APCOM and NFI statement on detention of men who have sex with men and transgender activists in Nepal
September 16, 2010
(Bangkok) The Asia Pacific Coalition on Male Sexual Health (APCOM) and Naz Foundation International (NFI) are issuing a joint statement in support of the Blue Diamond Society (BDS) in Nepal, the Hon. Sunil Babu Pant and dozens of men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender activists who were detained in Kathmandu this week after staging a protest demanding the government act on a Supreme Court ruling on granting equal citizenship rights for transgender people.
In 2007, Nepal’s highest court directed the government to allow transgender people to acquire citizenship certificates identifying them as the “third sex”, and providing them equal rights under law. The court further ordered an end to all discrimination against men who have sex with men and transgender people. Having waited almost three years for the government to implement the court ruling, MSM and transgender activists staged a demonstration on September 14 near parliament and the prime minister’s office, whereupon they were apprehended by authorities who said the venue was off limits to protests. The protesters were released later that day.
APCOM and NFI have long supported the Blue Diamond Society and other activists in Nepal who advocate for equal rights for all individuals, regardless of sexual orientation. Mr. Sunil Pant and his colleagues have made great strides in this regard. APCOM is troubled by the government’s lack of action to date in implementing the historic Supreme Court ruling. APCOM, with NFI, calls upon the government of Nepal and law enforcement authorities there to adopt a rights-based approach to MSM and transgender issues, including the implementation of the landmark Supreme Court decision. Nepal in recent years has been regarded as a positive example for other South Asian nations to follow regarding LGBT rights. Both groups are hopeful that reputation will be justified.
