Today is Day of Action Against Homophobic Persecution in Iran

A year ago today two teenagers, Mahmoud Asgari and Ayaz Marhoni, were hanged publicly for being gay.

Doug Ireland, who has all the information, HERE, notes that: "There will be vigils and demonstrations on July 19 in 25 cities around the world -- including 10 in the U.S."

Ireland also has the image of the two teens but I leave that to your discretion.

One thing to add: A favorite tactic of the neocons is to use human rights violations to complicate issues and push for regime change (or at least to soften opposition). E.g.: It's good that we invaded Afghanistan/Iraq/XX because they were human rights violators and now women can go to school, etc. Indeed, the 5 Point List of Demands addresses this point: "5. Oppose foreign military intervention in Iran; regime change must come from within – by and for the Iranian people themselves."

Note: invasions do not usually promote human rights. Protest Iran's state murder of gay people but do not fall into the trap of standing idly by as regime change is pushed. That's all. Soap box derby concluded. (Direland)

--> Sign up for Peek in your inbox... every morning! (Go here and check Peek box).