Posted on 05/16/2014 1:07:19 PM PDT by kristinn
Commemorating International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia
Press Statement
John Kerry
Secretary of State
Washington, DC
May 16, 2014
Today of all days, we are reminded that the cause of justice can and must triumph over hatred and prejudice. This is a day of action for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) communities and their allies all over the world. It is time to reaffirm our commitment to the equality and dignity of all persons, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
It’s not lost on anyone that this year’s International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHO) coincides with the 60th anniversary of the ruling in Brown v. Board of Education. Our commitment to advancing the human rights of LGBT persons is part of this country’s long history of fighting to ensure that all people can exercise their human rights.
We have seen incredible progress in the fight to advance the human rights and fundamental freedoms of LGBT persons.
And the United States is proud to be doing its part. This past week, we convened religious leaders and representatives of faith-based organizations to think about how we work together to promote and protect the human rights of LGBT persons. Next week, we will convene meetings with our private sector allies to discuss the important role of the business community in promoting equality and the ways we can partner through the Global Equality Fund.
But this must be more than a moment to celebrate how far we have come. We know that our work is not complete when countries enact laws targeting LGBT persons and their supporters. We know that our work is not complete when LGBT persons and their allies are harassed, arrested, and even killed simply because of who they are and who they love.
The United States condemns these senseless acts of violence and discrimination. Human rights are universal, and LGBT persons and their allies must be free to exercise them without fear of intimidation or reprisal.
When our LGBT brothers and sisters are threatened anywhere, it is a threat to freedom, justice and dignity of people everywhere. The United States will continue to protect and promote the human rights of LGBT persons worldwide this day and every day. Onward.
Onward?
Downward.
I’m not a fan of heights.
Can we have a vigil?
Barf Alert
ID a Ho.
I am looking for some indication that this is a joke. Can anybody help me?
And this concerns the State Department?
When will the EPA weigh in?
How about whitephobia?
DOES IT really advance the interests of the United States, for our government to push homosexuality and sex change operations as part of our foreign policy???
Considering that most of the world is not as liberal as we are in this area, should we really push it? Does that really help anyone? Couldn’t it even be counter productive, and induce these other places to reinforce their laws against LGBT peoples????
Transphobia. The fear of change, hope, and all that hopey changey stuff.
Madness. Sheer madness.
More rights than a plain old citizen
insanity is correct
So what if you have no job and you are about to lose your home. We’re worried about the trannies who just want to feel normal.
Well, for worse or better, there are already counter-reactions beginning.
I just couldn’t see even a Mitt Romney administration doing this, as checkered and flakey as it was in lefty Massachusetts. A weather vane will get it right more often than a “Hell or bust” caravan.
“.....commitment to the equality and dignity of all persons, regardless......”
“Regardless” unless you are a heterosexual who merely disagrees with the uh, other way of doing it. Then you WILL be labeled. And vilified. And mocked. And bullied. And bossed around. Etc., etc., etc.
“Transphobia”
Wasn’t that an album by The Who?
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