Obama Administration Demands UN Action on Gay Rights
- Posted on March 21, 2011 at 6:57pm by
Meredith Jessup
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WASHINGTON (AP) — The Obama administration will introduce its first statement calling for the United Nations’ top human rights body to combat discrimination against gays and lesbians around the world, completing a U.S. reversal from years of ambiguity on the subject during the presidency of George W. Bush.
The U.S. declaration will be made Tuesday at the Geneva-based Human Rights Council and has the support of more than 80 countries. 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.
Susan Rice, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations
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.”
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Comments (59)
Ozymandias
Posted on March 22, 2011 at 12:42pmUnbelievable!
Abraham asked the Lord to spare 50 righteous people. God responded to
Abraham’s plea “If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I
will spare all ….Genesis 18:16-33
The movie “Corpus Christi” is due to be released this June to August. A
disgusting film set to appear in America later this year depicts Jesus and
his disciples as homosexuals! As a play, this has already been in theatres
for a while. It’s called “Corpus Christi” which means “The Body of
Christ”. It’s revolting mockery of our Lord. But we can make a
difference.
That’s why I am sending this e-mail to you. If you do send this around, we
just might be able to prevent this film from showing in America. Let’s
stand for what we believe in and stop the mockery of Jesus Christ our
Savior. Where do we stand as Christians? At the risk of a bit of
inconvenience, I’m forwarding this to all I think would appreciate it,
too.
Please help us prevent such offenses against our Lord. There is no
petition to sign, no time limit, or minimum number of people to send this
to.. It will take you less than 2 minutes!
If you are not interested and do not have the 2 minutes it will take to do
this, please don’t complain when God does not have time for you because He
is far busier than we are. Hey it’s worth a shot! Apparently, some regions
in Europe have already banned the film. All we need is a lot of prayer and
a lot of emails.
JUST GET THE WORD OUT
… will God be able to find at least 50 righteous people who are willing
Report Post »to express their concern and voice their opinion against this act of
blasphemy?
Jason1111
Posted on March 22, 2011 at 12:41pmThere’s is absolutely NO evidence that there is an epidemic of homosexual identified persons being victimized like this article claims. Anti-homosexual crimes are .0008 of all violent crimes reported in the US, according to the FBI. As a matter of fact, homosexual-on-homosexual crimes (domestic violence) are happening at far greater rates, and on the increase.
Report Post »StonyBurk
Posted on March 22, 2011 at 11:36amExcept the Lord had preserved to us a very small remnant we would have been made to be as Sodom and like unto Gomorrah. The Prophet Isaiah could well have been speaking of America and our evil
Report Post »Administration.
Fate Aki
Posted on March 22, 2011 at 10:32amWe have as a country a full plate already. Do we really need to be addressing this issue right now?
Report Post »hightide
Posted on March 22, 2011 at 9:19amThis is strange. Lets see what the Muslims that Barry is always protecting think about that. They are a large portion of the world and they STONE gays.
Report Post »svedka
Posted on March 22, 2011 at 9:17amIs our president really virtually bypassing our house and senate and taking issues to the UN. Is the leader of the world in his mind going to the house and senate of the world.
Report Post »Hanner
Posted on March 22, 2011 at 8:57amRomans 1: v26-28– And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind to do those things which are not convenient. Good luck convincing the Muslims about this. What do you expect from someone that whole-heartedly supports partial birth murder also.
Report Post »momsense
Posted on March 22, 2011 at 8:39amThe UN has no authority here other than what we allow it .It’s time to get US out of the UN and the UN out of the US. Asking the UN to admInistrate what should be our national policy is treason.
Report Post »florida123
Posted on March 22, 2011 at 8:07amAgain Rome is on Fire and this piss poor leader wants to focus on insignificant issues!
Report Post »louise
Posted on March 22, 2011 at 7:39amOur country needs to get out of the UN. It is unconstitutional. It is evident that the UN holds more clout for this administration than congress. Eventually the UN will be the governing body and military for the whole world. The IMF will be the central banking system. The ideology will be godless. The structure is in place for the New World Order. Like Glenn Beck has been saying on the radio and tv…..you must know who you are. You must stand on the Truth in love. Most importantly know who you serve.
Report Post »“As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord”
NancyBee
Posted on March 22, 2011 at 10:51amYou are absolutely right…Louise….The UN is not our friend….this is part of his plan for a one world gov. You see it happening every day…..We have got to stop him and his evil agenda…it makes me sick….thanks for your comment.
