United States welcomes UN gay rights resolution

WireUpdate:  WASHINGTON (BNO NEWS) -- U.S. President Barack Obama and U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Friday described the passage of the first ever United Nations resolution on the human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) persons as a "historic moment."

The UN Human Rights Council adopted earlier on Friday a resolution supporting equal rights for all regardless of sexual orientation. The resolution, which was introduced by South Africa, passed with 23 votes in favor, 19 opposed and three abstentions.

"This marks a significant milestone in the long struggle for equality, and the beginning of a universal recognition that LGBT persons are endowed with the same inalienable rights -- and entitled to the same protections -- as all human beings," Obama said in a statement released by the White House. "The United States stands proudly with those nations that are standing up to intolerance, discrimination, and homophobia."

Obama said that advancing equality for LGBT persons should be the work of all peoples and all nations, and that LGBT persons are entitled to equal treatment, equal protection, and the dignity that comes with being full members of society. "As the United Nations begins to codify and enshrine the promise of equality for LGBT persons, the world becomes a safer, more respectful, and more humane place for all people," the President added.

Clinton also welcomed the resolution. "This represents a historic moment to highlight the human rights abuses and violations that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people face around the world based solely on who they are and whom they love," she said in a statement.

She added that the resolution will open a broader international discussion on how to protect the human rights of LGBT persons since people face human rights abuses and violations because of their sexual orientation or gender identity all over the world.

"Today's landmark resolution affirms that human rights are universal. People cannot be excluded from protection simply because of their sexual orientation or gender identity," Clinton added.