<html><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html charset=utf-8"></head><body style="word-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; -webkit-line-break: after-white-space;" class="">There are some problematic US States, as well.<div class=""><br class=""></div><div class="">Indeed, but I think it’s important to weigh those against a commitment to inclusion. If we want OSGeo and FOSS4G to be reflective of the diversity of the community then we need to be willing to stand up for that —even if it means excluding some places. This is the so-called “paradox of tolerance.” The idea that preserving a tolerant society requires being intolerant of intolerance.</div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class="">Frankly, I’m ashamed of myself for not having thought of making this part of the requirements until it was raised by María.</div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class="">I should have, as this issue has been in the news here in the US recently. For instance, many organizations canceled events in North Carolina after the passage of HB 2, and it was a major concern for FOSS4G-NA in 2016, which had already chosen and made arrangements to have the conference in NC when HB 2 was passed. (HB 2 has since been repealed, but…) See: <a href="https://2016.foss4g-na.org/ncga.html" class="">https://2016.foss4g-na.org/ncga.html</a></div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class="">I think it’s reasonable to include in the RFP a question like the following:</div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class="">"FOSS4G attracts a global, diverse community. Are there any laws, or social norms, in your proposed location that would make members of our community feel unsafe or unwelcome? That could include, but is not limited to, anti-LGBTQ+ policies, policies that would prevent the free exercise of religion, restrictions on certain activities based on gender or other factor, etc?”</div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class="">So we’re not, ipso facto, excluding a location based on those that, but we’re making clear that it is a factor we will be considering.</div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class="">Darrell</div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class=""><br class=""><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class=""><div><blockquote type="cite" class=""><div class="">On Feb 20, 2018, at 03:43, Steven Feldman <<a href="mailto:shfeldman@gmail.com" class="">shfeldman@gmail.com</a>> wrote:</div><br class="Apple-interchange-newline"><div class=""><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" class=""><div style="word-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;" class="">We have never thought about this in the selection process. Should we? I am not sure. <div class=""><br class=""></div><div class="">There are so many countries that have legal and societal norms that are discriminatory against one group or another - think LGBTQ, religion, visa restrictions on entry - the list will be quite long.<div class=""><br class=""></div><div class="">Just on the LGBTQ legislation there are 73 countries that are shown at <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBT_rights_by_country_or_territory" class="">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBT_rights_by_country_or_territory</a> Should we be excluding these countries from hosting FOSS4G or should we be providing guidance to our community on the constraints of attending an event in these countries? We are committed to promoting diversity but it could be that in doing that we limit diversity.</div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class="">No answers, just some questions.</div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class="">For 2018 we can ask the LOC to provide security information to all delegates (ideally in advance of registration). For future years we need guidance from the Board as to how to proceed.</div><div class=""><div class="">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; line-height: normal; border-spacing: 0px;">______<br class="">Steven<br class=""><br class=""></span>
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