Obama Administration to Advance LGBT Rights Abroad
Tuesday, December 6th, 2011
The Obama Administration announced plans today to use foreign aid to advance and protect the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people in foreign countries. This marks the first United States government strategy designed to combat human rights violations against the LGBT community abroad.
Among the directions in his memorandum to U.S. agencies working abroad (including the State Department and the US Agency for International Development), President Obama instructed foreign aid was to be used to assist gay and lesbian refugees and asylum seekers facing human rights violations in their own country - such as foreign governments' attempts to criminalize homosexuality.
The agencies will also work with international organizations to fight LGBT discrimination on a global scale, including using foreign assistance to advance non-discrimination in each country. (Source: The Huffington Post)
“I am deeply concerned by the violence and discrimination targeting L.G.B.T. persons around the world, whether it is passing laws that criminalize L.G.B.T. status, beating citizens simply for joining peaceful L.G.B.T. pride celebrations, or killing men, women and children for their perceived sexual orientation.”
- President Barack Obama
#NOH8WORLDWIDE
