From IGLHRC
Jessica Stern, executive director of the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission, issued the following comments, in response to news that the U.S. State Department will appoint a special envoy to advocate for the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people overseas:
"This is a welcome development and historic moment in the U.S. government's progress in promoting the dignity and equality of LGBT people around the world.
The creation of the special envoy position is a significant advance in the increasing institutionalization of LGBT rights in U.S. foreign policy. With opponents in both houses of Congress and in countries around the world, the potential of this position to heighten credibility and increase resources for LGBT issues in international development and cooperation comes just in time.
We hope that the special envoy will act with strategy, with sensitivity, and with meaningful input from grassroots LGBTI communities.
The International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission has long supported creation of this position, and we look forward to engaging with the State Department's chosen nominee to make a difference in the lives of individuals by affirming their basic human rights."
From HRC
WASHINGTON —— Today the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) applauds President Barack Obama and Secretary of State John Kerry for creating a new senior-level position at the State Department to oversee the United States government's efforts to support the human rights of LGBT people around the world.
"For the first time in our nation's history, LGBT people around the world will have a dedicated, full-time senior advocate in the U.S. State Department," said HRC President Chad Griffin. "President Obama and Secretary Kerry have shown tremendous leadership in championing the rights of LGBT people abroad, and we look forward to working closely with whomever is selected for this new role, as we continue to push back against laws and attitudes that lead to human rights violations against LGBT people."
Last August, Griffin sent a letter to Secretary of State John Kerry, urging him to take this important step for global equality. Griffin also joined a coalition letter led by American Jewish World Services in sending a similar message. This effort was bolstered by more than 26,000 HRC members who contacted Secretary Kerry's office urging him to create the position. This year, HRC worked closely with the offices of Senator Ed Markey (D-MA) and Representative Alan Lowenthal (D-CA) to introduce the International Human Rights Defense Act (S.302 / H.R. 590) which would create the position through legislative action.
"While there is currently strong momentum in the United States toward equality, there are many places in the world where the LGBT community is at risk, sometimes even for their lives," said Griffin. "This is an important way for the United States to facilitate diplomatic conversations with countries where we see ongoing violence, harassment and discrimination of LGBT people."
The situation for LGBT people around the world continues to change in multiple directions, as some countries embrace equality, while others turn towards discrimination. At this moment:
Same-sex conduct is criminalized in 76 countries
In 10 countries same-sex conduct is punishable by death
So-called anti-LGBT "propaganda" laws inhibit LGBT advocacy in three countries
Same-sex marriage licenses are issued in 20 countries
