# Draft Proposed OSMF policy on ensuring safety for attendees at SotM

:::info
this is just a draft of a proposed policy for the OSMF to adopt, to ensure LGBTQ+ people can always feel “safe enough” at their State of the Map conference(s).
:::

## Mikel's proposal up for vote

OpenStreetMap welcomes and encourages participation by everyone. This is enshrined in our [Diversity Statement](https://wiki.osmfoundation.org/wiki/Diversity_Statement). There are, however, places in the world where people with certain attributes may face discrimination or are systematically made to feel unsafe.

The OSMF will only host global State of the Map conferences in places where the safety of all segments of the population is ensured.

Applications to host a SotM should describe and assess the risks in that location for certain vulnerable populations, and must certify that State of the Map will be safe from systematic or institutional discrimination for all attendees. Details of how this is assessed is the mandate of the State of the Map Working Group.

Local and regional State of the Map conferences should do everything reasonably possible, in their local context, to ensure the safety of all segments of the population. It is recognized that in some regions and locations safety cannot be guaranteed for all vulnerable groups, and that this should not prevent a local or regional SotM from being held. Applications for trademark licenses should include a safety assessment. Details of the trademark application update are the mandate of the Licensing Working Group.

## Allan's suggestion

### Proposed Policy Text

OpenStreetMap welcomes and encourages participation by everyone. This is enshrined in our Diversity Statement https://wiki.osmfoundation.org/wiki/Diversity_Statement. There are places in the world where people with certain attributes may face discrimination or are systematically made to feel unsafe.

Applications to host a SotM should describe and assess the risks in that location for certain vulnerable populations, and certify that State of the Map will be safe for all attendees.

The OSMF will not host a global SotM in a place where any segment of the population will be unsafe due to systematic or institutional discrimination.

The OSMF will not grant a trademark licence for a “regional SotM” (e.g. “State of the Map [REGION]”), for an event in a place where any segment of the population will be unsafe due to systematic or institutional discrimination.

> [name=Mikel Maron] I recommend we frame this in a positive way. "The OSMF will host global State of the Map conferences in places where the safety of all segments of the population is ensured."
> [name=Mikel Maron] I think we need to have a slightly different policy for trademark licenses, which reflects the need to support local communities, with consideration of the local situation. Maybe this: "In granting trademark licenses for local State of the Map conferences, organizers must address and do everything in their ability to ensure the safety of all segments of the population."

## Amanda's suggestion №2

### Proposed Policy Text

OpenStreetMap welcomes and encourages participation by everyone. This is enshrined in our Diversity Statement https://wiki.osmfoundation.org/wiki/Diversity_Statement. There are places where certain attributes of people are discriminated against, or made systematically unsafe.

Applications to host a SotM should describe and assess the risks in that location for certain vulnerable populations, and certify that State of the Map will be safe for all attendees.

The OSMF will not host a global SotM in a place where any segment of the population will be unsafe due to systematic or institutional discrimination.

The OSMF will not grant a trademark licence for a “regional SotM” (e.g. “State of the Map [REGION]”), for an event in a place where any segment of the population will be unsafe due to systematic or institutional discrimination unless that systematic or institutional discrimination is present in the entirety of the region.

### Comments

> This is based on Allan's suggestion, but added the last part (from “unless …” onwards)
> If a country, or region, is unsafe for LGBTQ+ people, then it not fair (IMO) to completely ban them from having a local SotM.
> [name=Amanda]

## Amanda's suggestion №1

### Proposed Policy Text

OpenStreetMap welcomes and encourages participation by everyone. This is enshrined in our Diversity Statement https://wiki.osmfoundation.org/wiki/Diversity_Statement. There are places where certain attributes of people are discriminated against, or made systematically unsafe.

Applications to host a SotM should describe and assess the risks in your country for certain vulnerable populations, and go into detail on how the bid will ensure that State of the Map will be safe for all attendees.

For this policy “widespread LGBTQ unacceptance” is a place where the local law criminilizes homosexuality and the law is not being ignored by the state.

The OSMF will not host a (global) SotM in a place with “widespread LGBTQ unacceptance”. The OSMF will not grant a trademark licence for a “regional SotM” (e.g. “State of the Map [REGION]”), for an event in a place that has “widespread LGBTQ unacceptance” if there is a place in that region which is not “widespread LGBTQ unacceptance”.

### Q&A

Will this apply to events that don't use the “State of the Map” name?
: No, those events are outside the jurisdiction of the OSMF.

~~How do you know if~~ What do we do in a case where a discriminatory law is not enforced, or is ignored by the state?
: It is up to the organizing committee to determine that nobody will be placed at undue risk of arrest, detention, or physical harm. Using laws banning homosexual acts as an example, applicants may show that the law is not being enforced in many ways, such as (i) repeated local LGBTQ pride parades, (ii) politicians or prestigous community leaders who are openly LGBTQ (iii) travel advice from other countries stating it is not enforced (iv) reliable statistics and polls on societal acceptance of LGBTQ* people

> [name=amustard Redundant]
What if it's against the law, but that law is ignored, or not enforced?
: If the local LGBTQ+ community feel “safe”, they will have hosted “enough” “local” pride parades.~~: If the local LGBTQ+ community feel “safe”, they will have hosted “enough” “local” pride parades.~~

What about places like Russia, or Hungary, which have passed anti-LGBTQ laws?
: Since homosexuality is not illegal there, this policy would allow a regional/global SotM. The purpose of this policy is to set a very low bar. It does not guarantee a 100% safe environment for all LGBTQ people, or anyone, for that matter, at all times.

What if it's legal, but there's an unequal age of consent?
: That counts as “legal”.

Does this mean a country cannot host a country specific SotM, (e.g. “SotM Saudi Arabia”)?
: No. “SotM Saudi Arabia” covers (only) Saudi Arabia (which has enforced anti-gay laws) then the event can take place anywhere in the country.

What about other forms of oppression?
: ~~This policy text refers to LGBTQ* issues, because that's what affects me the most. I would welcome other campaigners suggesting additional safe guards.~~The same general principles apply to discrimination on ethnic, gender, and religious faith grounds.

Since certain countries oppress women, such as Iran, would Iran be banned from hosting a regional SOTM?
: The organizing committee would have to certify that women coming from abroad face no undue threat of harassment or danger by attending a SOTM in Iran. If unable to do that, the Board would decline to issue a trademark grant.

*Your question here!*
: *(amanda's answer here)*

### Glossary

LGBTQ+
: Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Trans, Queer + (aka LGBTQ+ LGBTQIA+ etc.)

## Mikel's suggestion

:::info
> I have copy/pasted from one of Mikel's latest emails. 🙂 Please edit & correct
> [name=Amanda]
:::

> Here's what I propose to ensure this is clear. This is a rough draft. The call for proposals for SotM will explicitly ask the bids "OpenStreetMap welcomes and encourages participation by everyone. This is enshrined in our Diversity Statement https://wiki.osmfoundation.org/wiki/Diversity_Statement. There are places where people with certain attributes face discrimination or are made systematically to feel unsafe. Please describe and assess the risks in your country for certain vulnerable populations, and certify that State of the Map will be safe for all attendees."

## Your suggestion!
## Your suggestion!
## Your suggestion!

"The [OpenStreetMap Diversity Statement](https://wiki.osmfoundation.org/wiki/Diversity_Statement) explains how we welcome and support diversity. SotM applications should describe and assess the local risks for vulnerable groups, and detail how they will ensure that the event will be safe for all attendees."