QUEER QUOTE: United Nations Adopts Resolution On the Rights of LGBT Persons

The United Nations Human Rights Council passed a resolution on the rights of LGBT Persons yesterday. The measure was sponsored by Brazil, Chile Columbia and Uruguay

National Security Advisor (and former Ambassador to the United Nations) Susan Rice issued a statement in response:

Statement by National Security Advisor Susan E. Rice on the Adoption of a UN Resolution on the Rights of LGBT Persons The United States applauds today's adoption by the UN Human Rights Council of a resolution in support of the human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) persons. The second such resolution to be passed by the UN Human Rights Council, today's resolution reiterates that LGBT persons are entitled to the human rights and fundamental freedoms that are the birthright of all humankind, expresses grave concern regarding acts of violence and discrimination against LGBT persons, and requests the preparation of an important new report on preventing such abuses. We thank sponsors Brazil, Chile, Colombia, and Uruguay for their leadership, and commend the Council for taking another historic step to reinforce the unassailable principle that LGBT rights are human rights.

The vote was 25 yes, 14 No and 7 Abstentions. Joe Jervis has the list of countries who voted on the resolution.

Voting For:  Argentina, Austria, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Cuba, Czech Republic, Estonia, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Macedonia, Montenegro, Peru, Philippines, Romania, South Africa, South Korea, United Kingdom, United States, Venezuela, Vietnam.
Voting Against: Algeria, Botswana, Ethiopia, Gabon, Indonesia, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Kuwait, Maldives, Morocco, Pakistan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates.  
Abstaining: Burkina Faso, China, Congo, India, Kazakhstan, Namibia, Sierra Leone.

Good news overall!