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ILGA and IGLYO Statement on IDAHO (International Day against Homophobia)
Brussels, April 2007
WebTeam (16/05/2007)
ILGA and IGLYO are happy that the international LGBT community has managed to set up an International Day against Homophobia and would like to reiterate its belief in the importance of keeping this day, our day, in the public sphere so as to ensure that everyone can keep contributing to the success of the day.
The success of the International Day against Homophobia is the result of the work accomplished by many people and organisations from around the world having worked collectively for the rights of the LGBT community over the years.
IDAHO is successful due to respecting the principle that this Day belongs to all, and no person or organisation claims the ownership, paternity or maternity of this Day. The day itself is not a campaign, but offers space for different individuals, groups and organisations to organise initiatives.
In addition to the many actions held around the world in the context of fighting homophobia, the principle of a Day against Homophobia was recognised in Quebec in 2003 by the National Assembly of Quebec thanks to the initiative of the Fondation Emergence, as well as many other organizations (both civil society and public bodies) since then. It is with pleasure that ILGA and IGLYO have contributed to the internationalisation of this principle, in particular by publicising the IDAHO initiative chaired by Mr. Louis-George Tin since 2005.
ILGA and IGLYO will continue to promote this day, for instance by lobbying for institutional recognition of the day. It is the determination of ILGA and IGLYO to support all initiatives aimed at using this international day to fight homophobia in all its forms.
We wish everyone around the world a happy IDAHO 2007!
Philipp Braun Rosanna Flamer-Caldera
Co-Secretary General Co-Secretary General
Co-Secretary General Co-Secretary General
On behalf of the Executive Board of the International Lesbian and Gay Association (ILGA)
Björn van Roozendaal
Chairperson
Chairperson
On behalf of the Executive Board of the International Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer Youth and Student Organisation (IGLYO)