No deal for homophobes

Dear friends – Being gay is illegal in Sri Lanka – and can land you in jail for up to 10 years. Now, for the first time in decades, there's a real chance for change: as part of a trade deal with the European Union, the country was asked to drop their anti-gay law. Their answer? "No way." Nearly 40,000 people have signed the petition urging the European Union to drop the deal with Sri Lanka if they don’t get rid of their anti-gay law. It’s working: last week, the European Union called on Sri Lanka to show "prompt" and "concrete progress" in improving their human rights record before the deal moves forward. But we need to make sure that doesn't exclude LGBT Sri Lankans. There are only a few weeks left – the European Union will make a decision soon. Can you help us reach 50,000 signatures? Sign now. – Matt SOURCES: ● EU renews call for "concrete progress" on rights ahead of GSP+ verdict – News 1st, 14 March 2017  Previous email: -------------------

Dear friends, Being gay is illegal in Sri Lanka – and can land you in jail for up to 10 years. Now, for the first time in decades, there's a real chance for change: as part of a trade deal with the European Union, the country was asked to drop their anti-gay law. Their answer? "No way." The Sri Lankan government is trying to sweet talk the European Union: they want to get the trade deal and continue to get away with homophobia. We won't let that happen. The European Parliament is debating the issue RIGHT NOW. And it looks like the European Union might give in. If thousands of us speak out, we can make them stop the deal until Sri Lanka commits to dropping its anti-gay law. Luc, sign the petition and we'll deliver it straight to the European Parliament. Here's what the Minister of Justice had to say about their anti-gay law: "Sri Lankans are not people with such mental illnesses." Unbelievable. We know Sri Lanka really wants to get back into this deal. They were kicked out in 2010 due to allegations of human rights abuses during the country's civil war. The government claims they've set their human rights record straight – and they're hoping the European Union will just ignore LGBT people. Not on our watch. Luc – let the European Union know: "No deal for homophobes!" Thanks for going All Out, Matt, Mathias, Sarah, and the rest of the All Out team. SOURCES: ● ︎Cabinet rejects moves to decriminalize homosexuality – Dailymirror.lk, 18 January 2017 ● Sri Lanka rejects moves to decriminalise homosexuality – Gay Star News, 25 January 2017 ● EU conditions for GSP+ under criticism – News 1st DIGITAL, 20 January 2017 ● Sri Lanka meets eligibility criteria for GSP Plus, says EU technical report – The New Indian Express, 16 January 2017 Want to support All Out's ongoing work? Our tiny team stretches every dollar to make it count. DONATE TODAY

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