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US to use foreign aid to promote gay, lesbian rights

Published: Wednesday | December 7, 2011 Comments 0
Police officers detain gay-rights activists during a rally near city hall in Moscow in this September 2010 file photo. Moscow police dispersed a gay rally and detained activists protesting homophobic policies of Moscow authorities. - AP
Police officers detain gay-rights activists during a rally near city hall in Moscow in this September 2010 file photo. Moscow police dispersed a gay rally and detained activists protesting homophobic policies of Moscow authorities. - AP

The Obama administration is announcing a wide-ranging effort to use United States (US) foreign aid to promote rights for gays and lesbians abroad, including combating attempts by foreign governments to criminalise homosexuality.

In a memorandum issued Tuesday, President Barack Obama directed US agencies working abroad, including the State Department and the US Agency for International Development, to use foreign aid to assist gays and lesbians who are facing human-rights violations. And he ordered US agencies to improve protections for gay and lesbian refugees and asylum seekers.

"Our deep commitment to advancing the human rights of all people is strengthened when we as the United States bring our tools to bear to vigorously advance this goal," Obama said in the memorandum.

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton is also expected to speak about the announcements in Geneva later Tuesday.

- AP

 

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