Obama Authorizes United Nations Gay Rights Declaration

On Wednesday, March 18, 2009, Obama officially endorsed a United Nations gay rights declaration calling for the worldwide decriminalization of homosexuality, the same measure which is previously rejected by former President Bush. This endorsement was the product of intense negative criticism by human rights and a number of other groups.

When first introduced, the United States was in line with countries such as Russia, China and members of the Organization of the Islamic Conference. “Homosexuality is currently forbidden in around 80 countries and can be grounds for execution in at least six”, The Times’ Neil McFarquhar reported when the measure was first introduced in December. Some who opposed the declaration claimed that it was a gateway to the legalization of pedophilia and incest, while others, such as the Bush Administration claimed that while it was opposed to discrimination of any kind, it was worried the declaration could undercut state and local governments on issues like gay marriage. In contrast, that same contention, after much consideration, led the Obama Administration in a different direction stating that support “commits us to no legal obligations.”

“This is a welcome step forward as it signals to the world that, after years of a hostile administration, the United States recognizes the humanity of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people at home and abroad,” said Joe Solmonese, president of the Human Rights Campaign.

"This is long past overdue and we are encouraged by the signal it sends that the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people will now be considered human rights," said Rea Carey, the executive director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force.

While it is no secret that Obama is seeking to overturn the unpopular “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy devised under the Clinton Administration, this U.N. declaration could be the first step in showing the world that new and long deserved rights for gays in America are underway.

Courtesy:  Kimberly Young, Dallas Gay Community Examiner