Posted on 03/22/2011 8:09:54 PM PDT by Iam1ru1-2
Although it is not in the form of binding resolution, the American push for U.N. action has helped win over a handful of new countries to the cause. A resolution could be brought to a vote later this year.
The issue of gay rights has polarized nations at the U.N. for years. And despite growing acceptance for homosexuality in Western nations and parts of Latin America, lawyers say there is still a gap in human rights treaties for the protection of gays against discrimination and mistreatment.
"We are very concerned that individuals continue to be killed, arrested and harassed around the world because of their sexual orientation or gender identity," said Suzanne Nossel, deputy assistant secretary of state for international organizations. "This statement sends a strong message from across the globe that such abuses should not be tolerated."
The U.S. document calls for nations to end any criminal punishments against lesbians, gays and bisexuals, and asks the global body to review how governments treat them in the U.N.'s human rights assessments. It acknowledges that "these are sensitive issues for many," but insists that people must be freed from discrimination because of their sexual orientation.
Nossel said the U.S. was proud to be taking a leading role in promoting the idea that gay rights are human rights — among the sharper foreign policy redirections that occurred after President Barack Obama took office.
Obama has stepped up the case for gay rights in recent months, winning a congressional vote to repeal the "don't ask, don't tell" ban on gays serving openly in the U.S. military and urging last weekend in a joint statement with the Brazilian president for the establishment of a special investigator to monitor respect for lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgender individuals in the Western Hemisphere.
Under the Bush administration, the U.S. policy was markedly different. The administration didn't support a French resolution at the U.N. General Assembly in 2008 that addressed similar concerns, joining Russia, China, the Vatican and Islamic states in opposition. The U.S. explained its position at the time in technical terms, saying it was fearful of language that would infringe on the right of American states to legislate matters such as gay marriage.
In December, even the Obama administration held back from voting for a U.N. resolution condemning killings of vulnerable people around the world after specifically proposing an amendment to protect people based on their sexual orientation. At issue was a separate, arcane legal dispute over international human rights law.
U.N. General Assembly and Human Rights Council resolutions aren't legally binding; they reflect only the view of the majority of the world's nations.
But gay rights advocates say it is important to gather backers for statements, resolutions and other documents such as the one that will be presented Tuesday by the United States, even when their legal effect is null. Because gay rights are still hotly contested in many parts of Africa, the Middle East and elsewhere, establishing an ever larger coalition of countries can help create a legal norm such as those that exist for the protection of women, religious minorities, children and other vulnerable or marginalized groups.
Supporting the statement Tuesday will be newcomers such as Thailand, Rwanda, El Salvador, Honduras and the Dominican Republic.
The growing movement also highlights the gradual shift in the U.N.'s top human rights body, which has previously scorned the plight of gays and lesbians.
In 2003, the council's predecessor body, the Human Rights Commission held a heated dispute after a proposal made by Brazil and backed by European nations. Muslim countries balked, saying they couldn't accept any reference to the term "sexual orientation." Pakistan's ambassador went further, telling diplomats he preferred the term "sexual disorientation."
Priorities.
And as we all know, this is an extremely important topic in lieu of other things happening around the world.
Dang! Why didn’t I think of that?
It will solve EVERYTHING!
I keep thinking that sooner or later the bamster has to reach bottom. Obviously, not yet.
Putting sexual deviants up on pedestals. Pretty sick.
Yup, gotta focus on the important stuff /s
Pakistan’s ambassador does have a way with words.
Barak Puto Obama says, hey! You poor people can suffer high unemployment and inflation.
Hey! You peacenicks.... war aint so bad
We need to focus...
Japan earthquake, million suffer? Nope.
Libya attack, US involved? Nope.
Economic downturn? Nope
Gays, homos “rights”? Damn, yes.
I truly despise this POS p-Resident.
To hell with what happens to gays. How about productive workers who are viewed and treated like sheep to be sheared by their dishonest governments. Zero leads the government of a second tier offender while he furiously tries to get into the ranks of Mao, Castro, Chavez, etc.
I pledge allegiance to the fags of the United Socialist States of America.
And to the debauchery, for which it stands,
One nation, under Obama, with dependency and tyranny for all.
Amazing, Christians are murdered and enslaved daily, and he wants gays to have support.
It would be great to see the gay lobby come out in favor of drilling in ANWR!
We have been doing this in this country for years, why not do it internationally with the approval by the perceived leader of the free world. Sad, very sad.
what next- no-fly zones over the bathhouses?
What about white middle aged christian males? Do they have no voice?
Here is a clue Obama, Our law is egalitarian already. Obama is not making us homogeneous, He is dividing and conquering. Pigeonholing folks and setting them against on another. No one give a **** about a gay couple if they dont indoctrinate and fornicate in the streets. We have laws that prevent heteros from doing it. We have civil union that gives them legal protection. Obama wont be happy till he tears the fabric of society and destroys the doctrine of the church.
Obama and Emanuel: Members of same gay bath house in Chicago
Pictures at the website
Identifying “gay rights” with “human rights” is the agenda. You might as well draw a parallel with prisoners rights, etc.
The real issue is- can a secular society criminalize ( or otherwise disenfranchise or “unsanction” aberrant, counter-productive (to the society’s goals)behavior?
In issues like transmission of disease, most would agree that to knowingly infect another should be criminal. It seems tougher to legislate when the vector is spiritual, particularly in secular society with only vestigial values.
This is where I diverge from secular libertarianism- there is a victim- it is society itself.
Wayne Madeson is kinda out there.
But his report wouldn’t surprise me if true
That is what they are doing.
They have been at it for decades
♪IMAGINE THERE'S NO HEAVEN... IT's EASY If YOU TRY...♫
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