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The opening of the International Conference on LGBT Human Rights—a milestone
Montréal, 27 July 2006 – The International Conference on LGBT Human Rights symbolizes for many attendants a milestone in the protection and advancement of LGBT rights, both for its scope and for the vast number of its participants.
During last night’s opening dinner, Mr. Gérald Tremblay, the Mayor of Montreal, Mr. Yvon Marcoux, the Justice Minister for the Government of Quebec, and most notably Ms. Louise Arbour, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights addressed a packed room of 1500 guests and were applauded numerous times during their speech. In Ms. Arbour’s speech, she reminded us that laws criminalising homosexuality in countries around the world must be changed.
The International Conference on LGBT Human Rights continues today. For example, this morning, “Plenary Session 1: Canada and the United States” featured Mr. Mark Tewksbury, Co-President and Spokesperson for the 1st World Outgames; Mr. Gene Robinson, Bishop of New Hampshire, and the first openly gay priest to be ordained to the Episcopal Church; Ms. Ishrad Manji, author of the internationally acclaimed book The Trouble with Islam Today (Canada, 2004); and Ms. Kim Gandi, President of the National Organisation for Women (NOW) who is focusing on the American Supreme Court, including the battle over George W. Bush’s court nominees.
4000 People at Square Viger
Yesterday, four thousand people joined in the festivities at Square Viger, with the evening party “Cabaret” being a great success. Tonight, the renowned DJ Robert de la Gauthier will liven up Square Viger as of 5PM, followed by “Glam!” at 8PM, where the androgynous looks, big hair and wild make-up of the 80’s come back to life.
| 9:00 – 10:30 |
Conference Plenary Session 1: Canada and the United States
Keynote Speakers:
Mr. Mark Tewksbury, Gold, Silver and Bronze Medalist in Swimming at the 1988 Seoul and 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games, Mr. Gene Robinson, Bishop of New Hampshire, Episcopal Church (United States), Ms. Irshad Manji, Author of The Trouble with Islam Today (Canada), Ms. Kim Gandy; Presidente, National Organisation for Women (NOW), (United States), Room 517 A-B, Palais des Congrès (PdC). |
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| 10:30 |
Press Briefing: Plenary Session 1, Room 524A, PdC |
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| 15:00 |
Press Briefing: Plenary Session 2, Room 524A, PdC |
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| 16:00 – 17:30 |
Conference Plenary Session 2: Africa and the Arab World
Keynote Speakers:
Ms. Dorothy Aken’ova, Director, International Center for Reproductive Health and Sexual Rights (INCRESE), (Nigeria).
Mr. Zackie Achmat; HIV Treatment Advocate, Treatment Action Campaign (South Africa).
Ms. Alice Nkom, Layer defending 9 men imprisoned for being gay, (Cameroon),
M. Racha Moumneh, Member of Helem, the first LGBT non-gouvernemental organization in the Arab World (Lebanon) |
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| 19:00 – 21:00 |
Film Presentations:
« The End of Second Class », Room 511 A, PdC,
«Ignorance, Diversity and Love», Room 511 B, PdC,
and «Women in Love », Room 511 C |
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| 17:00 – 23:00 |
At Square Viger Tonight (street block formed by St-Denis, St-Antoine, Berri et Viger St.)
17:00 – 20:00: Musical Entertainment by DJ Robert de la Gauthier
20:00: GLAM! Night, hosted by MC Popline and with Ro and the Virtuous Vilains
Program: The Blam style of the 80s is back! Remember the androgynous looks, big hair and wild make-up of the 80s in a tribute to everyone’s favorite decade!
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For information:
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