Getting rid of 10% of Members of Parliament is a bad idea

I am opposed to the Conservatives' proposal to cut the number of Members of Parliament by 10%.

Many MP's do vital constituency work in the community they are elected to represent. They liaise with local authorities and the Government on behalf of their constituents, many of whom are desperate for help.

The Conservatives' proposal will mean that less people are available to do this essential work.

There are alternatives. One example would be for the Tories to cut ministers' salaries by 15% instead of the 5% proposal.

Isle of Wight blogger ejected from coroner's court

Disturbing news from the Isle of Wight, where local blogger Simon Perry was forced to leave an inquest.

Inquests are open to members of the public, and it is common for members of the press to be present.

As an National Union of Journalists member who regularly blogs on issues related to the Isle of Wight, Perry is fairly clearly a journalist, as Paul Bradshaw highlights.

Richard Leedham, the coroner's officer, gave communication between coroner John Matthews and the bloggers as why the coroner did not either recognise Perry as press or want him to attend as members of the public.

He was also told that the court was full, despite someone leaving to make space for him.

Perry left the court after a police officer standing in front of the door refused to allow him to enter.

More at VentnorBlog.

Ventnor Town Council's website does not have any information on inquests, so I am linking to a page from Waltham Forest Council (scroll down to "The following is a brief synopsis of the work of the Coroner".)

How free broadband could help Iran

Yesterday's Guardian has an interesting take on supporting the Green Revolution in Iran.

Reza Zia-Ebrahimi recommends providing internet access to protestors via satellites:

The internet is a key element in the events currently unfolding in Iran. What has been dubbed the "Twitter revolution" makes extensive use of social networking platforms to disseminate the movement's messages and organise protests. In a country where fair journalistic reporting has become impossible because of government restrictions, Iran's citizen-journalists have used internet resources to provide the world with images of government violence...A number of satellites currently covering Iran's territory can be used to provide internet access. Indeed, the US army, through private subcontractors, successfully provides its troops in Iraq and Afghanistan (where infrastructure is poor or inexistent) with near-high-speed satellite access.

LGBT Matters in Waltham Forest

On Monday evening, I attended the LGBT Matters event, which took place at Waltham Forest Town Hall Complex, Forest Road, Walthamstow, as part of the council's LGBT History Month.

I'm not a member of the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual) community myself, but I've always been a supporter of gay rights, and I believe that it is important for the wider community of Waltham Forest (where I live) to show their support for the rights of gay, bisexual and transsexual people in the London Borough.

At the event,a report (PDF) was presented on the views of LGBT people in Waltham Forest, commissioned by Waltham Forest Council and researched by Sigma Research.

Report into LGBT experiences in Waltham Forest:

Peter Weatherburn, Director of Sigma Research, highlighted some of the most striking findings.

While over three quarters of the 270 LGBT respondents felt safe outside in Waltham Forest during the day, just over a third felt safe after dark.

Over half of those who completed the survey felt that homophobic and transphobic harassment was a big problem in the borough, with many trying to appear "straighter" as a result.

One in three also avoided certain areas in the borough as they were worried about being attacked.

LGBT Hate Crime in the Borough:

One in ten respondents had been physically attacked, and just over a third had been verbally abused because of being part of the LGBT community.

Of these, less than half of those physically attacked and less than one tenth of those who were verbally abused informed the police. Many believed that while the police would act professionally, they would either not take the abuse seriously or be able to do much about it.

Only one-third were aware of the existence of an LGBT liaison officer, and few were aware of alternate hate crime reporting services.

Other discrimination:

While most respondents did not experience abuse or assault when using leisure or health facilities, many had when shopping, using public transport or going to a bar or restaurant.

Response from the Council:

After the report was presented, Head of Diversity at Waltham Forest Council Jane Brown told those present that the research would inform the council's Diversity Plan, as well as allow a joint working group to be set up within the next twelve months.

Andrew Kilburn, the Chief Executive of Waltham Forest Council, also spoke briefly at the end of the evening, emphasising how the Council's commissioning of the survey showed how committed they were to listening to the experiences of LGBT people. He also acknowledged areas that the Council needed to work on.

Councillor Marie Pye, communities cabinet member and chair of the meeting,told the Waltham Forest Guardian after the meeting: "We work hard in our schools and in the wider community to educate young people about celebrating differences.But perhaps we are not working hard enough to contact those who actually experience harassment".

