U.S. Looks at Anti-Gay Climate
in Latin America

The data is being collected by embassy officials who will report on "attitudes toward and treatment of gays, transvestites, and transsexuals in society by family members, employers, neighbors, classmates, police and other authorities," according to a State Department cable.

"The people who help provide advice to the immigration judges ... needed additional information to be able to handle asylum requests where individuals are claiming that they had to seek asylum in the U.S. as a result of a credible persecution based on their sexual orientation," a State Department official, who requested anonymity, told the Agence France-Presse wire service.

Among the nations being scrutinized: Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Jamaica, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela.

"However," Kaunda said, "the fact that it makes me sad does not mean I should bury my face in the sand and declare the problem non-existent. It exists. ... This is obviously a new thing in this part of Africa. We need time to examine it carefully."

Home Affairs Minister Peter Machungwa has said LEGATRA's leaders will be jailed if they appear at the office of Registrar of Societies Herbert Nyendwa, who has said he will not look at the group's application forms.

Zambian Vice President Christon Tembo proclaimed last month: "An association formed to further the interests of homosexuals can never be registered in Zambia. Those who will persist in championing the cause for homosexual activities in Zambia risk being arrested for the felonies of committing criminal acts or for conspiracy to commit criminal acts."

A French measure allowing registered partnership between any two unmarried people will face a vote in the National Assembly Nov. 10 and new debate beginning November 3.

The bill was abruptly dismissed by legislators October 9 after opponents noticed that scores of MPs from the majority Socialist party, which supports the bill, were absent from the chamber.

If the proposal passes -- which is likely -- it will grant spousal rights to registered couples in areas such as inheritance, taxation, housing, property, workplace benefits, social security, and social-welfare programs.

Numerous religious leaders have condemned the plan as a threat to marriage. Prime Minister Lionel Jospin responded that the measure does not legalize gay marriage and will not permit homosexuals to adopt children or access artificial-conception services.