Report Post »OhmEye
Posted on March 22, 2011 at 7:14amAlthough I realize I’ll probably end up on the same terrorist watch list as military veterans and fundamentalist christians, I’ve got to say this. I see a simple solution to 90%+ of the foolishness we are witnessing in this country. We need to require all public servants to submit to a drug and alcohol testing program. Since our government administrators, representatives and court justices are clearly in “safety-sensitive” positions, it is only fitting that we put them through pre-employment drug screening and random testing. B.O. would certainly have to pee in a cup after this “reasonable suspicion” episode.
Report Post »Molaki
Posted on March 22, 2011 at 7:11amHe should just do us all a favor and just come out himself……..he plays b‘ball like a little girl so I’m just sayin…………
Report Post »historypaper
Posted on March 22, 2011 at 6:19amPresident Obama continues to display queer ideas that make no sense. Start a war but don’t ask and never tell. Obama Pelosi Reid and Clinton are corrupt to their core and fan the flames of discrimination both sexual and race. Mr. Obama can never explain his queer ideas but he’s never been asked a question. Millions jobless. Millions lose their homes. Thousands of companies close every month so lets work on some queer ideas at the U.N.
Report Post »EP46
Posted on March 22, 2011 at 6:18amWhy does the puppet think Americans care what the U.N. says? He is ‘playing to the world” while he is continuing to divide America.
Gays will not be so happy with barry when they realize that AIDS and other treatments will not be covered under obama care. The cost is too high, the results too low. He is using the gay community just as he uses all minorities.
Report Post »HumbleMan
Posted on March 22, 2011 at 6:37amExcellent point!
Report Post »ggallman
Posted on March 22, 2011 at 5:55amThe CONFOUNDER in chief!
Report Post »God, please forgive us, for we are STUPID!
RightPolitically
Posted on March 22, 2011 at 4:28amGood. Now we can have even more fornication than already exists! With the entire world crashing around US, this is what Obama deems important. Amazing….
Report Post »peteto1
Posted on March 22, 2011 at 3:43amObama is just TRYING to make us targets of Jihadists worldwide, as they see homosexualtity as a TWISTED, EVIL lifestyle. Making “declarations” in the UN (useless nations) is NOT going to change these nation’s opinions or laws. Different strokes for different folks, Barry……
Report Post »staythecourse
Posted on March 22, 2011 at 4:04amYou are right. We are being set up to be set upon and attacked. By us taking a lead in this ridiculous positioning we become even more so “The Great Satan”. Not only that but it also creates a situation where Christians will once again be targeted for “hate” crimes. This is very very dangerous and is a deliberate move to destroy our country and also Christians around the globe. And why ‘gays’ as an issue…what about all of the Christians that are being killed around the globe for their faith?
As noted in the article: 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….. This does indeed infringe upon states rights.
Report Post »Chet Hempstead
Posted on March 22, 2011 at 6:20amI think it’s a good move. Taking the lead on this will remind the other western nations that if it comes to a choice between us or Islamic radicals, they want to be with us. That even if they don’t like us and find us a little arrogant we share more of their values than our enemies do. And it’s the morally right thing to do. We’re America dammit! We should be the moral leaders of the free world, and anyone who doesn’t like it can go to hell!
Report Post »watchtheotherhand
Posted on March 22, 2011 at 11:06amI believe they already hate us and know that the whole of society accepts or at least tolerates homosexuality. I doubt this is a set up per say. He actually believes this stuff. He believes he is a crusader for human rights and wants to leave a legacy (which he certainly will do, but not the kind he is imagining). His arrogance almost dictates that he believes his own rhetoric. It was the same mentality that went against public desires and rammed through Obamacare. He , The Benevolent One, knows better than we do what is best for society and the world.
Report Post »CaptainSpaulding
Posted on March 22, 2011 at 3:23amWhile the world burns…..
Report Post »Just in time
Posted on March 22, 2011 at 3:22amWhy in the name of everything that is sacred, are we prying into other people’s lives. Have we not got enough on our plate.
Report Post »Tmwatz
Posted on March 22, 2011 at 2:22amOy!
Report Post »Fina Biscotti
Posted on March 22, 2011 at 2:05amThis USURPER is a MADMAN…….and this latest stunt is going to get the USA on a faster track of “death to America” from his Muslim buddies.
Report Post »MinorityRightsAdvocate
Posted on March 22, 2011 at 2:02amIn many Muslim cultures there is an undercurrent of homosexuality and the abuse of boys for sexual gratification. They don’t openly admit or condone it, but it is systemic.
http://minorityrightsadvocate.wordpress.com/2010/12/22/religion-of-hypocrisy-religion-of-evil/
Report Post »MinorityRightsAdvocate
Posted on March 22, 2011 at 1:56amOf course the Obama administration would do this, but it is not about EQUAL rights, there is an agenda to give some special and MORE equal rights at the expense of the rest of us, and that is NOT acceptable.
