Stop Gays and Lesbians Persecution Around The World

by ALEX P. VIDAL

SAN DIEGO, California (June 2009) – Gays, lesbians and bisexuals around the world have found an ally in one of the most powerful women in the universe today.

U.S. Secretary of State Hilary Rodham Clinton has revealed that gays, lesbians and bisexuals all over the globe "continue to live under constant threat of arrest, violence, even torture."

In a press statement from Washington D.C., Clinton urged authorities concerned to end the persecution of gays and lesbians as it is "a violation of human rights and an affront to human decency."

"Human rights are at the heart of those efforts," Clinton said. "As Secretary of State, I will advance a comprehensive human rights agenda that includes the elimination of violence and discri-mination against people based on sexual orientation or gender identity."

Some forty years ago this month, the gay rights movement began with the Stonewall riots in New York City, as gays and lesbians demanded an end to the persecution they had long endured.

Now, after decades of hard work, the fight has grown into a global move-ment to achieve a world in which all people live free from violence and fear, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

"In honor of Gay and Lesbian Pride Month and on behalf of the State Department, I extend our appreciation to the global Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community for its courage and determination during the past 40 years, and I offer our support for the significant work that still lies ahead," Clinton added.

She said, "at the State Department and throughout the Administration, we are grateful for our lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees in Washington and around the world. They and their families make many sacrifices to serve our nation. Their contributions are vital to our efforts to establish stability, prosperity and peace worldwide."

Clinton stressed that "though the road to full equality for LGBT Americans is long, the example set by those fighting for equal rights in the US gives hope to men and women around the world who yearn for a better future for themselves and their loved ones."

She appealed: "This June, let us recommit ourselves to achieving a world in which all people can live in safety and freedom, no matter who they are or whom they love." /MP