Christian Backlash Against Transgender Characters in "The Sims" Game

Electronic Arts (EA), the video company that created the popular simulation game The Sims 4, released a new update allowing players to include top surgery scars in their characters and let them wear chest binders, shapewear, and medical wearables.

Sri Lanka to Decriminalize Homosexuality

The Sri Lankan government announced on February 9 that they would support efforts to decriminalize homosexuality in the country. The announcement came after receiving recommendations from other UN member states during the country’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR).

Israeli Minister Admits to Being "Fascist Homophobe" but "Won't Stone Gays"

Israel’s far-right finance minister and deputy speaker of Israel’s parliament Bezalel Smotrich outed himself as a fascist homophobe but said he won’t stone gay people to death or eat shrimp.

Israel's far-right finance minister: 'I'm a fascist homophobe but... I won't stone gays' https://t.co/XZxikjeZIX

— Haaretz.com (@haaretzcom) January 16, 2023

Israeli Minister Says Doctors Should Be Allowed to Refuse LGBT Patients

Israeli politician and incoming minister, Orit Strook, caused concern with recent anti-LGBT comments. Belonging to Benjamin Netanyahu's new government, Strook has suggested that Israeli doctors should be allowed to refuse treatment to LGBTQ patients, alluding to religious differences.

Barbados Decriminalizes Gay Sex!

The High Court of Barbados has decriminalized gay sex. Two anti-LGBT laws in the Caribbean Island nation have been repealed. Although these laws were almost never put into practice, they were seen as a symbol of inequality for the queer community.

Barbados’ top court strikes down laws that criminalize gay sex https://t.co/aBHsBSBwrQ

Egyptian Sheikh Declares "No Difference" Between Terrorism & Homosexuality

An Egyptian deputy sheikh likened homosexuality to terrorism, calling it a “moral perversion” and urging religious authorities to fight against homosexuality, according to a report by the Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI).

Putin's Anti-LGBT Crackdown Just Got Even Worse

The Russian president signed a bill that completely prohibits the public expression of LGBTQ+ life in the country.

According to reports, the newly signed bill makes it illegal to spread anything about LGBTQ+ life in Russia. It prohibits "any action or the spreading of any information that is considered an attempt to promote homosexuality in public, online, or in films, books or advertising."

Restaurant Refuses Service to Christian Group Due to Anti-LGBT Views

A local restaurant in Virginia canceled a private event of a Christian group that holds anti-LGBTQ+ and anti-abortion views for the safety of its staff.

In an Instagram post on December 1, the Metzger Bar and Butchery in Richmond, Virginia, announced that it had canceled a private event.

Qatari Authorities Forced Transwoman to Remove Breast Tissue After Arrest

Since Qatar won the right to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the conservative Gulf state has received negative attention for its poor treatment of migrant workers and members of the LGBT community.

Singapore Removes Gay Sex Ban, But It's Not All Good News

Singapore’s Parliament unanimously voted to repeal Section 377A of its Penal Code on Tuesday, removing the colonial-era ban on sex between men. The abolition of this law came amidst slowly changing attitudes towards homosexuality in the South East Asian country.

Last August, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced in Malay, Mandarin, and English that the government would vote to revoke the law but maintained that the country would continue to protect the definition of marriage between a man and a woman.