LGBT rights in Myanmar

LGBT rights in Myanmar Myanmar
Same-sex sexual intercourse legal status Illegal
Penalty:
 Ten years to life in prison
Gender identity/expression Gender change not recognised
Military service No
Discrimination protections None
Family rights
Recognition of
relationships		 No recognition of same-sex relationships
Adoption No

Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights in Myanmar are subject to official persecution and discrimination, with LGBT residents facing legal and social challenges not experienced by other citizens. Same-sex sexual activity is illegal and section 377 of the national Penal Code subjects same-sex sexual acts (regardless of whether they were consensual or done in private) to a term of imprisonment from ten years to life. Transgender people are subject to police harassment and sexual assault, and their gender is not recognised by the state.[1] During the country's long military dictatorship under the authoritarian State Peace and Development Council it was difficult to obtain accurate information about the legal or social status of LGBT Burmese citizens. However, along with the ongoing political reforms, improvements in media and civil freedoms have allowed LGBT people to gain more visibility and support in the country.[2][3][4] Despite the 2015 electoral victory of Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy, which promised improved human rights, there have been no changes to anti-LGBT laws.[1]

Laws regarding same-sex sexual activity

Section 377 of the Penal Code prohibits same sex sexual activity and sodomy. Alongside fines, the prescribed punishment is ten years to life imprisonment, although the law has not been strictly enforced.[5] In 2001, the exile group called the All Burma Students' Democratic Front voted to have the law repealed. This was seen as a victory by the Committee for Lesbigay Rights in Burma, although such a change was considered unlikely to occur given the prevailing political climate against change.[6] LGBT people are also targeted under the "shadow law" in section 35(c) of the Police Act, which allows police to detain anyone they consider behaving suspiciously after sunset.[1][3][5]

Other provisions of the Penal Code can also be used against LGBT people:[7]

  • Sections 269 & 270 make it a crime for a person to negligently spread a sexually transmitted disease.
  • Section 290 makes it a crime to commit "a public nuisance", not specified in the code, with fines up to two hundred rupees.
  • Sections 292 – 294 make it a crime to make, sell, or distribute "obscene" material or songs to adults or minors and to engage in any obscene acts in public.
  • Section 372 prohibits buying or selling a prostitute under the age of eighteen or using a prostitute to engage in illicit sexual relations.
  • Section 377- Whoever voluntarily has carnal intercourse with any man, woman or animal shall be punished with imprisonment for life or imprisonment for a term for which shall not be less than 2 years, but may extend to 10 years and shall also be liable to a fine that shall not be less than four hundred rupees but may extend to one thousand rupees.
  • Section 469 prohibits engaging in any marriage ceremony absent of a legal marriage.
  • Section 5(j) of the Emergency Provisions Act prohibits anything that might affect the morality of an individual, society or the public in a negative way.[8]

Recognition of same-sex relationships

Myanmar does not recognise same-sex marriages or civil unions.[9] In 2014 a Burmese same-sex couple drew widespread media attention for holding an unofficial wedding ceremony after having lived together for 10 years.[9][3] It also triggered a backlash from social conservatives, who queried why the anti-homosexuality laws were not being enforced against them.[10]

Transgender rights

Myanmar does not allow people to change the gender assigned to them at birth.[11] Trans people in Myanmar are subject to rape, mistreatment or extortion by police,[11] and are often targeted using the "shadow law" in section 35(c) of the Police Act.[5] Generally there are only three "respectable" career options open to transgender Burmese: beautician, fashion designer or nat kadaw ("spirit wife" or spirit medium).[12] As a nat kadaw, LGBT people can be afforded respect and veneration that they would otherwise be denied by Burmese society.[12]

Living conditions

Public attitudes

During the military regime, no organised LGBT political or social life was able to exist. Burma's social mores about human sexuality have been described as being "extremely conservative".[13] Gay men are stigmatised, even moreso if they are living with HIV/AIDS.[3] In the local Buddhist tradition, those born LGBT are seen as being punished for sins committed in a past life.[14][15] Historically the combination of official homophobia, limited public awareness and lack of community role models have rendered LGBT people invisible in Burmese society.[16]

LGBT activism

Aung Myo Min is an openly gay man and has been involved in the All Burma Students Democratic Front (ABSDF). In 2005 he talked about his coming out process and the homophobia that exists, even with the pro-democracy opposition.[17] Today he is involved with exile Burma human rights organisations, including the Campaign for Lesbigay Rights in Burma.

Media

Despite their criminalisation, LGBT people have become more visible in Burma, especially after the political reforms.[18] Gay and lesbian couples freely cohabit in major cities like Yangon and Mandalay, though they are not legally allowed to marry. The increased media freedom has also allowed journalists to report on the gay and lesbian community.[19] Same-sex couples have also been able to celebrate ceremonial marriages in major cities without any legal persecution.[20]

In 2003, FocusAsia (Star TV) aired a story about the nat kadaws. The "Utopia Guide to Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar & Vietnam" references "transgender shaman channeling spirits at Myanmar sacred festivals."[21]

In 2016, The Gemini was released and became the first LGBT film in cinema of Myanmar. The film openly railed against the Burmese homosexuality laws.[22][23].

