Hamas bans LGBT+ organisations & arrests & tortures queers
London, UK – 4 August 2025
Solidarity with Palestinian LGBTs and opposition to Hamas’s homophobia was the theme of the Peter Tatchell Foundation contingent on the Brighton Pride parade last Saturday 2 August 2025.
The leader of the PTF contingent, Peter Tatchell, said:
“Queer organisations, events and advocacy are banned in Gaza. LGBTs are jailed, tortured and sometimes executed by Hamas. LGBTs are among the many tens of thousands Palestinian civilians killed by Israel’s murderous bombing of Gaza.
“The Peter Tatchell Foundation is one of the few human rights organisations anywhere in the world that protests against homophobia in Palestine. Other groups campaign for LGBTs in Russia, Uganda and Afghanistan but not for LGBT+ Palestinians. This is a shameful betrayal of LGBTs in Gaza. The global LGBT+ movement has failed Palestinian queers. We received huge support from the Brighton Pride crowds, for taking a stand against Hamas’s homophobia.
“We condemn both Israel’s genocide and Hamas’s tyranny.
“Hamas is a sexist, homophobic and antisemitic dictatorship that represses civil society and executes Palestinians who criticise its tyranny. It persecutes trade unionists, journalists, lawyers, socialists, feminists and students.
“There can be no genuine Palestinian liberation without the liberation of Palestinian women and LGBTs.
“We demand equality for LGBTs, women, Arabs & Jews in both Palestine and Israel.
“We support the call by Palestinian leaders for a two-state solution where Israel and Palestine co-exist. We urge peace, security, democracy and human rights for all.
“Ceasefire now! Release the Israeli hostages and Palestinian political prisoners in Israeli jails, especially Marwan Barghouti – the most popular Palestinian leader who supports a two-state solution and opposes attacks on civilians. His release is key to peace with justice,” said Mr Tatchell.
Peter Tatchell helped organise the UK’s first Pride on 1 July 1972, which took place in London. He has attended almost every Brighton Pride since its inception in its current form in 1991 – 34 years ago.