Comments from the floor:

While I am not going to report on comments from fellow attendees in detail, one comment was that minorities were only being asked about one aspect of their life. For example, elderly LGBT people might only be asked about being LGBT, or black LGBT people might only be asked about being black.

Another point made was that more needed to be done to help LGBT people feel confident with the care system, for example being able to come out to their carer.

There was also concern that the report did not focus enough on LGBT people in the borough's schools and colleges.

Summary:

The meeting was attended by around forty people, including a hate crime liason officer, representatives from Sigma Research and several Waltham Forest councillors.

Also present was Angela Mason, Commissioner at the Equality and Human Rights Commission, who gave a short speech on gay rights throughout the last fifty years, including the Stonewall Riots and the work of the East London Out Project, who are also based in Walthamstow.

Personally, I am pleased that LGBT people were able to give feedback to the Council, both through the survey and through last night's meeting. It is worrying that so many feel the need to "act straight" to avoid prejudice, and that some feel other communities are homphobic towards them.

It was also disappointing that more non-LGBT members of the community did not attend to take an interest and show solidarity.

This information is a valuable starting point. Now the Council needs to work with LGBT people to work towards eradicating homophobia in Waltham Forest.

Waltham Forest LGBT matters: the needs and experiences of lesbians, gay men, bisexual and trans men and women in Waltham Forest (PDF).

In related news, it is worth praising the Council for their support of Leytonstone School's adaptation of Romeo and Juliet called Romeo and Julian.

I think Professor Stanley Wells' comments in the Daily Mail story are an excellent rebuttal of Philip Davies MP, who criticised the play in the House of Commons.

LGBT hate crime reporting event in Walthamstow, East London, on 27th February

Officers specially trained to deal with homophobic or transphobic hate crime will be in Walthamstow Town Square, in between Selbourne Road and the High Street, on Saturday 27th February.

The event, part of the London borough's LGBT History Month, will run from 12 to 4pm.

Walthamstow Central, on the Victoria Line, is the nearest tube station, while a number of buses also stop at the nearby bus station.

Presentation of LGBT research on 22 February:

Waltham Forest Council will also be presenting their research into the needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual (LGBT) people in the borough on 22 February at Waltham Forest Town Hall, Forest Road, from 5pm to 7pm.

Attendance details for this presentation can be obtained by ringing 0208 496 3000.

The nearest railway station is Wood Street, while the nearest tube station is Walthamstow Central.

Transport for London's journey planner.

The true danger of Uganda's Anti-Homosexuality Bill

Via Harry's Place, Rob Tish's Youtube video about the dangers of Uganda's Anti-Homosexuality Bill.

Five men arrested over gay wedding in Kenya

Five men have been arrested in Mtwapa, Kenya on suspicion of homosexuality after they attended a gay wedding. The couple themselves managed to escape.

When plans for the wedding were leaked, hundreds of locals protested outside the alleged wedding location and the Kenya Medical Research Institute, where they claimed a gay person was hiding.

Local district official George Matundura told AFP that the five men will "undergo a medical examination before we charge them with homosexuality... [homosexuality is]an offence, an unnatural offence, and also their behaviour is repugnant to the morality of the people."

The BBC reports that another gay wedding was abandoned on Thursday after local authorities complained, leading to a police investigation.

Homosexuality is illegal in Kenya, and carries a fourteen year prison sentence.

Turkish girl buried alive in honour killing

A sixteen year old Turkish girl has been buried alive for talking to boys.

So far, only her initials, MM, have been released.

She was discovered in a hole outside her home in Adiyaman, south-east Turkey.

Her father and grandfather have been arrested, although it is not known if they have been charged.

According to the Guardian, 200 honour killings take place a year in Turkey.

More on this evil crime in The Times.

Oppose the deportation of Iranian refugee Bita Ghaedi

A petition has been launched to oppose the deportation of Iranian refugee Bita Ghaedi from the United Kingdom after her appeal for asylum was refused.

She has been placed on a fast track scheme by the UK Border Agency, meaning she may be deported at any time, according to Brighton activist group SchNEWS.

Ghaedi, who has been on hunger strike for four weeks, came to Britain to escape a forced marriage.

After arrival, she was held for forty-five days in Holloway prison before being transferred to Yarl's Wood detention centre while her claim was assessed.

