New article on heteronormativity and human rights law

Giulia Dondoli, of the University of Waikato, has made available a conference paper entitled "The Heteronormativity of the Human Rights Law: Causes and Consequences".

Here is the abstract:

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the subsequent human rights covenants and conventions are characterised by heteronormativity. Although many authors have discussed the consequences that heteronormativity has in the life of LGBTI (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex) individuals, the circumstances that led to the articulation of this heteronormativity are overlooked. This proposed paper aims to research the causes of this event through a study of the travaux préparatoir (preparatory documents) of the UDHR. In detail, the paper will look at the different drafts of Article 16 (right to marry and to found a family). Particular attention will be given to the nongovernmental advocacy of religious groups and women’s groups in the formulation of this article. Finally, the paper aims to demonstrate that heteronormativity is only a formal limit to the development of LGBTI rights. Indeed, heteronormativity masks the political intention of governments and international organisations not to allocate certain rights to LGBTI individuals. To do so, the paper will present several international and national examples.

The paper can be found here:

http://www.researchgate.net/publication/281178970_The_Heteronormativity_of_the_Human_Rights_Law_Causes_and_Consequences