wfn.org | U.S. State Dept. Report on Human Rights Includes MCC Congregation

["Jim Birkitt" <JimBirkitt@mccchurch.net>]

>N E W S   R E L E A S E:

>>From Metropolitan Community Churches
>For Immediate Release: March 2, 2009

Threats, Intimidation Against Nigerian MCC Congregation, House of
Rainbow,
Highlighted in 2008 U.S. State Department Report on Human Rights

Sarasota, Florida--U.S.Secretary of State Hillary Clinton released the
U.S. State Department's 2008 Country Reports on Human Rights on Feb. 25,
2009. For the first time, the report includes a reference to a
congregation of the predominantly LGBT Metropolitan Community Churches.

Under the report for Nigeria, in a section titled "Other Abuses and
Discrimination," Sec. Clinton notes:

"On September 12, local newspapers Nation, Vanguard, PM News and the
Sunday Sun published photos, names, and addresses of members of the
House of Rainbow Metropolitan Community Church, a lesbian, gay,
bisexual, and transgendered-friendly church in Lagos. Following
publication, persons started harassing the 12 members. One woman was
attacked by 11 men, while others were threatened, stoned, and beaten. No
investigation was initiated by year's end."

The above paragraph is preceded by these introductory remarks:

"Homosexuality is illegal under federal law; homosexual practices are
punishable by prison sentences of up to 14 years. In the 12 northern
states that have adopted Shari'a law, adults convicted of engaging in
homosexual intercourse are subject to execution by stoning, although no
such sentences were imposed during the year. Because of widespread
taboos against homosexuality, very few persons were openly homosexual."

The full text of the Nigeria human rights report can be found at
http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2008/af/119018.htm.

The report is prepared by the Department's Bureau of Democracy, Human
Rights, and Labor. The Bureau has working groups that address human
rights, freedom of religion, freedom of assembly, freedom of the press,
etc. around the globe.

The text for all of the country reports prepared by the U.S. State
Department can be found online at
http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2008/.

Known as "The Human Rights Church," the denomination of Metropolitan
Community Churches (MCC) was founded in 1968 by human rights activist
Rev. Troy Perry. Today, MCC congregations provide positive, affirming
ministry to lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transgender persons along
with their families, friends, and allies. MCC churches are located in 27
countries around the world. For more information, visit
www.MCCchurch.org.

>For Additional Information, Contact:
>Jim Birkitt
>Communications Director
>Metropolitan Community Churches
>Tel. (310) 625-4177
>E-mail: info@MCCchurch.net