Those who decide to live a risky lifestyle need to ACCEPT responsibility for what comes with it, it is NOT the obligation of the rest of us to pay the consequences, but we do, and we have been forced to do so via taxation for YEARS!
http://minorityrightsadvocate.wordpress.com/2011/03/12/inexplicable-discrimination-directly-violating-%e2%80%9cequal%e2%80%9d-opportunity-in-the-military/
Personal Responsibility must come before we can sustain freedom:
http://minorityrightsadvocate.wordpress.com/2011/03/13/freedom-must-be-coupled-with-personal-responsibility-erosion-of-personal-responsibility-destroys-freedom/
Report Post »miles from nowhere
Posted on March 22, 2011 at 1:44amObama is known for throwing everybody under the bus, he just wants gays to vote for him, but give him time he will stab them in the back just like he is doing to the rest of America. Obama the ABUSER>!
Report Post »LAM2
Posted on March 22, 2011 at 1:16amBy the time we hit 2012, the only constituentcy that Obama will not have alienated are the gays — repeal of DADT in the military, refusal to defend DOMA in the courts, gay bullying, and now they’re taking up gay issues at the U.N., certain to anger many Muslims abroad. He’s on a tear advancing the gay agenda. Now if only he cared about the other 90%+ of the American people.
Report Post »colonial10
Posted on March 22, 2011 at 1:49amWhy doesn’t he call for the real problem? He does the same thing when he calls Tea Partiest’s racists. Maybe he should lead us or be a good example. Discrimination or passing judgement. If people would have code of honor to live by maybe we’d have less discrimination. Maybe God would be good. Also if people would let each do their own thing then we wouldn’t discriminate. It‘s God’s job to judge not ours. If you don‘t want to be gay don’t. If you do, do. If someone doesn‘t like what someone says don’t listen to them. You think it would be easy but it’s not.
Report Post »@the_WEDGE
Posted on March 22, 2011 at 1:53aml guess that proves that the POTUS isn’t Muslim.
My question is, how do all these world leaders get together and discuss the topic of homosexuality and keep a straight face without cracking up, while pretending that this is actually a important topic that needs to be addressed!!
Report Post »phil1765
Posted on March 22, 2011 at 3:58amcolonial10
Report Post »I agree, I don’t understand why all of the sudden in this country that what you or anyone else does is suddenly everyone elses business. I remember a time when you kind of let other people be themselves without judgement just so long as they were within the law. I wasn’t placed on this earth to judge anyone else, I respect other peoples rights to be an individual and would really prefer that they respect mine as well, to bad it doesn’t really work that way anymore.
beebacksoon
Posted on March 22, 2011 at 5:28amObama went to UN Human Rights Council in 2010, for discrimination in Arizona’s illegal alien law (SB1070). Now he takes gay rights to the UN. If he can’t get what he wants done through the NORMAL channels in the US, he:
Report Post »1) Writes an Executive Order
2) Has a federal agency create a new “regulation”.
3) Sue, then repeal; sue, then repeal; sue, then repeal….
4) Goes to UN to handle OUR issues.
He didn’t even go through Congress, for them to “declare war”. Washington is on another “break”, so there were few on hand when they were briefed, AFTER the fact.
ggallman
Posted on March 22, 2011 at 5:51amYEAAA! the Islamic world will love the US for our openness and acceptance for ALL persuasions. Even those who wish to kill all non-converting US citizens. Let us all get in a BIG circle, hold hands and sing “Kill the Infidels”. Ohh, I feel so warm and fuzzy. Don’t you?
Report Post »avenger
Posted on March 22, 2011 at 6:24amgay rights ? I was under the impression that our constitution covered everybody….wtf….
Report Post »SlimnRanger
Posted on March 22, 2011 at 6:43am@Colonial10 yes God is the judge,for many years i tried to judge anothers actions and lifestyle but the Holy Spirit convinced me that i am not the Judge,that is Gods job,so bottom line is love the sinner but hate the sin,The good Lord knows i have never been a saint but i am learing more and more eveyday to put it all in Gods hands
Report Post »Thatsitivehadenough
Posted on March 22, 2011 at 8:13amThis proves he’s an idiot.
Can’t wait to see what the Muslim nations think about this.
Could get very interesting.
