Topic: LGBT Rights
Country: Benin
Delegate Name: Harrison Greenleaf
School: Williamston High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Benin position papers GLIMUN 2015 committees
Ever since the late 1960’s, one of the discussed issues within the international community is LGBT rights. For most of modern history, being gay or lesbian was considered a crime punishable by death. As society has progressed, more and more countries are starting to ease their stances on LGBT rights. However, there are still many countries that criminalize homosexuality. The strict regulations have led to much conflict both domestically and internationally. The idea of LGBT rights is a debate that is infused with deep religious and cultural roots. For a lot of countries, the foundation of their societies are based on religions which vilify the act of homosexuality. Therefore, they justify the treatment of LGBT citizens as protecting cultural heritage. What is most alarming; however, is the physical violence against both people who are gay and those who support them. There have been numerous reports from all over the globe where people are abused or even killed because they are gay. Disturbingly, many governments do not have any measure in place for the protection of the LGBT community. The United Nations and the Human Rights Council must address the issue as it is a serious issue for every country. They must find a way to respect the cultural heritage of nations while at the same time provide basic human rights to homosexuals.
This issue is important to Benin because we believe in the protection of all citizens. Benin is one of the few nations in Africa that does not criminalize homosexuality. We realize that even though LGBT citizens are different, we must treat them as if they are any other person. Our constitution reaffirms that every person is equal before the law. However, Benin is a country that is proud of its religious and cultural history. We strive to preserve that culture as it is vital to our identity. While we fully support the equal protection of all citizens and the ability for same-sex couples to be in a relationship, we do not believe it is in the best interest of their people to legalize same-sex marriage.
Benin plans to focus on the protection of homosexuals. We will work to find a common ground where both homosexuals can be protected and cultural heritage can be preserved. This can be achieved by creating guidelines that directly uses the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Article 3 should be stressed as it states “Everyone has the right to life, liberty, and security of person”. Benin will advocate for the equal protection of same-sex individuals as it is every countries responsibility to protect its citizens. We will condemn the discriminatory violence that is occurring against homosexuals. There needs to be previsions in place for countries that voluntarily allow violence against LGBT citizen. Actions such as sanctions can be used as a deterrent but is an extreme measure. Even though Benin cannot grant asylum to many people, we urge nations to consider accepting LGBT citizens from other countries. We will also promote other nations to adopt laws which protect the rights of all people. Benin hopes that attention of the Human Rights Council does not become distracted by religious doctrine and that it addresses the deadly violence that is occurring. The meeting should not be focused on ideological conflict but of the protection of fellow individuals. Although it might not be realistic, we wish that countries remove laws that criminalize homosexuality as it is a barrier of progress. Benin will look upon its allies: the United States and France for help and compromise.
