Coming out in Dialogue:

Policies and Perceptions of Sexual Minority Groups

in Asia & Europe

6th-8th March 2005

Singapore

The 5th "Talks on the Hill" was held from the 6th-8th of March 2005 , and brought together 15 prominent individuals from both regions in a meeting entitled "Coming out in Dialogue: Policies and Perceptions of Sexual Minority Groups in Asia & Europe."

Social attitudes towards sex and sexuality in human societies have been in a constant flux throughout history - varying from repression, to strong condemnation, to tolerance and acceptance. References to same-sex love and homosexuality can be found both in European and Asian ancient literature.   

At this point in time, responses to this subject are as varied as they have ever been, with some countries significantly adapting their legal systems to the demands of these groups while in many others, the act of homosexuality remains a crime. Broadly, Europe has taken decisive steps towards defending the choices of sexual minority groups, while the Asian landscape presents greater contrasts with some grappling with thick social and cultural taboos and others having adopted a more liberal stance on this issue.

The question over sexual orientation has been recently brought to the forefront with the Brazilian Resolution, tabled to the United Nations Commission on Human Rights - which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. The European Parliament in its resolution on the Europeans Unions rights, priorities and recommendations for the 60 th session of the UN commission on Human Rights in Geneva recommended acting in favour of the resolution. Further the European Union charter for Human Rights and the possible future Constitution for Europe prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.

Movements fighting for the recognition and acceptance of sexual minority groups in societies and under the law have become a growingly defined presence in both European and Asian cultural landscapes while facing strong opposition from some other groups - mainly based on religious convictions. This meeting will examine both sides of debate, analyse the various factors that have contributed to the current situation and project tendencies in the two regions in terms of policy and societal attitudes.

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In advance of the meeting, the Asia Europe Foundation hired a student to prepare a briefing paper on the major themes of the meeting. This report is distributed to all participants prior to their arrival, and serves as an important introduction. Please download it below:

Please refer to the following documents on the meeting....

(pdf format)

The following are some of the photographs of the meeting. Please click on each photograph for a larger size.