Not too long ago we wrote about the Bush administration's refusal to sign on to a U.N. resolution opposing discrimination based on sexual orientation. That, of course, was typical of George W. and his cronies, for they were and are beholden body and soul to the religious right.
Thank God (if you'll pardon the expression), things are changing.
Think Progress reminds us that "Last December, France and the Netherlands co-sponsored an unprecedented U.N. declaration calling for a worldwide decriminalization of homosexuality. Sixty-six countries signed the nonbinding declaration, including most of Europe, Japan, Australia and Mexico. However, the United States joined China, Russia, the Vatican and members of the Organization of the Islamic Conference in refusing to support the measure."
(Which again reminds us that the Bush administration, in some ways, had much more in comment with the totalitarian regimes in the world than with the free states!)
Enter Obama. "At preparations for the U.N.'s so-called 'Durban Review Conference' on racism and xenophonia in Geneva, the U.S. offered support for a proposal to condemn 'all forms of discrimination and all other human rights violations based on sexual orientation.'"
Ultimately, this measure failed. But, as Leon Goldberg noted, "...it's relieving to see that the United States is now back on the side of the enlightened on this issue of basic human rights."
And God and her angels said, "Amen!"
1 comment:
It is time we stood up for basic rights for all human beings. God and civil laws can sort it all out ultimately. Our silence is tantamount to approval. While we argue and debate, people die or suffer in many parts of the world. We need not go to war but can and should speak out. Many areas must be left up to the individual to follow their conscience, but they should not be allowed to stop others from following theirs.
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