QUEER QUOTE: Kerry Condemns Homophobic Comments By The President of The Gambia

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

Office of the Spokesperson

For Immediate Release                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      February 19, 2014

STATEMENT BY SECRETARY KERRY

Anti-LBGT Rhetoric in The Gambia

The United States is deeply troubled by the hateful rhetoric used by President Jammeh in his National Day speech on February 18.  All people are created equal and should be able to live free from discrimination, and that includes discrimination based on sexual identity and sexual orientation. We call on the Government of The Gambia to protect the human rights of all Gambians, and we encourage the international community to send a clear signal that statements of this nature have no place in the public dialogue and are unacceptable.  

Human rights and fundamental freedoms belong to all individuals. The United States stands by you no matter where you are and no matter who you love.

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