The United Nations last week approved a landmark measure in support of LGBT rights.
The UN’s Human Rights Council on June 17 adopted a resolution submitted by South Africa that calls for a study to examine violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity in the international community.
The action marks the first time the UN has approved a measure that affirms the rights of LGBT individuals.
“This marks a significant milestone in the long struggle for equality and the beginning of a universal recognition that LGBT persons are endowed with the same inalienable rights — and entitled to the same protections — as all human beings,” President Barack Obama said in a statement last week.
The resolution expressed “grave concern at acts of violence and discrimination, in all regions of the world, committed against individuals because of their sexual orientation and gender identity,” and requested that UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay compile the body’s first report on abuses suffered by sexual minorities.
The report is due in December and will include information on international laws and policies that oppress LGBTs and instances of violence motivated by a victim’s sexual orientation or gender identity.
The resolution further calls for a panel discussion next spring to have “constructive, informed and transparent dialogue on the issue of discriminatory laws and practices and acts of violence” against LGBTs.
The measure, which had strong support from the United States and the European Union, passed with 23 votes in favor, 19 against and three abstentions.
“The United States stands proudly with those nations that are standing up to intolerance, discrimination and homophobia,” Obama said. “Advancing equality for LGBT persons should be the work of all peoples and all nations. LGBT persons are entitled to equal treatment, equal protection and the dignity that comes with being full members of our diverse societies. As the United Nations begins to codify and enshrine the promise of equality for LGBT persons, the world becomes a safer, more respectful and more humane place for all people.”
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said the resolution “represents a historic moment to highlight the human-rights abuses and violations that [LGBT] people face around the world based solely on who they are and whom they love.”
Clinton went on to note that the United States worked closely with South Africa and a number of other member states to advance the resolution.
Clinton noted that the abuses committed against LGBT individuals around the world range from everything from criminal sanctions to rape to torture and murder, but that the resolution conveys the notion that people of all cultural norms are entitled to the same basic rights.
“People cannot be excluded from protection simply because of their sexual orientation or gender identity,” she said. “The United States will continue to stand up for human rights where there is inequality, and we will seek more commitments from countries to join this important resolution.”
Jen Colletta can be reached at [email protected].