US balks at backing condemnation of anti-gay laws (UN)

[Moloch]

UNITED NATIONS (AP) — Alone among major Western nations, the United States has refused to sign a declaration presented Thursday at the United Nations calling for worldwide decriminalization of homosexuality.

In all, 66 of the U.N.'s 192 member countries signed the nonbinding declaration — which backers called a historic step to push the General Assembly to deal more forthrightly with any-gay discrimination. More than 70 U.N. members outlaw homosexuality, and in several of them homosexual acts can be punished by execution.

Co-sponsored by France and the Netherlands, the declaration was signed by all 27 European Union members, as well as Japan, Australia, Mexico and three dozen other countries. There was broad opposition from Muslim nations, and the United States refused to sign, indicating that some parts of the declaration raised legal questions that needed further review.

"It's disappointing," said Rama Yade, France's human rights minister, of the U.S. position — which she described as in contradiction with America's long tradition as a defender of human rights.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5h1rNjQnbi3UUwYn7JGfk4pLIO6DgD955IQK80

[jgraz]

1. Don't worry, I'm sure Obama will change that policy

:banghead:

[izquierdista]

2. ONLY one more month

It's going to seem longer, I'm sure.

[Xipe Totec]

3. Here is Obama's opportunity to make amends for the Warren decision n/t

[BanzaiBonnie]

4. This is outrageous

but somehow not surprising. And that's sad.

Only one month... it will change.