State Department Report on Human Rights Violations Points to UAE and Iran as Culprits, Amo

NEWS from the Human Rights Campaign
For Immediate Release - Wednesday, March 8, 2006

Contact: Brad Luna | Phone: 202/216-1514 | Cell: 202/812-8140
Contact: Jay S. Brown | Phone: 202/216-1580 | Cell: 202/716-1650

State Department Report on Human Rights Violations Points to UAE and
Iran as Culprits, Among Others

"The State Department report is enlightening but it won't be effective
if the U.S. government keeps siding with abusers like Iran in
supporting
silencing human rights watchers," said Human Rights Campaign President
Joe Solmonese.

WASHINGTON - The United Arab Emirates, in the news for its U.S. ports
contract deal, was highlighted today by the State Department for its
human rights violations based on sexual orientation and gender
identity,
alongside other countries.

"The State Department report is enlightening but it won't be effective
if the U.S. government keeps siding with abusers like Iran in
supporting
silencing human rights watchers," said Human Rights Campaign President
Joe Solmonese. "Countries like the UAE are abusing men and women and
the
best the U.S. government can do is give them a multi-million dollar
contract to manage our ports. We should be demanding accountability
for
human rights violations, not simply turning a blind eye toward the
problem."

Solmonese continued, "The State Department's 'Country Reports on Human
Rights Practices' released today continues to show severe human rights
violations based on gender identity and sexual orientation occur around
the world. But in January, the United States sided with Iran in denying
United Nations consultative status to organizations working to right
these wrongs. We will continue to work with our allies to encourage the
United States to follow its own advice."

The report points to violations in several countries, including the
UAE,
Iran, Jamaica, Cameroon and Poland.

The report finds that in the UAE, "on November 23, Abu Dhabi Police
arrested 26 allegedly homosexual men--UAE nationals, Arabs, and
Asians--who had gathered at an Abu Dhabi hotel for a party. Government
officials reportedly said that the men were transferred to the
ministry's Social Support Center and would "be given the necessary
treatment, from male hormone injections to psychological therapies"
after their trial."

To view the report, visit:
http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2005/index.htm

The Human Rights Campaign is the largest national lesbian, gay,
bisexual
and transgender political organization with members throughout the
country. It effectively lobbies Congress, provides campaign support and
educates the public to ensure that LGBT Americans can be open, honest
and safe at home, at work and in the community.

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