She currently lives with Moshen Zadshir, a prominent member of the Iranian opposition, and fears being convicted of adultery, which carries a sentence of death by stoning, as well as retribution from the Iranian regime because of her anti-government activities.

The petition asks "We, the undersigned ask the UK Foreign Secretary David Miliband to personally intervene to ensure Bita Ghaedi is NOT forced to return to Iran, where it is certain she would be arrested and in physical danger under the current regime." It has been signed by 248 people.

According to the Barnet Times, Ghaedi is also being supported by human rights charity Hiwaar and the Iranian and Kurdish Women's Rights Organisation.

Please sign the petition and oppose the deportation of Bita Ghaedi back to a country where her life would be in severe danger.

Cameron calls for gay African refugees to recieve asylum

David Cameron has called for gay refugees from Africa to receive asylum in the UK if they seek it.

This has horrified a minority of commentators on the Daily Mail article, who are accusing him of "[opening] the flood gates to even more bogus [asylum] seekers wanting to live in the UK."

However, Cameron clearly states "'If you have a legitimate fear of persecution, then it seems to me that it is a perfectly legitimate reason to stay." Clearly, he supports the asylum seeker proving they have been persecuted for their sexuality.

Some commentators claim to have decided to vote for the British National Party as a result, though one wonders how many are sincere.

This is a far cry from the David Cameron who voted for the foul Section 28, which he apologised for in July 2009.

While Cameron does not believe new legislation is needed to stop homophobia, he opposes the ban on homosexuals giving blood and at least makes some noises about stopping homophobic bullying.

You can read more in an interview in The Independent with Johann Hari.

Almost one thousand antisemitic incidents in Britain in 2009 according to new report

Nine hundred and twenty four antisemitic incidents were recorded in Britain in 2009 by the Community Security Trust (CST).

This is the highest total since its records began in 1984. Many incidents were recorded during and after the conflict between Israeli and Hamas forces in Gaza.

One hundred and twenty four of the incidents involved violence, and forty four involved "direct threats to people or property."

Some of the most violent incidents include a man being rammed with a car after leaving a synagogue in a mobility vehicle and an attempted arson attack on the home of a rabbi.

Antisemitic attacks have also occured at schools and universities.

In one school, a 12-year-old pupil was attacked by a group of 20 fellow schoolchildren, who pulled her hair and shouted: "Death to the Jews, kill all Jews."

Synagogues have been daubed with graffiti and even covered with bacon, which the Jewish faith regards as an unclear meat.

Recently, Facebook has removed a group, alleged to have over 500 members, boasting of antisemitic attacks on Jews in Ilford, North-East London.

Response to the Community Security Trust report:

Some commentators on a Guardian column by CST worker Mark Gardner have been highly critical of the report. alronfl, for example, comments: "Not a mention of zionism in the entire article. A disingenuous obfuscation. The vast majority are antizionist, not antisemitic - and there is a huge difference."

The report says: "The distinction between antisemitic and anti-Israel activity is often subtle and is subject to much heated debate and disagreement.

"Clearly, it is incorrect to define all anti-Israel activity as antisemitic in content or motivation, yet it is also clear that much contemporary antisemitism is expressed within the framework of, or is motivated by, extreme feelings over the Israel/Palestine issue."

Gordon Brown has told the Jewish Chronicle that: "Whether online, on campus or on the streets, there is absolutely no place for racism or discrimination of any sort and the CST has my wholehearted support."

John Mann MP, chair of the Parliamentary Committee against Antisemitism, said: "This report makes for disturbing reading. While incident figures continue to climb, we must do all we can to ensure such hatred is met with our determination to stop it. This underlines the need for all the recommendations of our All-Party Inquiry report to be implemented without delay."

Brett from Harry's Place makes an excellent comment on the use of Israel's actions in Gaza as an excuse for antisemitism:

"Even so, the question remains why British Jews - of all religious or ethnic minorities - alone are targeted in connection with foreign events. People do not rampage through Soho’s China Town smashing the windows of Chinese shops whenever there’s some incident in Tibet. There are some fantastic Persian restaurants in West London, surrounded by shops and bakeries of an Iranian flavour. I doubt any of them felt they had to board up their windows during the recent unrest in Iran.

But Jews, particularly those who appear ‘visibly’ Jewish, have to go on the alert if violence erupts over 3,500 km away."

