In a landmark speech in Geneva today, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called for global consensus to embrace human rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people everywhere.

Speaking in stark and bold language, Clinton denounced anti-LGBT violence and called on the leaders of anti-gay regimes to end the injustices faced by LGBT people.  She told LGBT people worldwide that they have a friend in the U.S., and said their human rights are a priority of American foreign policy.

Clinton referenced a presidential memorandum released this morning by the Obama administration directing all U.S. government agencies engaged overseas to enhance their efforts to protect LGBT refugees and asylum seekers and enlist foreign organizations in the fight for LGBT human rights.

Clinton also announced a global equality fund to aid international organizations and human rights groups in their work toward expanding LGBT human rights.

6 December 31 Permalink

New York’s legalization of same-sex marriage marks a historic human rights victory that will give much-needed credibility and visibility to the international movement for equality for gays and lesbians, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said Monday.

Speaking at a gay pride event at the State Department, Clinton celebrated last week’s move in the state she once represented in the Senate. She called New York’s legislative approval of gay marriage a momentous and extraordinary event and said she hoped it would lend momentum to the campaign for gay rights.

Clinton also said much more needs to be done to end discrimination around the globe, a cause she has rallied American diplomats to embrace.

“”This is an especially momentous and extraordinary time for us to meet,” Clinton told a crowd organized by Gays and Lesbians in Foreign Affairs Agencies, a group that includes employees of the State Department, the U.S. Agency for International Development and other federal offices that deal with foreign policy.

“The historic vote in New York … I think gives such visibility and credibility to everything that so many of you have done for so many years,” she said.

Although Clinton perhaps intentionally did not use the word “marriage” once in her remarks, her enthusiastic endorsement of the New York law puts her at the forefront of President Barack Obama’s top aides in backing same-sex marriage. Obama himself has been hesitant on the issue, although he has instructed his administration to end discriminatory barriers for gay people at home and abroad.

Clinton recounted several administration initiatives to promote gay rights overseas, including U.S. diplomats marching in a gay pride parade in Slovakia, encouraging prominent activist Lady Gaga to perform in Italy and pushing the U.N. Human Rights Council to pass a resolution this month recognizing the human rights of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people.

“This is one of the most urgent and important human rights’ struggles of all times,” Clinton said, calling on activists to redouble their efforts in the campaign. “We have a long way to go toward a world that affords all people the respect, dignity and equality that they are entitled to.”

“All this progress is worth celebrating, but we cannot forget how much work lies ahead,” she added. “Let’s just face the facts: LGBT people in many places continue to endure threats, harassment, violence, including sexual violence, in public and private. They continue to flee their homes and nations and seek asylum, because they are persecuted for being who they are.”

28 June 2 Permalink

projectqueer:

Today, May 17, is International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia, the seventh annual event to bring attention to LGBT issues in more than 50 countries.

In recognition, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton released this statement:

“In every part of the world, men and women are persecuted and attacked because of who they are or whom they love. Homophobia, transphobia and the brutal hostility associated with them are often rooted in a lack of understanding of what it actually means to be lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT).

So to combat this terrible scourge and break the cycle of fear and violence, we must work together to improve education and support those who stand up against laws that criminalize love and promote hate. As we mark the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia this May 17, let us resolve to redouble our efforts.

On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I am proud to reaffirm our support for LGBT communities at home and abroad, and to call for an end to discrimination and mistreatment of LGBT persons wherever it occurs.

Whether by supporting LGBT advocates marching in Belgrade, leading the effort at the United Nations to affirm the human rights of LGBT persons, or condemning a vile law under consideration in Uganda, we are committed to our friends and allies in every region of the world who are fighting for equality and justice.

These are not Western concepts; these are universal human rights.

Despite these gains and hard work, there is more to do to turn the tide of inequality and discrimination against the LGBT community. If you are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender, know that the United States stands with you and we are unwavering in our commitment to ending this cycle of hate.”

The International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia marks the day 21 years ago when the World Health Organization excluded homosexuality from its list of officially recognized mental illnesses.

Source: projectqueer

17 May 31 projectqueer Permalink