Homophobia in Mexico: The case of Agustín Estrada Negrete

Today is Gay Pride in Mexico City, and Article 19 has reminded me of the homophobia in that country.

Agustín Estrada Negrete, director of the special needs school Centro de Atención Multiple, was forced to take a leave of absence in 2008 after newspaper pictures of him at a demonstration on the International Day against Homophobia in 2007 were published.

When he returned to work in 2009, he was told that he would have to keep his sexuality hidden or he would no longer be allowed to work at the special needs school.

Last month, Negrete and his lawyer Jaime Genaro López Vela were detained and beaten after his supporters protested at not being allowed into the Office of the Public Prosecutor where Negrete was stating his case.

On this day of celebrating homosexuality, Article 19, together with CENCOS (Centro Nacional de Comunicación Social AC) and Agenda LGBT, calls on the Governor of the State of Mexico, Enrique Peña Nieto, to investigate the detention of Negrete and his lawyer and to ensure Negrete is reinstated at the Centro de Atención Multiple.

Last year, the local government of Mexico City ran a clever and funny campaign against homophobia.

In other news, a law to equalise the age of consent for gay men in Gibraltar was defeated. The bill itself was accused of using offensive terms for gay people by Gibraltan equality group GGR.

Better news from Chennai in India, which is holding its first Rainbow parade, supporting gay rights, on 28 June.