Report of the Conference Workstation 6: Legal oppression Facilitator John Fisher, HRW Rapporteur Rabiul Islam, NHRI Bangladesh Question 1: Gaps in the Yogyakarta Principles in relation to legal oppression Expanding sphere of criminalisation in some parts of the world is alarming, which includes • Restrictions on promotion of LGBTI issues • Guilt by association • Participation in same sex partnership/celebration • Gender expression contrary to social-legal norms • Law restricting LGBTI oppression; such as restriction of NGOs registration and funding foreign agent laws • Expansion of restriction into the digital/online space • Expansion of exemption; for instance: Faith based exemption to non-discrimination law. Oppressive tolerance • Permissive laws promote stereotypes. Example: in relation to criteria applied on refugees • Brazen restriction on sexual and reproductive health and rights • Stereotyped expression of SOGIESC • More in-depth analysis of laws used oppress trans and intersex people is needed. Criminality • Amendment of the penal code for particular crimes in domestic law • Lack of political will in the implementation of the Principles • Foreign agent laws targeting LGBTI population in some countries. Legal restrictions • Laws restricting registration of LGBTI CSOs as well as funding for LGBTI CSOs • Lack of consistency in the application of laws and regulations • Tolerance of various forms of violence and discrimination (e.g. Bans on donating blood or accessing fertility treatment • Application of refugee status for LGBTI individuals • Non-recognition of sexual and reproductive rights in the Principles • Criminalisation of sex work in many countries Privacy and domestic violence • Increased domestic violence and privatisation of violence 35