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<p>The Government's clear message is that human rights are universal and should apply
equally to all people. <br><br>We believe that the international community must address
all forms of discrimination, including on the basis of sexual orientation and gender
identity, and we must also promote respect for diversity. Work in combating violence
and discrimination against LGBT people forms an important part of the Foreign and
Commonwealth Office's wider international human rights work. <br><br>The British Embassy
in Tel Aviv has marched in the Gay Pride parades in Tel Aviv over recent years. At
this year's march, Her Majesty's Ambassador to Israel spoke at the large public gathering
and referred to Israel becoming a more tolerant society over the past decade. <br><br>We
are deeply concerned about the treatment of the LGBT community in the Occupied Palestinian
Territories, particularly in Gaza where they are subject to widespread social discrimination
for cultural and religious reasons. Homosexuality remains a taboo subject in the OPTs.
In some places, such as Ramallah, these taboos are relaxed, but in more conservative
areas the situation is very challenging. There are no laws protecting LGBT people,
however, we are not aware of any recent legal cases being prosecuted against LGBT
people.</p>
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