Recognising the inherent dignity and worth of every person being able to freely express who they love is a fundamental human right. The International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW) expresses solidarity with the citizens of all countries who are struggling to have their rights recognised.
IFSW is vehemently opposed to any legislation in any nation which proposes to discriminate and penalizes the lives of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered (LGBT) people.
Consequently IFSW is opposes any legislation in any country that discriminates against the right to freely express their love for another person.
The growth in proposed and legislation in countries across the world, whether in Africa for example in Uganda or in Russia we call upon all governments and all other countries to honour their commitments to national and international obligations to support human rights including LGBT people.
The IFSW Human Rights Commission invites all member associations to join in the initiative from OBDS in Austria in confirming their support for this fundamental human right.
Ruth Stark
Convener IFSW Human Rights Commissioner
February 15, 2013
Read the Statement from the Austrian Association (in English; in German)