Here in the west, we are fighting for equal financial and marriage rights. In countries such as Iran, GLBTIQ people are fighting for their lives. With homosexuality punished by torture and execution, activists put themselves on the line by even setting up a website. But the folks at the Iranian Queer Organization (IRQQ) are determined to highlight the atrocities carried out the Islamic government and to bring about acceptance of GLBTIQ people. The IRQQ relies on the help of activists in the west to continue their work. Visit www.irqo.net for more information and to join the mailing list.
Justice for prisoners
Despite the entertaining portrayals of prison life in Prisoner or Bad Girls, the reality is, it sucks. The majority of women in prison are there because of poverty or they’ve been driven to drink or drug addiction or stealing because they’ve suffered horrendous emotional, sexual and physical abuse. Behind closed doors, no one can see them and their rights can often be violated. Justice Action is a community-based organisation in Sydney comprising prisoners, ex-prisoners, lawyers, academics, victims of crime, and community members, all of whom are committed to prison reform. Visit www.justiceaction.org.au to find out how you can help.
World Vegan Day
Celebrate World Vegan Day on 1 November by eating tasty food with no animal products in it. In Sydney Animal Liberation NSW will be handing out 500 free vegan burgers in Hyde Park from early morning to 3pm, while in Melbourne, a festival will be held on Sunday 28 October at Phoenix Community Reserve. Visit www.wvd.org.au for more details.
GET UP and do it!
GetUp has turned two. The campaign group now boasts 200,000 members, nearly 3/4 of a million actions in 35 campaigns and counting. Campaigns have included David Hicks, Iraq, Indigenous issues, same-sex equality, Dr Haneef, APEC andclimate change. Donors contributed $100,000 in 24 hours towards broadcasting Get Up’s spoof commercial during the AFL grand final. The ad parodies the federal government's climate change advertising campaign to criticise its policy. The group has collected 27,000 signatures supporting equal rights for same-sex people in Australia and is currently aiming for 30,000. To support Get Up! in its various causes, visit www.getup.org.au .
Boycott Melbourne Cup
It might be tempting to place a bet but horse racing isn’t a nice ‘sport’ for the horses. Between 1% and 2% of horses have blood flowing from the nostrils after a race. Researchers at the University of Melbourne have shown, through the use of an endoscope inserted into the horse's throat, that 50% of horses have blood in the windpipe, and 90% have blood deeper in the lungs. In post-mortems of racehorses, one fifth have bruising at the back of the lungs. In addition to deep bleeding stomach ulcers, horses exhibit abnormal behaviour due to being kept for up to 20 hours a day in a small stall. And that’s all before the horrific injuries that can occur in racing, such as horses smashing their legs and having to be ‘destroyed’ afterwards. Source: www.animalliberation.org.au .
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