Log Cabin Republicans have taken out a full page ad in Roll Call criticizing the Iran nuclear negotiations, reports the Washington Blade. The ad states: “Right now Iran is executing gay people and people merely suspected of being gay,” and that “Human rights can’t be ignored in these negotiations.”
Despite belittling by LGBT team Obama, raising human rights issues has a long history when negotiating with despots. For instance, Jewish American groups successfully advocated that U.S. diplomats address the repression of Soviet Jews during cold war negotiations with the Soviet Union.
While it’s undoubtedly true that the Log Cabin Republicans wouldn’t have run such as ad with a GOP president, it’s also true that LGBT Democrats won’t make an issue of this with a Democrat in the White House. Partisan? Sure. But also a matter that should be receiving far more attention than it is.
More. Missing in action: American feminists, whose remain overwhelmingly silent on Iran’s repression of women. Related: why Ayaan Hirsi Ali is not a feminist hero.
33 Comments for “Gay Executions and American Diplomacy”
posted by Tom Scharbach on
Jewish American groups successful advocated that U.S. diplomats address the repression of Soviet Jews during cold war negotiations with the Soviet Union.
The result of the pressure applied by the US government was that the Soviet Union briefly allowed Jews to emmigrate to Israel, a government that is open to immgration to all Jews worldwide, in large numbers.
Because I doubt that external pressure from the United States government is to change the homophobic culture of Iran (government pressure can’t even manage that in Alabama, Mississippi or Texas) in any meaningful way, it seems to me that any pressure we apply should be aimed at allowing gays and lesbians in Iran to emigrate, just as our government applied pressure on the Soviet Union to allow Jews to emigrate.
The problem is that gays and lesbians suffering oppression have no equivalent of Israel, no safe haven that allows emigration/immigration.
The United States and other Western countries are the only hope for a sanctuary.
Accordingly, I would like to see Obama administration ask Congress for “Priority 2” asylum-immigration status for Iranian gays and lesbians. I would hope that the Obama administration would include gays and lesbians in Russia, Nigeria and Uganda, as well.
I don’t know how the legislation would fare (past efforts to open up immigration to gays and lesbian couples have gone nowhere fast) but I think that the Obama administration should work toward that solution.
posted by Doug on
Hey Stephen, it’s not only IRAN. California wants to execute homosexuals too.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/03/25/shoot-the-gays-bill-kamala-harris_n_6942648.html?utm_hp_ref=gay-voices&ir=Gay%20Voices
posted by Francis on
Surprised Lauren hasn’t weighed in on either of these two bits of news. Knowing her, the latter is likely to provoke a diatribe about how if we stand up to the tosser in California, we’re just “playing into the social conservatives’ hands”.
posted by Lori Heine on
How, precisely, can you possibly imagine that one demento in California can be said to represent the entire population of the state?
“Lauren” is, of course, speaking to an overaged thirteen-year-old whose idea of clever is distorting people’s names. So there’s no telling what you’ll come up with.
posted by Francis on
I actually turned 24 this month. Have to wonder how mature you to pull that one, kleine mädchen. Oh, and by the way you are obviously ignorant of how dangerous even one demento with even a smattering of power and influence can be, even if he is not representative of the population. And we haven’t even gotten into what happens when they cluster, as they inevitably do.
posted by Lori Heine on
Wow, you’re 24? And you’re still such a nasty, spiteful little piece of work? I wouldn’t brag about your age if I were you.
If the soon-to-be-disbarred attorney in California actually succeeds in getting 300,000+ signatures on his petition, and the thing gets on the ballot, and then enough citizens turn out at the polls to actually vote for it, perhaps we have an evil plot that must be taken seriously.
