August 19, 2013
UN Condemns Hatred, Violence Against Gays in Haiti
Bobby McGuire READ TIME: 1 MIN.
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti - The United Nations mission in Haiti is condemning acts of hatred and violence aimed at homosexuals in the Caribbean nation.
The statement comes after a gay couple was recently attacked at an engagement party. People threw stones and burned cars.
More than a thousand people showed up for a demonstration last month in the capital to protest homosexuality and a proposal to legalize gay marriage in Haiti.
Gay advocacy groups say they've been the target of threats and harassment.
Haiti's gay and lesbian community is small and has long kept a low-profile because of a strong social stigma that sparks fears of physical violence and loss of employment.
The U.N. issued the statement Monday.
