INTERNATIONAL EQUALITY & PROTECTION

Here is something startling that I never saw coming. President Obama's administration is expected to introduce a declaration to the United Nations calling for better treatment and protections for LGBT people internationally. 
It's a little bit of a surprize since we've been watching certain State Governors at home resemble foreign dictators in recent months. 

The big day is Tuesday. The declaration will be announced at the Human Rights Council in Geneva. The AP has done a head count and it looks like it has the support of more than 80 countries. 
Whodda thunk? 

In a complete reversal of how the past administrations treated gays & lesbians, this document demands that countries end such persecution. It makes sense in that we should expect all of our trading partners to respect equality amongst their citizens as much as we expect humane working conditions. 

Some of you may not realize that in some countries, It's illegal just to look gay. You would be hauled off and executed if suspected of having a relationship with the same gender and sometimes, they punish the families as well. A concern many people have with Qatar as the location of World Cup in 2022.
Considering their history on this subject. 
 
I find it remarkable that there are still countries living in the 15th century  when it comes to Human Rights. Only three years ago, the French government offered a similar proposal. Russia, China, several Islamic countries, and the Vatican were among some of the other opposing nations. With this shift in opinion by the United States, how will those countries respond this time?

Also reported by the AP; The new resolution now has support from Thailand, Rwanda, 
El Salvador, Honduras, and the Dominican Republic, which did not support the 2008 document. 

A quick search online reveals Homosexuality is still punishable as a crime in at least 85 countries, including Afghanistan, Iran, Sudan, and Ghana. 
As we witness regime change in Tunisia, Egypt and now Libya...who knows what support or opposition the declaration will face.

Either way, I'm impressed.