Otherwise, what you’re doing sounds a hell of a lot like histrionics.
posted by Francis on
Don’t presume to know what I am like, fräulein. We cannot afford to take the chance that he will succeed. Besides which, you cannot possibly know that the confederacy of dunces that are bound to flock round the man will not cry persecution in the event that he is disbarred. I may be many things, meine kleine mädchen, but naïve is not one of them.
posted by Sifrid on
Dude! If you’re going to throw around German (for what effect, I’m not quite sure…), at least get it grammatically correct. All diminutives (ending in -chen or -lein) are neuter, so it should be “mein kleines Mädchen.
posted by Francis on
A little history lesson. In the 1950s, a Senator from the state of Wisconsin takes advantage of paranoia regarding Communism and claims to have a list of Soviet agents. He ends up leading a witch hunt that ends up destroying a lot of innocent people’s livelihood, including a number of homosexuals, I might add. Even when he is publically humiliated after going so far as to subpoena members of the armed forces, he still has a number of apologists. A decade later, these individuals start slowly consolidating control of the GOP, marginalising the supporters of President Eisenhower in the process. By the 80s, they, along with the lot that supported Governor Wallace, have rallied behind an actor, who had previously served as Governor of California. One can pretty much figure out the rest.
posted by Lori Heine on
The simple fact is that you and I disagree about what to do about extremist right-wing nuts. Our disagreement is not about whether they exist.
I’m becoming increasingly wary of the extreme left, too. They’re as bad as the social conservatives. Power, aggression, identity politics borne of narcissism, seem very much to be the point.
I don’t see how having an extreme reaction to every extremist nut is necessarily a positive thing. Some loon in California wants to shoot us in the head. I’m suspicious of loons on the other side, and precisely because they show no better sense. There’s something wrong with people who answer every attempt to hold them accountable by pointing at the other side and saying “Look how bad they are.”
That’s not at all the same thing as proving that your own side is better.
Better than–what? People who want to shoot other human beings in the head? That’s a pitifully low standard.
posted by Ricport on
Lori, EXCELLENT reply! I also am beyond tired of the Dems’ knee-jerk “but look at how bad the Reps are!” You want to talk about how loathsome the talibangelicals like Huckabee and Santorum are? Fine. No arguments. But that doesn’t give Dems like Ol’ Happy Pants (who passed ENDA, DOMA and the federal RFRA) and his “wifey,” Hildebeast magically off the hook.
posted by Tom Scharbach on
I’m not entirely sure that the “Sodomite Suppression Act”, capturing the distorted mindset of conservative fundamentalism (“The abominable crime against nature known as buggery, called also sodomy, is a monstrous evil that Almighty God, giver of freedom and liberty, commands us to suppress on pain of our utter destruction even as he overthrew Sodom and Gomorrha. Seeing that it is better that offenders should die rather than that all of us should be killed by God’s just wrath against us for the folly of tolerating wickedness in our midst …“) so accurately, isn’t a parody/satire.
Whether parody/satire or serious, the “Sodomite Suppression Act” captures the fundamentalist vision of a cruel and vindictive God on almost perfect-pitch, and embodies the violent fantasies of the fundamentalist Christian right (see Phil Robertson’s prayer breakfast exposition on atheists for a more mainstream example of fundamentalist obession with violent fantasy), and, leaving aside the “bullet to the brain” remedy that has captured the headlines, isn’t all that far off from the day-to-day thinking of the anti-gay wing of the Republican base.
Look at the “Sodomite Suppression Act” as a whole, and you’ll see what I mean:
Outside of the “bullet to the brain” proposal and the somewhat over-the-top hyperbole of the initiative’s language, the initiative is more-or-less mainstream for the Christian fundamentalist right.
While I understand the reasons why California AG Harris is seeking relief from the her duty to prepare and issue the title and summary of the initiative, I would prefer that she just go ahead and do her job. While I understand the motivation behind the bill introduced to raise the bar on ballot initiatives, I think that such efforts are misplaced.
Several folks who comment frequently on IGF have pointed out over the years that the rapid progress we’ve made over the last decade is due, in significant part, to the fact that conservative Christian arguments against equality make them sound like fools. Man on dog sex? Marrying turtles? Your gay neighbor’s marriage will destroy your straight marriage? Herding Christians into boxcars or instituting a Robspierre-like reign of terror?
The conservative Christian right’s arguments got kicked out of court after court over the last few years, and ridiculed in the court of public opinion, precisely because our Constitution gives them the rope to hang themselves.
We shouldn’t change that over this kerfuffle. Let conservative Christians be conservative Christians.
posted by Jorge on
Several folks who comment frequently on IGF have pointed out over the years that the rapid progress we’ve made over the last decade is due, in significant part, to the fact that conservative Christian arguments against equality make them sound like fools.
