaration of Human Rights to its actual definition. The Delegation of the United Kingdom proposes this is done first through education. If we interact and promote acceptance to the young generation we can start the process of achieving equality for all. The Delegation of United Kingdom takes into consideration the conflicts the United Nations may encounter in different cultures, but we must be ready and willingly to work with governments and leaders within cultures to educate and promote equality to all people. Equality among ALL citizens of the United Nations must be achieved.

Topic: Rights of Lesbian and Gay Individuals
Country: United States
Delegate Name: John Bihn
School: Saginaw Arts and Sciences Academy

The United States of America is deeply disturbed by the persecution of gay and lesbian individuals. In many countries, it is illegal to express homosexual traits or actions. For the most part, these countries punish those who perform homosexual acts by a jail sentence of a couple of years or more. However, in some countries, the punishment is much worse. To make matters worse, anti-homosexual groups and some governments believe in the execution of homosexuals. These unjust persecutions occur on a daily basis, and the United States urges other nations to put a stop to them.

Many attempts have been made to prevent persecution of gays and lesbians. In 2003, the European Union (EU) proposed the Brazilian Agreement, which urged countries to protect the rights of homosexuals. However, this agreement did not get past the draft stage. Later, the Yogyakarta Principles were written, supporting human rights for all, including gays and lesbians. Most recently, the EU created the UN Declaration on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity. This is a declaration that the United States and almost all of our allies have supported, but failed because of the opposition from many Islamic nations.

As we meet, the United States encourages the members of the UN to take action against this unjust persecution of gays and lesbians. The United States expresses its hope that a resolution supporting the rights of the gay and lesbians will be passed. With an effective resolution passed, the United States hopes to protect the rights of the gay and lesbian individuals.

Topic: Rights of Lesbian and Gay Individuals
Country: Venezuela
Delegate Name: Hannah Gingerich
School: Saline High School

Venezuela, as of the last few decades, has rapidly expanded the rights allowed to its gay and lesbian population. While there is still a large amount of progress to be made, our nation has placed itself on a track towards expanding gay and lesbian rights further yet; the equality of Venezuelan citizens, regardless of their sexual orientation, is a high prerogative of our government.

1980 saw the creation of our nation’s first gay/lesbian rights group, the Movimiento Ambiente Venezuela; MAV formed with the intention of promoting equal social opportunities for gays and lesbians. Although MAV did not delve into the political realm, its effects stimulated much awareness by politicians of the growing issue of gay/lesbian rights. In 2002, President Hugo Chávez stated that a big mistake had been made in 1999, when the National Constituent Assembly left the rights of gays and lesbians uncovered by Venezuela’s newly written constitution. Furthermore, since Chávez took office in 1998, gays and lesbians have been permitted more freedoms, including the ability to participate in an international day of gay rights.

As of recently, the Venezuelan National Assembly has put to discussion a bill that, if passed, would greatly expand gay and lesbian rights. The bill would criminalize acts of discrimination based on sexual orientation; in addition, it would allow gays and lesbians to live together, engage in civil unions, and undergo physical and legal gender changes. The bill is backed by President Chávez, although the Venezuelan Episcopal and Catholic churches have yielded much opposition to it.

In light of our country’s current efforts to expand gay and lesbian rights, Venezuela would like to see this committee tackle the issues of equality that confront gays and lesbians around the world. Through discussion as well as action, our nation hopes that progress can be made in advancing the political rights of gays and lesbians, as well as specific marriage and adoption rights. In addition, Venezuela would like to reinforce the importance of criminalizing acts of discrimination rooted in sexual orientation.

While Venezuela still has room to progress, our country is on the right track in promoting the rights of gays and lesbians. Our government clearly recognizes that equality for gays and lesbians is a pressing issue that must be immediately dealt with.