Events

Burma also celebrated its first gay pride in several cities around the country in 2012, to mark the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia.[24] In 2018, officials gave permission for a public pride party. Almost 6000 people showed up to the event, a rise from previous times. [25] The number rose further to 10,000 the next day. [26]

Notable LGBT people

Summary table

Same-sex sexual activity legal (Penalty: Up to life imprisonment)
Equal age of consent
Anti-discrimination laws in employment only
Anti-discrimination laws in the provision of goods and services
Anti-discrimination laws in all other areas (incl. indirect discrimination, hate speech)
Same-sex marriages
Recognition of same-sex couples
Step-child adoption by same-sex couples
Joint adoption by same-sex couples
Gays and lesbians allowed to serve openly in the military
Right to change legal gender
Access to IVF for lesbians
Commercial surrogacy for gay male couples
MSMs allowed to donate blood

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 Nickerson, James (16 November 2016). "Myanmar's abused, intimidated LGBT people long for acceptance in new era". Reuters UK. Retrieved 9 October 2018.
  2. ↑ "Gay subject of documentary warns of continuing rights violations in Myanmar". Mizzima. 18 June 2015. Retrieved 9 October 2018.
  3. 1 2 3 4 McFetridge, Matthew (5 September 2014). "The Outlook for LGBT Rights in Myanmar". The Diplomat. Retrieved 9 October 2018.
  4. ↑ Ferrie, Jared (1 February 2018). "LGBT festival opens in Myanmar after first public launch party". Yahoo! Finance. Reuters. Retrieved 9 October 2018.
  5. 1 2 3 Myint, Lae Phyu Pyar Myo; Htwe, Nyein Ei Ei (1 June 2017). "Prejudice and progress: a snapshot of LGBT rights in Myanmar". The Myanmar Times. Retrieved 9 October 2018.
  6. ↑ "Sodomylaws.Org". Sodomylaws.Org. Retrieved 20 January 2011.
  7. ↑ "Burma Lawyers' Council [Legal Resource] The Myanmar Penal Code". Blc-burma.org. Retrieved 20 January 2011.
  8. ↑ "BLC Publications". Blc-burma.org. 9 March 1950. Retrieved 20 January 2011.
  9. 1 2 Hawley, Samantha (4 March 2014). "Myanmar couple in 'first public gay wedding ceremony'". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 9 October 2018.
  10. ↑ "Burma's homosexuality law 'undermining HIV and Aids fight'". The Guardian. 21 March 2014. Retrieved 9 October 2018.
  11. 1 2 England, Charlotte (2 February 2016). "Myanmar's transgender people not just chasing rainbows in fight for equality". The Guardian. Retrieved 9 October 2018.
  12. 1 2 Baker, Nick (23 October 2017). "How Myanmar's Paranormal Spirit Wives Escape LGBTQ Persecution". Vice. Retrieved 11 October 2018.
  13. ↑ "CURRENTS: HIV/AIDS in Myanmar | global nomads group". Gng.org. 2 July 2005. Archived from the original on 21 August 2006. Retrieved 20 January 2011.
  14. ↑ "It Ain't Great Being Gay in Mandalay". Vice (in Danish). 30 January 2014. Retrieved 11 October 2018.
  15. ↑ Me, Nyo (17 May 2018). "Not very gay". The Myanmar Times. mspiral creative agency. Retrieved 11 October 2018.
  16. ↑ Mosbergen, Dominique (18 October 2015). "Gay People In Myanmar Can't Live Openly. Here's Why". Huffington Post. Retrieved 9 October 2018.
  17. ↑ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 5 March 2005. Retrieved 2007-10-12.
  18. ↑ Golluoglu, Esmer (13 May 2012). "Gay people in Burma start to challenge culture of repression". London: Guardian.
  19. ↑ "Woman raised as a man in Birma". Youtube.com. Retrieved 20 April 2013.
  20. ↑ "Myanmar Gay Marriage". Waiphyomyint.wordpress.com. 13 September 2012. Retrieved 16 January 2018.
  21. ↑ "A Revealing Glimpse at Gay Life in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam". Prweb.com. Retrieved 20 January 2011.
  22. ↑ "Convoluted plot and tech issues undo gay romantic thriller 'The Gemini'". Latimes.com. Retrieved 16 January 2018.
  23. ↑ "Burmese Director Explores Same-Sex Relationships in New Film". Irrawaddy.com. 28 January 2016. Retrieved 16 January 2018.
  24. ↑ "A pride with no parade for Burma's first gay festival". BBC. 17 May 2012.
  25. ↑ https://www.gaystarnews.com/article/thousands-turn-celebrate-myanmars-first-legal-pride-party/#gs.fWX5Hrg
  26. ↑ http://www.dvb.no/news/lgbt-festival-opens-burma-first-public-launch-party/79549
  27. ↑ https://frontiermyanmar.net/en/lgbt-beauty-queen-behind-bars-after-actress-files-defamation-suit
  28. ↑ https://www.mmtimes.com/lifestyle/26230-abused-arrested-not-giving-up-transgender-activist-fights-for-equality.html
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.