As a former colonial power, France ‘must recognize its role in exporting legal homophobia’At first glance, it’s perplexing to learn that 141 organizations that oppose anti-LGBT laws have signed a petition calling on France not to seek passage of a U.N. Human Rights Council resolution against anti-LGBT laws. “These concerns are based on our assessment of current political context, deep connection with on-the-ground realities, and the fact that many LGBTI human rights defenders face reprisals as a consequence of international advocacy.” International initiatives that are perceived as externally driven can unintentionally make that work more difficult and, at times, jeopardise it.” Local activists have been left out of plans for a U.N. Human Rights Council resolution, they say:“We are also concerned that many organisations from criminalising countries have not been meaningfully consulted in the development of this initiative. Meaningful consultation requires not simply informing communities of decisions already made, but allowing affected communities to shape initiatives and guide whether and how such initiatives proceed.