UN HRC adopts LGBT resolution

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Victory Fund

United Nations Human Rights Council adopts LGBT rights resolution
September 26, 2014 / Justin Cerra /
United Nations

A resolution dealing with concerns over anti-LGBT violence and discrimination was adopted on Friday by the United Nations Human Rights Council by a vote of 25 to 14, with seven representatives abstaining.

The resolution, which calls for the U.N. High Commissioner on Human Rights to produce a report on ways to combat LGBT-specific human rights violations, was formally proposed by Brazil, Uruguay, Chile and Colombia and supported by almost 40 other member nations, including the United States, Israel, Australia and New Zealand. Its passage marks one of the few occasions that a U.N. body has formally adopted a resolution affirming its commitment to defending LGBT rights.

Secretary of State John Kerry offered the U.S.’s full support of the resolution on Thursday at a meeting on anti-LGBT violence which took place during the U.N. General Assembly. During that meeting, Kerry stated, “We have to acknowledge a fundamental truth that LGBT violence anywhere is a threat to peace and stability and prosperity everywhere.”

President Obama also referenced LGBT rights during an address to the U.N. General Assembly on Wednesday. “I’ve seen a longing for positive change – for peace and freedom and opportunity – in the eyes of young people I’ve met around the globe," Obama said. "They remind me that no matter who you are, or where you come from, or what you look like, or what God you pray to, or who you love, there is something fundamental that we all share.”

Countries that oppose the resolution in its current form are seeking an amendment that would eliminate LGBT-specific references. Egypt, Uganda, Pakistan and South Sudan are among those countries opposed to the LGBT language in the resolution.

A “Protection of the Family” resolution, which was sponsored by Egypt, Russia and Uganda, was passed by the U.N. Human Rights Council in June. LGBT advocates fear that the resolution, which acknowledges a singular “family” without any reference to diversity within that institution, could be used to oppose LGBT rights.

Good news, at least on this front.

[Borgholio]

Egypt, Uganda, Pakistan and South Sudan are among those countries opposed to the LGBT language in the resolution.

Not surprised...