Community Safety Trust Antisemitic Incidents Report 2009 (PDF)

London demonstration in solidarity with the Iranian people on Thursday 11th February

Oppose the oppression of the Iranian people, including the recent executions of Arash Rahmanipour and Mohammad Reza Ali Zamani, by demonstrating outside the Iranian embassy in Londonthis Thursday.

The protest will take place from 4pm to 8pm at 16 Prince's Gate,SW7 1PT.

Nearest tubes are Knightsbridge and South Kensington. Use Transport for London's Journey Planner to find the best way there.

Iran Solidarity says:

"Every year on 11 February the Islamic Republic of Iran celebrates its ‘Islamic Revolution's Victory Day’ in memory of the events in 1979. This year however, instead of the usual state-sponsored demonstrations, millions of Iranians are coming out onto the street to protest for their human rights and their freedom!

You can help the people in Iran right here and right now in their struggle to free themselves from an oppressive dictatorship. Show up and show your solidarity right here in London!"

The 29 January protest attracted a large crowd and sent a powerful message, let's hope the 11 February demo will be an even greater sign to the Iranian regime!

Gay rights supporter arrested in Malawi

Police in Blantyre,South Malawi have arrested twenty-one year old Peter Sawali for putting up posters saying "gay rights are human rights" .

Sawali is charged with conduct likely to cause a breach of peace, according to the BBC.

Police spokesperson Dave Chingwalu commented: "We are still investigating because we believe there is a chain of people who were working with Sawali...We cannot rule out international sponsors because of the quality and the quantity of the posters. They might even have been produced outside."

Today also marks the next hearing of Malawi gay couple Steven Monjeza and Tiwonge Chimbalanga, who have been awaiting trial on charges of homosexuality.

The Malawi Gay Rights Movement (Magrim) plans to hold demonstrations against their continued detention.

Appeal launched for Iranian journalists Behrang Tonekaboni and Kayvan Farzin

Amnesty International has launched an appeal for Behrang Tonekaboni and Kayvan Farzin, two music journalists who were detained in Iran last month.

The pair were arrested at the offices of Farhang va Ahang, the music magazine they work for, on January 5.

Behrang Tonekaboni's mother Lily Farhadpour, a journalist and member of Iranian NGO Mothers for Peace, was arrested on 20 January.

Behrang called his family following his detention, but was not allowed to say where he was being held.

He has asthma and a heart condition, so needs regular medication.

Amnesty International is urging people to write to the Iranian authorities, urging them to reveal why the three prisoners are being held and where they are.

Kate Allen, Director of Amnesty International UK, commented:

"We’re seriously concerned for the safety of Behrang, Kayyan, Lily and countless others. The crackdown on dissent and free speech since Iran’s disputed election has been brutal and we’ve received many reports of torture.

"All three should be protected from torture and allowed access to their families, lawyers and the medical assistance that they need.

"And if they are being held solely for the peaceful expression of their views, they should be released immediately. The Iranian authorities have no right to lock people up just for speaking their minds."

In related news, the BBC reports that sixteen people are on trial over anti-government protests in December, five of which face the death penalty.

Journalist Ngwe Soe Lin jailed by Burma for working for foreign media

Ngwe Soe Lin, a Burmese journalist who worked for the Norway-based Democratic Voice of Burma, has been sentenced to thirteen years in prison for violating immigration laws and the Electronics Act, according to the BBC.

The Electronics Act bans Burmese citizens from using the Internet to send information that is critical of the ruling junta to foreign audiences.

Ngwe Soe Linn was arrested in June 2009 and has been held in Insein prison, where he was sentenced last week, after a two month interrogation.

Burma is an extremly repressive country, with state censorship of the media and a ban on most foreign journalists. The Burma Media Campaign claims that fourteen journalists were imprisoned in 2009.

Bob Dietz, the Committee to Protect Journalists’s Asia program coordinator, commented: "The harsh sentencing of Ngwe Soe Lin is part of a continued crackdown by Burma’s junta following the large anti-government protests in September 2007.

"Adding his name to the list of at least nine other journalists being held behind bars in Burma is an indicator of how brutal the government’s attitude toward silencing the press has become over the years"

The Democratic Voice of Burma is initating a campaign for the release of all its journalists who have been jailed.

Fellow DVB journalist Hla Hla Win was jailed for twenty years in 2009 after providing video for the organisation.

More information at the DVB site.