The UN Explodes Over Sexual Orientation

by Michael Jones · 2008-12-21 10:38:00 UTC
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United NationsIt's not every week that the United Nations turns into an episode of "As the World Turns," but that's what happened this week as the first-ever resolution dealing with sexual orientation and gender identity was read on the floor. France and the Netherlands introduced a resolution calling for worldwide decriminalization of homosexuality, or in other words, calling for the end of criminal punishment (from jail sentences to the death penalty) for LGBT persons. The resolution garnered signatures from 66 countries, which represents almost one-third of the entire UN (overall there are 192 countries).

The fact that one-third of the world signed onto this statement - the first time a statement on sexual orientation was ever read before them - is pretty historic. But this historic step is being clouded by the fact an additional 60 countries, led by Syria, signed a counter-resolution that compared homosexuality to pedophilia, said that any pro-gay resolution would result in more sex crimes against children, and said that the UN shouldn't get involved in domestic issues.

The UN is now practically split on the issue, with a large bloc of Muslim countries signing the Syria resolution. So far, the U.S. (as well as Russia and China) have abstained on the issue, which is a sorry sign of leadership from these world powers.

Despite the split, Dutch Foreign Minister Maxime Verhagen said that "This is the first time in history that a group of member countries voices its objection to discrimination that is based on sexual identity and orientation. The issue is no longer taboo."

The issue may no longer be taboo on the floor of the United Nations, but the fact that LGBT persons can still be imprisoned or killed because of their identity is deplorable.

Michael Jones is a Change.org Editor. He has worked in the field of human rights communications for a decade, most recently for Harvard Law School.
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