Sri Lankan LGBT activists fear attacks as thugs vow to ‘take law into their own hands’
Liberal Democrat peer Baroness Barker, Vice Chair of Parliament’s APPG on Global LGBT Rights, reports on death threats sent to rights activist in Sri Lanka.
Equal Ground, a non-profit organisation seeking human and political rights for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex and Questioning community [“LGBTIQ community”] of Sri Lanka has successfully organised LGBTIQ Colombo PRIDE events for over a decade.
A politically motivated group known as “The Island Nation of Sinhale” (Lion’s Blood), notorious for spewing radical ideologies intended to sow hatred and incite discrimination, hostility and even violence against minorities has targeted Colombo PRIDE 2016 on Facebook.
This post really says it all.
“Faggot activities aren’t legal. Let’s take the law into our own hands. If the police aren’t going to do anything about it our community is ready to do it ourselves. We will not let these mother f**king dogs to ruin our culture. Ladies and Gents of Sinhale, join us on the 28th to look at the faces of these faggots at Race course.”
Equal Ground cannot rely on support from the Colombo Municipal Council and Sri Lanka Police.
When attempting to obtain permission for events commemorating IDAHOT (International Day Against Homophobia, Lesbphobia and Transphobia) and Colombo PRIDE, the Council and the police did not expressly refused permission, but delayed necessary approvals for no reason.
The situation of LGBTIQ citizens in Sri Lanka has been difficult, but there has been some progress in the fight for equal rights. If this intimidation is allowed to go unchallenged Sri Lanka will lower its standing in the eyes of the international community.
As a Liberal Democrat peer, I am asking the FCO to challenge the Sri Lankan government to protect its LGBTIQ citizens, to allow them to meet peacefully in a safe space free from discrimination and prejudice. I also challenge the government of Sri Lanka to take appropriate action against this vile and violent group.
As a member if the LGBT community I am asking readers of PinkNews to offer support to our brothers and sisters in Sri Lanka via Equal Ground.
Furthermore, if you have friends here or in Sri Lanka who could be allies, talk to them too.
