This module aims to provide students with a deeper understanding of human rights through the lens of LGBTQ+ rights, with a particular focus on the European and UK context. It will also provide an introduction to the history and social context of LGBTQ+ oppression and the development of LGBTQ+ rights to support an enhanced understanding of the current issues concerning LGBTQ+ communities. In addition to subject-specific knowledge and understanding, it aims to further develop students’ research and critical analysis skills to better equip them for postgraduate research in human rights and related areas. It will also equip students to work in diverse professional environments, whether in legal practice or beyond, with people of all genders and sexual orientations. It also supports the wider aims for the diversification and internationalisation of the law curriculum.

(LO1) Students will be able to use queer feminist theoretical frameworks to critically analyse human rights provisions

(LO2) Students will have an in-depth knowledge and understanding of LGBTQ+ rights under the European Convention on Human Rights

(LO3) Students will be able to identify and effectively articulate ongoing law and policy challenges and solutions with regard to the rights of those of minority genders and sexual orientations

(LO4) Students will be able to apply the European Convention on Human Rights to specific LGBTQ+ rights claims, taking into account the need to balance potentially competing rights

(S1) EDI awareness: Students will gain an understanding of the values of equality, inclusivity and non-discrimination through engaging with the history of LGBTQ+ liberation struggles and current debates on LGBTQ+ rights and non-discrimination

(S2) Research skills: Students will become proficient in the use of HUDOC, the case law database of the European Court of Human Rights, to search for cases by name, application number, and key words. They will also be able to search for appropriate secondary sources using the library catalogue and databases such as Westlaw, HeinOnline and LexisNexis.

(S3) Communication: Students will be able to clearly and effectively communicate their understanding and critical analysis of LGBTQ+ rights

(S4) Synthesis – students will read and summarise large amounts of information in preparation for seminar discussions and their assessment

This module will be taught through weekly seminars. Students will be given a list of 3 required readings, which they will be asked to summarise in their own words ahead of the seminar and reflect on 4-5 questions based on these readings. Following a brief introduction to the topic by the tutor, putting it in its broader context, the seminar will be based on a discussion of the readings, structured around the pre-provided questions.

Seminar 1: ‘Theoretical Frameworks and Concepts: Rights, Recognition and Regulation’ will introduce the module and its theoretical frameworks, which derive from feminist and queer theory.

Seminar 12: ‘Assessment Guidance’ will provide an opportunity for students to discuss their approach to the essay question with the module convenor.

The module content each year will take account of current legal debates in this rapidly evolving area of law, but indicative topics for the remaining seminars may include:
&# x2022;Decriminalisation and age of consent
•LGBTQ+ rights, empire and colonialism
•Trans and non-binary identities and gender recognition
•LGBTQ+ relationship recognition
•Trans parents and gender recognition: Legal parenthood and child arrangements
•Recognition of legal parenthood: Lesbian-headed families and gay donor/dads
•Trans children and parental disputes over gender recognition
•Protection against ill-treatment and LGBTQ+ asylum claims
•The prohibition against discrimination
•LGBTQ+ rights and religious belief
•Trans rights and women’s rights
•Retrogression and revocation of LGBTQ+ rights
•‘Don’t say Gay’: Restricting LGBT+ speech and assembly
•Conversion therapy

Students will be expected to engage with required and further readings for each seminar. Library resources will b e accessible through the module reading list and students will be expected to do their own independent research to supplement these resources for the assessment.

Teaching Method 1: Seminar

Scheduled Directed Student Hours: 22

Unscheduled Directed Student Hours: 0

Description: Seminars will take place weekly and consist of a discussion of required readings and pre-set questions.

Attendance Recorded: Yes

Self-Directed Learning Hours: 178

Description: Students are expected to spend 10 hours per week (x 11 weeks) preparing for seminars, including submitting the written work for assessment. The remaining 68 hours will be spent researching and writing the final essay.