Given that, I am not comfortable with your post’s attempt to relieve the fundie right of the bullet to the brain noose hanging around its neck right now. Let them defend themselves.
posted by Houndentenor on
I agree that this is an important issue. Perhaps LCR will also push for the state department to address this same issue in countries where the US has normal diplomatic relations (Egypt, Uganda, Russia) as well.
posted by kosh III on
“the US has normal diplomatic relations (Egypt, Uganda, Russia) as well.”
Let’s not forget all the Arab states, especially Saudi Arabia where you can be executed (by beheading) for bringing a Bible into the country. Funny how the reich-wing “Christians” still kiss up to this freedom-hating dictatorship.
posted by tom Jefferson 3rd on
First off all siding with politicians eager to commit treason, ain’t a great move for the LCR. Now onto the secondary issue of foreign policy and human rights.
Improving a nations human rights laws is a painfully slow process, and shifting prejudicial customs and cultural attitudes can be even harder to do.
China has had a terrible human rights record overall, although some positive changes have gradually occupied. Not just for gay rights issues.
Iraq and Afghanistan had horrible human rights standards and practices pre-Gulf War 2, and it ain’t easy to see many positive, likely to last, changes
Negotiations with Iran -or indeed any nation with a crummy human rights record – is something that requires long term thinking and an understanding of the (often complicated) on the ground situation.
posted by Houndentenor on
For what it’s worth I love Ayaan Hirsi Ali. I can’t imagine how brave I’d have to be to do what she does. And you have a point about western leftists and moral relativism. Violence against women (or anyone else) should not be tolerated regardless of reason, including religion.
posted by Mike in Houston on
Transcript from the West Wing sums it up for me…
ALBIE
“Free trade is essential for human rights” … the end of that sentence is “we hope… because nothing else has worked.”
C.J.
Okay, but I wouldn’t say that tonight.
ALBIE
The President knows Chinese political prisoners are going to be sewing soccer balls with their teeth whether we sell them cheeseburgers or not, so let’s sell them cheeseburgers.
C.J.
Nor, if it were I, would I say that.
ALBIE
Let me tell you something young lady, 3700 years ago in the Chang dynasty when a king died, his slaves were beheaded– the lucky ones. The unlucky one’s were buried alive.
Political repression? This is progress.
posted by tom Jefferson 3rd on
Yes, I also thought of that bit of West Wing dialogue.
Another relevant segment from the West Wing series is when CJ talks about the status of women in Saudi Arabia (before the press) and then ends the speech with reminder that Saudi Arabia is our partner for peace in the region.
Then….how can anyone forget the shows fabulous dig at (cough, cough) talk show host ‘Dr Jacobs’.
posted by Francis on
Remind me, is that the Laura Schlessinger stand-in? Cos I think I’ve heard of that bit.
posted by tom Jefferson 3rd on
Yes, the clip is probably a jab at Dr. Laura and other similar celebrities.
Throughout the episode the president is frustrated that a former opponent is doing well in a local school board race and talks about how politicians misuse religion to be an instrument of oppression.
posted by Jorge on
Former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum (R-Pa.) in a brief interview with the Blade during the 2011 Value Voters Summit in D.C. described the execution of gay people in Iran as “a grave moral wrong.” The former presidential candidate also criticized President Obama of not publicly addressing the issue.
Even I did not know that. I only watched what he said in the debates.
My bigger problems with Iran are that it threatens the peace and stability of the Middle East and that it is a sponsor of international terrorism. The negotiations with Iran go to the heart of these concerns, as Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu outlined quite well in his address to the US Congress. The execution of 4000 gays between 1979 and 2000 is nothing, nothing at all, to the threat of killing an estimated 8.3 million x 4.5% of Israel’s gay population–which works out to about 373,000 people–through the total annihilation it seeks. The Israeli Prime Minister was absolutely right to demand as a precondition to any nuclear agreement that Iran “stop its aggression against its neighbors in the middle east. . . stop supporting terrorism around the world, and. . . stop threatening to annihilate my country, Israel”.
