A resolution supporting equal rights for all regardless of sexual orientation was passed by the U.N. Human Rights Council on Friday, 17^th of June 2011.

The first-ever U.N resolution on the human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered persons was introduced by South-Africa.

It passed with 23 votes in favour, 19 opposed and three abstentions amid strong criticism of South Africa by some African nations.

It was stated by the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for international organisations, Suzanne Nossel that, it is a key part in setting a new norm that the gay rights are human rights and the same must be globally accepted.

She also added that, it talks about the violence and discrimination that the people of LGBT persuasion experience around the world and those issues must be seriously considered.

Again she said that, this resolution is really significant as far as gaining widespread support for doing just that, as among some countries the divided opinion continues about whether the time has come to take up gay rights in the U.N. forum.

The resolution will also commission the first ever U.N. report on the challenges that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered persons face around the world.

The U.S ambassador to the United Nations, Susan Rice stated that Friday’s vote would mark a victory for defenders of human rights as it sends a clear message that the abuses based on sexual orientation and gender identity must be end.

According to Hillary Clinton, U.S. secretary of State, the gay rights are the human rights and human rights are gay rights and thereby these gay rights are a key focus of the State Department’s human rights agenda.

Report by Sharika