Marks government's first push for LGBT rights abroad: White House
(NEWSER) - President Obama has ordered US agencies abroad to use foreign aid to fight for gay rights. "I am deeply concerned by the violence and discrimination targeting LGBT persons around the world," Obama wrote in a memorandum, calling the effort "central to the United States' commitment to promoting human rights," the AP reports. It's the first time the US government has taken steps to promote gay rights abroad, the White House says. It's unclear, however, whether it means that nations which discriminate will see their aid cut off, notes the New York Times . More»