Yesterday the Human Rights Campaign issued a 67-page report titled "'They Want Us Exterminated': Murder, Torture, Sexual Orientation and Gender in Iraq" that claims that Iraqi militias are "carrying out a spreading campaign of torture and murder against men suspected of homosexual conduct, or of not being 'manly' enough, and Iraq authorities have done nothing to stop the killing." A spokesperson for the militia warned of a "third sex" and the "feminization" of Iraqi men. The terrorism takes the form of kidnappings off the street and even from homes of suspected homosexuals. The victims are tortured until they reveal the names of other Iraqi gay men and are then murdered. Gay sex is not a crime under Iraqi law, but it appears that "Islamic law" is what many militia leaders consider the governing law of the country. Killing homosexuals is considered an "honor killing," much like a father murdering a "socially disgraced" daughter, which means that the penalties under Iraqi law for such crimes is reportedly mitigated under a provision enacted during Saddam Hussein's reign.

Jamie Durrant, Xbox 360 designer and long-time friend of Big Queer, has filed a lawsuit against Microsoft for £45,000 (approximately $66,000) for discrimination based on his sexual orientation. The software giant bought the U.K. company for which Durrant works, Lionhead Studios, two years ago. Durrant claims he began receiving harassing emails over a year ago and that his complaints to the company's human resources department were "blatantly disregarded." He agreed to refrain from filing a formal grievance and was told that a memo would be sent to Lionhead employees reminding them to "behave responsibly," but no such memo was issued and a message with the title "Fag Boy Jim" was posted in the office kitchen.

Durrant was offered counseling and was asked to sign a document agreeing not to pursue any further action against the company, but he rightfully declined. BQ reached out to Durrant to find out if he or his attorney has a copy of the proposed agreement, but he declined to comment on the issue or make any other on-the-record statements due to the pending suit. Durrant has been on sick leave due to depression and is seeking payment for lost pay and, according to the U.K. press, "hurt feelings." (We took issue with the references to our friend's "hurt feelings," but apparently "injury to feelings" is a legitimate legal complaint on the other side of the pond.)

As for Microsoft, the company has a history of providing domestic partnership benefits and has included sexual orientation in its anti-discrimination policies, though its lack of support for Workplace Fairness legislation was an issue in 2005. BQ will post more information as it becomes available.