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US to Sign UN Gay Rights Declaration

Decision to back global decriminalization reverses Bush policy

By the Associated Press

Posted Mar 18, 2009 3:31 AM CDT

(AP) – The Obama administration will endorse a UN declaration calling for the worldwide decriminalization of homosexuality that President Bush refused to sign, reports AP. The US was the only western government that refused to back the declaration last year, triggering stinging criticism of the Bush administration. Some 70 UN nations still outlaw homosexuality, and homosexual acts can be punished by execution in several countries.

[Images (2)]

[Quotes (1)]

President Barack Obama delivers remarks to small business owners, community lenders and members of Congress at the White House earlier this week. (Ron Edmonds)

Marchers carry a rainbow flag at the gay pride parade along Fifth Avenue in New York last year. (AP Photo/Craig Ruttle)

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In the words of the United States Supreme Court, the right to be free from criminalization on the basis of sexual orientation has been accepted as an integral part of human freedom. - Administration official

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 4 comments

Rob

Mar 18, 2009 11:39 AM CDT

And how sad we are forced to suffer the hurt feelings of simpletons. Sorry you are feeling stung, Nuts. This too shall pass.

Rob

Mar 18, 2009 11:14 AM CDT

How sad that we have to have a United Nations declaration about something as obvious as basic human right to be with the person you want to be with.

bacimom

Mar 18, 2009 7:41 AM CDT

We also can consider asking a person on a date a sex crime if the asker is determined and the askee is offended. Non-violent "sexcrimes" including consensual sex between teenagers (one who is 18 and one 17 carry the same stigma as violent assault and paedophilia. No where to live, not able to get employment, name on a register. That isn't right either but the laws haven't been revoked from either side.

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World • Politics

Bush administration • Barack Obama • gay rights • United Nations • homosexuality • homosexual rights • Obama administration

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US to Sign UN Gay Rights Declaration