The social disorder since the War in Iraq led to 678 gay and transgender men alone being killed in the five years between 2004 and 2009–135 a year, vs. (oh, dear, Iran’s record is worse, 190 a year, I wasn’t predicting that), according to Wiki Islam.
International war and aggression must be prevented, not facilitated, by US policy.
That is why we are allied with evil monarchy Saudi Arabia. Without at least some pretend semblance of decency and respect for human life, there is no hope for human rights, no hope that a nuclear deal with Iran will protect human rights. At least holding our enemies accountable for their human rights abuses might have something of a pathetically small good impact on the world.
posted by Doug on
“International war and aggression must be prevented, not facilitated, by US policy.”
It’s too bad George Bush did not follow that advice. We would probably not be in the mess we are in in the Middle East today.
posted by Jorge on
It’s too bad George Bush did not follow that advice. We would probably not be in the mess we are in in the Middle East today.
I disagree. I believe the War in Iraq put other countries to heel. Unfortunately we then elected a liberal Democrat into office.
posted by Doug on
A liberal Democrat that dispatched Bin Laden after Bush gave up and said he didn’t care about catching him and who also increased troop levels.
posted by Jorge on
And then he pulled them out.
posted by Tom Jefferson III on
—Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu
See the Daily Show clip on his “expertise” with regards to Iran and regional security.
—The execution of 4000 gays between 1979 and 2000 is nothing….
Actually, the execution of gay people in Iran probably started under the “modern” Shah, although it didn’t get into high gear until the revolution.
— Sadly, homophobia & Anti-Semitism are popular prejudices to mine. Iranian leaders (like many other leaders) pander to these prejudices because the vast majority of the population actually “buys it”.
posted by Jorge on
See the Daily Show…
No. If you tell me yourself, I’ll take your word for it.
Actually, the execution of gay people in Iran probably started under the “modern” Shah, although it didn’t get into high gear until the revolution.
Probably true if Saudi Arabia is any indication. But did the Shah want to export war against Iran’s neighbors, or was he content to play heel to American foreign policy?
Much as the word is venomous, Realpolitik existed and continues to exist for a reason. That West Wing quote (which I have not watched) really does have something to say even about the difference between the late 20th century and today, and to some extent applies to the USA. We should not prop up puppet regimes that abuse their own people beyond their consent. Our response to revolutions should be “We told you so!” We should push for, if not justice, then certainly progress. That is a lesson I hope this country has learned.
posted by Tom Jefferson III on
–No. If you tell me yourself, I’ll take your word for it.
Do you need assistance in doing an online search, or does your Internet connection not allow for streaming video clips?
–Probably true if Saudi Arabia is any indication.
Well, both nations will execute people for homosexuality (although Saudi Arabia does like to add on additional crimes to lessen the criticism from international human rights organizations and a few democratic nations.
–But did the Shah want to export war against Iran’s neighbors
Yes.
—We should not prop up puppet regimes that abuse their own people beyond their consent.
Well, that is not a “realistic” philosophy. Consent in many of these nations is really difficult to determine, especially when it can be manufactured. Also a person should not confuse have elections with democracy.
posted by Jorge on
Do you need assistance in doing an online search, or does your Internet connection not allow for streaming video clips?
I posted twice yesterday and it didn’t take.
The short version: Jon Stewart is beneath me. You’re the one citing him. Tell me why you’re citing him and what he supposedly said. And yes it would help to have the situation. Please understand that if I accept your request, I will interpret what he says in the worst possible light–why would you do that to yourself?
Well, that is not a “realistic” philosophy. Consent in many of these nations is really difficult to determine, especially when it can be manufactured.
You have to try.
posted by Jorge on
And yes it would help to have the situation.
Citation.
posted by Tom Jefferson 3rd on
Do a search online for Daily Show and the Israeli PM. It ain’t difficult, unless you have limited Interest access or a learning disability.
Stewart shows clips of how ‘Ben’ has a nasty habit of saying things about Iran and the region that turn out to be total b.s..
posted by Tom Jefferson 3rd on
Someone did a survey on the Egyptian population and found strong opposition to gay people. I have not noticed too many published studies done other Middle Eastern nations.
So, maybe – in other people’s minds – the Egyptian’s government policies (which have been rather unpleasant for gay people) are helping them to manufacture consent