Report Post »StonyBurk
Posted on March 22, 2011 at 8:28amas it is written by the Prophet Isaiah “Unless the Lord of Hosts had left to us a very small remnant,we would have become like Sodom,We would have been made like Gomorrah.Hear the word of the Lord,You rulers of Sodom Give ear to the law of our God ye people of Gomorrah.”and as it is written by this same prophet in this same book (same chapter -verse 24 ) Therefore the Lord says The Lord of Hosts, The Mighty One of Israel,”Ah I will rid myself of my adversaries,and take vengeance on my enemies…I am not convinced that the Prophet was delusional and confused the rulers of Jerusalem with the long dead /and utterly destroyed rulers of Sodom,and people of Gomorrah. But I do believe this evil City (Washington D.C.) is parading its whoredoms in the manner of ancient Jerusalem. One thing lacking– It is written of Abraham I will bless those that bless you and curse those that curse you.And we are Abraham’s seed only in Christ-only by adoption. And when an adopted child so disrespects their father -they can be cut off. The 0 brings a curse upon himself and upon my people when he elevates immorality and fornication to protected class status.WOE to them that call evil good and good evil.God will not be mocked.And my people destroyed for lack of understanding/
Report Post »Oil_Robb
Posted on March 22, 2011 at 8:34amIt not enough that Barry Sodomizes the USA on a dailey bases now he wants to Sodomize the rest of the world
Report Post »Taquoshi
Posted on March 22, 2011 at 8:57amIs this the best that he could think of between rounds of golf and trips abroad?
Like we have no problems here in the U.S., with union thugs protesting on private business property, elected state officials leaving their state to avoid voting on an issue; unemployment increasing, the national debt rising along with gas and food prices?
I finally got the “Hope and Change” idea. It’s hoping that things will change after the 2012 election. 670 days and counting, my fellow Americans!
Report Post »drbage
Posted on March 22, 2011 at 9:10amLive and let live. The government should not be in anyone’s bedroom. However, this action brings up a more serious and dangerous tendency upon which this administration has embarked. The O justified his action in Libya through the UN. Now, he is using the same platform for the gay issue. (How ironic is it that Qaddafi‘s daughter held Libya’s seat on the UN Human Rights Commission until a couple of weeks ago!) That makes two (three if you count the US vote with the Arab world against Israel) nudges in the direction of world governance via the UN. This tendency needs to be watched very carefully both on the world stage and in the US(FL judge ruling to have a case adjudicated in Shari’a court).
Report Post »watchtheotherhand
Posted on March 22, 2011 at 10:27amMark my words, this type of PC “civil” rights movement will morph into ever and ever increasingly stiffer penalties from country to country for talking critically of homosexuality in the form of hate speech laws that become even more potent than currently existing ones. I love how we focus on their “civil” rights (which no one should suffer violence or threat of murder, hello Islam and Sharia) of homosexuals yet somehow the UNs human rights department does not value the right of unborn children to live and pursue life (most recent statistics put abortions worldwide per year at 43 million). Human rights what a joke. Look at the least of countries on the human rights commission for a good laugh…………..Do you know how many groups we could hold up that need “protection” that never even get mentioned or discussed in the UN.
Report Post »watchtheotherhand
Posted on March 22, 2011 at 10:41am……….look at the LIST of countries………….
Report Post »watchtheotherhand
Posted on March 22, 2011 at 10:58amTake a guess anyone how many Christians have been killed or wrongly imprisoned for their faith in Pakistan, India, China, Middle east, and Africa. The number literally dwarfs the number of homosexuals harmed or killed worldwide and yet no mention or urgency in any form from the joke that is the UN human rights commission.
Report Post »EntoCraig
Posted on March 22, 2011 at 12:48pmI dont care what Obama, the UN, liberals or the rest of the world decide on this matter. They can do whatever they want to make it acceptable in the eyes of the world, but it wont be in mine. As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
Report Post »six4life
Posted on March 22, 2011 at 3:51pmMaybe then he will come out of the “closet”
Report Post »Papalima28
Posted on March 22, 2011 at 4:27pmOnly if Sodom and Gomorrah had Obama and the UN on their side…
Report Post »DisillusionedDaily
Posted on March 23, 2011 at 9:53pmIt will be interesting when this campaign is turned down by the UN. Too many of the member countries have laws that punish homosexuality, some punishable by death. While the UN has no objection to condemning the US for “human Rights offenses,” they would think twice before going against the religious beliefs and laws of the majority of the third world. Can anyone imagine the Saudis all of a sudden embracing gay rights? Me neither!
Report Post »