The Equal Rights Trust – the only international human rights organisation focussed solely on the right to equality – has marked the 40th Anniversary of the Stonewall riots by calling on LGBT rights advocates to endorse the unified concept of equality, as expressed in the Declaration of Principles on Equality.

 

Speaking on the eve of the anniversary, Dimitrina Petrova, Executive Director of ERT, said that in countries where LGBT people suffer institutional discrimination, reliance on the integrated concept of equality could point a way forward.

Dr Dimitrina Petrova said, “40 years after the Stonewall riots, LGBT people in many parts of the world remain subject to discrimination and violence; according to ILGA, homosexuality is a criminal offence in 80 countries.

 

“We believe that by placing the struggle for equality in officially homophobic countries in the context of fundamental notions of equality and by forging links with other equality campaigners, LGBT advocates may be more successful.

 

“ERT is currently examining how this approach can be used to promote greater respect for LGBT rights in Islamic countries by showing how the concept of equality already embedded in their traditions should be extended to LGBT people.

 

“I believe that it is the responsibility of all equality advocates around the world to demonstrate solidarity with LGBT people by including LGBT concerns in their advocacy efforts and pressing on governments to ensure equal rights for LGBT persons.

 

“So as we mark this anniversary, I hope that others will join me in expressing this unity of purpose.”