The UN Human Rights Council has passed a resolution that seeks equal rights for everyone regardless of their sexual orientation.
The resolution was passed narrowly on June 17, with 23 votes in favor, 19 against, and three abstentions.
Arab and African states strongly opposed the resolution, but it was hailed as historic by other states and rights activists.
U.S. Ambassador to the UN Human Rights Council Eileen Donahoe said the passage of the resolution "is a game-changer" in terms of how the council deals with human rights.
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said it "represents a historic moment to highlight the human rights abuses and violations that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people face around the world based solely on who they are and whom they love."
compiled from agency reports
The resolution was passed narrowly on June 17, with 23 votes in favor, 19 against, and three abstentions.
Arab and African states strongly opposed the resolution, but it was hailed as historic by other states and rights activists.
U.S. Ambassador to the UN Human Rights Council Eileen Donahoe said the passage of the resolution "is a game-changer" in terms of how the council deals with human rights.
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said it "represents a historic moment to highlight the human rights abuses and violations that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people face around the world based solely on who they are and whom they love."
compiled from agency reports
