While we in the UK look back at how far we have come in the pursuit of equality and tolerance, it is important to remember that same-sex relationships are still punishable by death in a number of countries and LGBT people risk imprisonment, torture, and harassment.

People like William Hernández, a human rights defender in El Salvador and Director of Asociación Entre Amigos (Between Friends Association) have been subject to death threats, intimidation and abuse.

Amnesty International is doing a number of things to mark LGBT History Month:
* Launch of the LGBT Campaigns page on the Scottish section of Amnesty’s site
* Launch of a LGBT History Month Quiz with goodies to be won!
* Working towards the LGBT Youth Scotland Charter.

This also comes as Amnesty International is celebrating being voted “Most Gay-Friendly Organisation” in the national 2007 Pink Paper Readers’ Awards!!

Amnesty International’s Programme Director for Scotland, John Watson said:
“It is time for Scotland to embrace non-discrimination on the basis of gender, race, religion, disability and sexuality as an indivisible human right. To discriminate against anyone on these bases is to deny the humanity of us all.

“LGBT History Month is a time to reflect on the contribution made by LGBT people in the past and to reflect on how far we have come as a society. Around the world people are facing execution, torture, imprisonment and harassment for their identity. In the UK, we are taking a step closer to a more respectful and tolerant human rights culture, something that we should celebrate rather than seek to destroy.”