On the occasion of International Lesbian Day 2024, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), expressed its solidarity with lesbian women and the broader LGBTQ+ community, both in Bangladesh and worldwide.
In a statement, JMBF emphasized that this day serves as a reminder to reflect on the progress made, acknowledge the struggles that persist, and renew commitment to justice, equality, and safety for all lesbian individuals.
In Bangladesh, the statement highlighted, lesbian women continue to face a combination of cultural stigma, legal challenges, and widespread violence. Despite global advancements in LGBTQ+ rights, the situation for lesbian women in Bangladesh remains deeply concerning.
According to JMBF, five incidents of violence involving nine lesbian individuals were documented in 2023, underscoring the dangers they still face. The previous year, 2022, saw eight incidents of violence against 18 lesbian women, with acts ranging from physical assault to social and economic exclusion. These incidents often go unreported due to fear of reprisal, social isolation, and a lack of trust in the legal system, which regularly fails to protect LGBTQ+ individuals.
Robert Simon, a prominent French LGBTQI+ rights activist and Chief Adviser of JMBF, said, “The growing violence against lesbian women in Bangladesh reflects the urgent need for legal reform and societal change. Criminalizing same-sex relationships fuels hatred and empowers those who seek to harm vulnerable communities. We must act, globally and locally, to ensure that every person can live free from fear, no matter who they love.”
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The legal framework in Bangladesh, specifically Section 377 of the Penal Code, still criminalizes same-sex relationships, fostering an environment of discrimination and fear. JMBF reiterated that violence and discrimination against lesbian women are not just attacks on individuals but on human dignity and fundamental rights.
On this International Lesbian Day, JMBF called upon the government of Bangladesh, civil society, and international human rights organizations to take immediate action. Their recommendations include:
• Repealing discriminatory laws like Section 377 that criminalize same-sex relationships.
• Implementing policies to protect LGBTQ+ individuals and ensure justice for victims of violence.
• Raising awareness through education to dismantle harmful stereotypes and social stigma surrounding lesbian women.
• Strengthening support systems, including legal aid, mental health services, and safe spaces for lesbian women and the LGBTQ+ community at large.
Shahanur Islam, Founder & President of JMBF, stated, “The legal and social landscape in Bangladesh leaves lesbian women particularly vulnerable to violence and persecution. Without reform and protection, these women will continue to face harassment, isolation, and fear. We at JMBF will not stop advocating for their rights until we see tangible change, and we call on all allies to stand with us in this fight.”
Read more: Global community must hold Bangladesh accountable, protect rights of its citizens: JMBF
JMBF reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for the rights and safety of lesbian individuals in Bangladesh. The organization vowed to continue amplifying their voices and fighting for a future where all lesbian women can live with dignity, free from fear, and fully recognized as equal citizens.
“Together, let us strive for a world where love, in all its forms, is celebrated, and justice prevails for every person, regardless of their identity,” the statement concluded.